WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY BY BOBBY WHITLOCK

Bobby Whitlock is most famous for his work with Derek and the Dominoes.  He and Eric Clapton co-wrote most of the original songs on LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS.  “Co-wrote” is apparently subject to debate as Whitlock’s solo music sounds exactly like the songs on LAYLA, less so Clapton’s.  Despite Clapton's backstory about songs coming from his desire for George Harrison's wife, Patti, Whitlock seems to be the voice of longing.  It seems to come from some sad place inside of him

Recently released on Light on the Attic Records, WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY is a compilation of Whitlock’s first two (and best) solo albums – BOBBY WHITLOCK and RAW VELVET.

BOBBY WHITLOCK is softer, semi-acoustic in places with slide guitar and more ballads.  It bears a close resemblance to the softer moments on LAYLA and contains some great songs – Song for Paula and The Scenery has Slowly Changed among them.

RAW VELVET has a heavier, louder sound with more out front electric guitar.  The overall sound is not quite as focused as the first record but overall still a collection of quality songs.

Whitlock is a deeply soulful vocalist whose passion seems real and part of the song not forced and this soulful side also shows in his clever songwriting.  He is kind of a missing link musically as the loose group of musicians who played together on several records in the early 70’s that is Clapton, George Harrison, Delaney and Bonnie, Dave Mason, the rest of the Dominoes had a sound and Whitlock was a primary force in shaping it.

Both of these records are lost classics.  Good for Light in the Attic Records for reissuing them.