CD REVIEWS
An occasional update of music releases
October 7, 1994
ROCK/POP. Eric Clapton - From the Cradle (Reprise): From the first. riff to the last growl, this is a blues album from a master. Longtime Clapton fans will cheer, but newer fans be forewarned: This is not a follow-up to his ``Unplugged.'' Although the river of blues runs through all of Clapton's music, there has never been a purer blues album than this. It rocks with beefy tunes such as ``Blues Before Sunrise,'' and ``I'm Torn Down,'' and rolls with slower cuts such as ``Five Long Years'' and the classic Muddy Waters tune ``Hoochie Coochie Man.'' Recorded live, the album revolves around Clapton's resonant vocals and searing guitar but also features other first-rate musicians.