Roll It Over

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious grooves of "Roll It Over" by Derek & The Dominos, a track from the 1988 compilation album Crossroads, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its bluesy swagger. This song, originally recorded in 1970 during sessions for the band's seminal album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, was initially released as the B-side to their first single, "Tell The Truth". What makes "Roll It Over" particularly intriguing is its connection to the George Harrison sessions for his landmark album All Things Must Pass, where the Dominos—Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon—first gelled as a unit. The track also features contributions from Harrison and Dave Mason of Traffic on guitar and vocals, adding a rich layer of collaboration to its raw, soulful energy. According to Bobby Whitlock, the song was born out of the spontaneous, marathon jam sessions at Clapton’s home, where the band lived and rehearsed, capturing the gritty, unpolished spirit of their early days.

Another tidbit that Zoo Freaks might dig is the song’s live rendition, which surfaced on The Layla Sessions release. This version showcases the band’s electrifying stage presence, with Clapton and company stretching the track into a loose, improvisational showcase. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “Go down easy and let me take my time,” reflect the band’s laid-back yet intense approach, a hallmark of their blues-rock ethos. Interestingly, "Roll It Over" was overshadowed by the monumental success of "Layla", but it remains a fan favorite for its sultry rhythm and the interplay between Clapton’s searing guitar and Whitlock’s soulful organ. Social media posts from fans on platforms like X often highlight the track’s underrated status, with one user in 2020 calling it “a hidden gem that captures the Dominos’ raw power” (@ClaptonFan72).

Derek & The Dominos came together in the spring of 1970, a pivotal moment for Eric Clapton, who was eager to step out of the spotlight after his time with supergroups like Cream and Blind Faith. Clapton, already a guitar legend, sought a more collaborative, anonymous project, and found kindred spirits in Bobby Whitlock (keyboards/vocals), Carl Radle (bass), and Jim Gordon (drums), all of whom had played with him in Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. The band’s formation was sparked during sessions for George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, where the quartet’s chemistry became undeniable. Clapton, inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd (then married to Harrison), channeled his emotions into the band’s music, particularly the iconic "Layla". The addition of Duane Allman on slide guitar during the Criteria Studios sessions in Miami elevated their sound, creating a blues-rock masterpiece. Whitlock later recalled in a 2011 Houston Press interview, “We wanted a rock ‘n’ roll band, no horns, no chicks, just pure soul,” emphasizing their back-to-basics vision.

The band’s story, though brief, is legendary. After their debut gig at the Lyceum Theatre in London on June 14, 1970—where their name was famously mispronounced as “Derek and the Dominos” by the MC—they toured the UK and US, delivering blistering performances. However, personal struggles, including Clapton’s heroin addiction and the band’s internal tensions, led to their dissolution in 1971 before a second album could be completed. Despite their short run, Derek & The Dominos left an indelible mark, with Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs often hailed as one of rock’s greatest albums. For more on the band, check out Eric Clapton’s official website, Bobby Whitlock’s official website, and their social media presence on Clapton’s Facebook, Clapton’s Instagram, Clapton’s X, Whitlock’s Facebook, and Whitlock’s Instagram. Fans can also connect on the Eric Clapton Fans Facebook group or explore Where’s Eric!, a dedicated fan site with tour updates and archival content.