Various artists
Concert for George: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (WSM)
Staged at The Royal Albert Hall in November 2002, this George Harrison tribute not only captures the ex-Beatles’ spirit, it avoids the antiseptic feel that plagues most all-star concerts. Its success is attributable to the close-knit participants, all of whom had a personal connection to Harrison. The celebration begins with a set of classical Indian music anchored by the conducting and sitar playing of Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi, Harrison’s mentor. The second disc is filled with the expected guests singing Harrison’s pop standards. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty turn in memorable performances, but the real surprise is the emotive guitar work of bandleader Eric Clapton, who here sounds more inspired than he has in more than a decade.