Derek And The Dominos' appearance at the Painters Mill Music Fair outside of Baltimore was released previously as Seven Pulsating Notes on the Mid Valley label (111/112). Tinkerbell use the same tape source (it has the same cuts and audience comments by the recorder) but is a dramatic improvement over the Mid Valley release. Tinkerbell is in stereo while Mid Valley is mono and is much more clear, enjoyable and powerful. The Mid Valley might rate a four out of ten but this new version, while still not perfect, is clearly listenable.
This is one of their final performaces (the last occuring December 6th in Selden, Long Island of all places). "Layla", which was rarely played, opens the show. It sounds as if the band want to go into the second half (the first few notes are played), but they segue into "Bell Bottom Blues" instead. The audience are clearly impressed with "Stormy Monday". "Little Wing" is played in a unique up-tempo arrangement as a prelude to "Why Does Love got To Be So Sad". "Let It Rain" closes the tape of a very strong and confident performance by the band.
The unfortunately named Tinkerbell label is a new offshoot of the Misterclaudel/Wendy/Non Plus Ultra people focusing upon (one assumes) Eric Clapton releases. It has similar thick glossy paper inserts and even comes with picture discs. Tinkerbell did an exellent job in redeeming this tape from being poor and only for completists to being very enjoyable and a fantastic record of a rare Derek And The Dominos performance. On that point this is a great release and an auspicious start for this new label.
