Great intro. Nathan East has always got a great smile, he's one of the best bass players around.
You are so right....on both counts. He is rarely mentioned by many when the talk of "best bass players" come up, yet he is highly respected by those 'in the know'. IMO, he's the best player Clapton has ever used across the years.
Secondly--I don't think I have ever seen a photo of Nathan without a smile. Ever. And he seems to always be having fun on stage. It's not a put-on with him. He simply loves what he does, and he does it very, very well.
On a last note--the drummer Steve Gadd is my favorite drummer EC uses. He's right on up there wit EC in age too---75 years old and still banging on drums. Hard to grasp for me.
And one last-last note....my favorite guitarist that EC has ever used to compliment him is Andy Fairweather Low. He always was a perfect fit. Better IMO than that guy who plays a guitar left handed on a right handed guitar, with strings upside down no less....Doyle Bramhall. Impressive feat no doubt and really quirky for sure, and while he's definitely good--he's simply not AFL.