For all you Clapton fans....

Seems to me that Blues is now what Clapton is all about and I think most people know it. All of the criticisms regarding Clapton's technique are rather funny, maybe even absurd. Does anyone think that Robert Johnson was a virtuoso on guitar?

Yeah, when I think of great Blues Artist, I always think of the great "super technical playing" guys....It's always stopped me from enjoying that amateur slacker Eric Clapton. Maybe one of these days he'll take a lesson or two and get good at what he does.

How about the John Mayall 'Blues Breakers' album......mid 60's?
WITH Eric Clapton in a pre-cream appearance.

This was one of the 1st 3 CDs I bought. Sounds like it was recorded in a garage, but in a good sort of way.

I can't think of Clapton as anything BUT a bluesman.

I refer everyone to the "Best" forum here on Audiogon to get other takes on Clapton. Marakanetz is saying he is not the best, and, that is his opinion. There are more virtuoso players, if this is what you listen for. I, however, listen to a lot of Clapton, playing anything and everything. This to me says all that's needed to be said as to how I feel about Clapton.

How about the John Mayall 'Blues Breakers' album......mid 60's?
WITH Eric Clapton in a pre-cream appearance.

Yup - a great album. Try also Peter Green and Stan Webb while we are discussing British versions of the Blues.

As Pee wee Ellis once said (and I am sure he heard it from someone else) music is more about what you DON'T play than what you do play!

Frankly you can take all those virtuosos and put them in a circus for all I care. For me I just love people who know how to play music - like Tom Petty, Maceo Parker and many others - it is not about technical ability but ALL about feel.

I have the deepest respect for Neil Peart as the "God of Drummers" but do I like to listen to him play - not really - although he is amazing!!! I much prefer drummers that tastefully enhance the song rather than beat it to death.