For all you Clapton fans....

Edorr,

I think there's some truth to the "from the head" part of your comments (specifically over the last decade, or so - since the release of From The Cradle), but I really like that part of his game. I'm a guitar student these days, so that approach appeals to me.

EC's recent tour was like an academic exploration of the history of blues in American pop. He played funk, r&b, gospel flavored versions of blues standards. By the way, he was the only guitarist in the band and played a fair bit of rythm.

The middle set - solo, (virtually) acoustic fingerpicking was terrific. No jumping or grimacing for sure. Also, maybe more head than heart, but really, really great, nonetheless.

I would add that his electric style is way more laid back than SRV's, but I wouldn't call it less heartfelt. Clapton is more "slow burn", SRV more "meltdown". Both really heartfelt, in my book. At the end of the day, I usually prefer to listen to EC. Just my personal preference.

BTW, I prefer Lindsey Buckingham to either of the above (and, just about everyone else out there, too), so you know that my taste is not reflective of the mainstream guitar lovers who post on A'Gon!

Marty

I saw Prince’s "spectacle" at the RRHOF and while it was entertaining it was a "look how great I am" performance. I think you’re talking about when he played with Tom Petty aren’t you? If you watch Tom Petty's reaction, I'll think you'll notice Petty was less than impressed with the whole crowd surfing with the guitar scene.

It's not relative to compare other guitarist to SRV (except maybe Hendrix) as his style and improvisation skills is more like the great Jazz Masters- Bird and Monk. Clapton expresses so much about SRV in an interview that no one, including him, BB King or anyone else has SRV's portal to other worldness improvisation.

But one artist’s strength isn't another personartist’s weakness. Claptons strength is his service to the song and not to his considerable guitar playing skills. That’s what makes him so accessible AND opens him up to critics. Service to the song is where the respect from his contemporaries comes from- which will last the test of time... not theatrical gimmicks.

And let's remember, the guy is 60 something... but if you want to hear him "pushing' himself, go to the Allman Brothers site "http://www.hittinthenote.com/" and get EC's sets he played with them last year at the Filmore. The Derick and The Dominoes covers with Susan Tedeshi are epic.

Sorry about the typos- posting while multitasking on an Iphone isn't always pretty.