ERIC CLAPTON.

Eric Clapton often seeks the same directness in a guitar phrase as a singer does in a single line. His records move between blues, group playing, and a more intimate delivery.

Slowhand keeps the song front and center; Unplugged removes much of the electric layer and emphasizes vocals and melody.

Eric Clapton can make a guitar phrase tell a lot with few notes. The attack, a bowed tone, and the space before the next response give the melody character. His vocals and guitar can carry the same mood in different ways. Listen to the accompaniment as well: a calm rhythmic foundation gives a solo the freedom to create its own story.

Eric Clapton on vinyl offers room to follow different facets of his playing. A LP side presents songs, instrumental passages, and varying arrangements side by side. Pay attention to where the guitar complements the vocals and where it creates distance. Check per record which recording and performance belong to the offered release; studio and concert recordings offer different listening approaches.

The artist story of Eric Clapton follows his various bands and solo work. BLUES brings the source close, rock shows what he did with it further.

Santana gives the guitar a different rhythmic environment; The Rolling Stones and Golden Earring turn it into band music. Joni Mitchell and Johnny Cash demonstrate what irreplaceable phrasing can mean.

Continue listening on vinyl with The Road To Escondido: Enhanced Edition, Meanwhile, and Behind the Sun. These releases showcase different sides of the repertoire; for each record, you will find the performance and tracklist.

Also follow the musical paths of John Mayall and Muddy Waters. Listen to the differences in vocals, rhythm, and arrangements: this will add more color to the similarities between these artists.