Here is a video of a recent performance John Mayer did of “Crossroads”, the Cream/Robert Johnson cover from his upcoming album Battle Studies. I really like the slower feel Mayer took with the song, and he rips out a nice solo. The slide part by Robbie McIntosh is also nice. Check it out:
Very tasty 🙂
Nice tempo choice, which still owes more to Cream’s version than the original. John’s a very good player but I don’t know what this version adds to the song other than providing a funky platform for some blues riffing during his concerts. Still, I like this better than all those whispery love songs. Good for you Mr. Mayer, the guitar will never die.
Ditto what Jol wrote.
Jol, while I agree that Mayer’s version owes a lot to Cream’s version, what I think it does is help spread the blues to a new generation. It’s been 40 years since Cream’s version and I bet that most of Mayer’s fans probably aren’t big fans of Cream. If maybe one of Mayer’s fans hears the song and traces it back to the original source, then I think he’s done his job.
Aye, Josh. Hit the nail right on the head. Im 22 and an avid listener of J.Mayer and will indeed be researching Cream since hearing this clip. 🙂
Cant wait to see him on the 18th Jan! 🙂
If this version of Crossroads does anything like Cream’s version did to many of “us” then more power to John, actually it’s more like living on Blues Power isn’t it?
This is a nice tasty version, now go back and listen to what Jack Bruce did!
John Mayer is so talented , its a great version.
As a fan of Cream “back when” and a current fan of Mayer, I agree with Ray – check out Jack Bruce.