One Clapton played on a performance of "Wonderful Tonight" on Saturday Night Live a long time ago. The solo was one of those "make the audience cry with one note" solos. Perfectly etched passion, anguish, and tone all working together. You can see the posture of the guys in the band change as he starts the solo- 'cause they sensed it was gonna happen there.
Another one is Neil Young's solo on "Keep On Rockin' In The Free World", also from an SNL performance. Frank Sampedro on rhythm guitar, Charlie Drayton I believe on bass and Neil gives one of the most emotional expressions ever on guitar.
Clapton's second solo on "Let It Rain" from his first solo album. It's the very reason Leo invented the Stratocaster.
Duane Allman's long solo bit on "You Don't Love Me" from the Allman Bros. Fillmore Concerts. It's about the only unaccompanied guitar solo in a rock or blues vein that I can stomach- and it's mesmerizing. His touch, his expression, his tone, his dynamics, and the emotion that comes across is still an inspiration.
John
