 In early 1966 , while still with John Mayall 's Bluesbreakers , Eric Clapton adapted the song for a recording session with an ad hoc studio group , dubbed Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse . Elektra Records producer Joe Boyd brought together Steve Winwood on vocals , Clapton on guitar , Jack Bruce on bass guitar , Paul Jones on harmonica , Ben Palmer on piano , and Pete York on drums for the project . Boyd recalled that he and Clapton reviewed potential songs ; Clapton wanted to record Albert King 's " Crosscut Saw " , but Boyd preferred to adapt an older country blues . Their attention turned to Robert Johnson songs and Boyd proposed " Crossroads " and Clapton chose " Traveling Riverside Blues " . 
