 For the recording , Clapton developed an arrangement using lyrics from both songs with an adaption of the guitar line from the latter . Biographer Michael Schumacher describes the Powerhouse 's performance as slower and more blues @-@ based than Cream 's . Winwood sings and Jones plays the riff on harmonica similar to what Clapton later used with Cream ( Jones also provides the instrumental solo ; Clapton plays rhythm guitar throughout the song ) . Elektra released the 2 : 32 recording , titled " Crossroads " , on the compilation album What 's Shakin ' in June 1966 . After the Powerhouse session , Clapton continued playing with Mayall . Author Marc <unk> lists " Crossroads " in a typical set for the Bluesbreakers in the spring of 1966 . 
