…an Internet “Best” list I actually agree with, 100%.
Okay, if pressed, I think that Eddie’s “Eruption” is just a long jam, and if really pressed, I’d suggest Eric Clapton’s solo on the Beatles’ While My Guitar Gently Weeps could be included.
Feel free to suggest your alternative — but you only get one.
Steely Dan, “Reelin’ in the Years”
Don’t get me started on Steely Dan — almost all the solos, whether from Baxter or Carlton, are wonderful.
Skynyrd – That Smell
Steely Dan – Rikki Don’t Lose that Number
Jethro Tull/Martin Barre – “Aqualung”
no Free Bird? No Layla? No Fortunate Son?
Not even Tony Peluso’s solo in the Carpenters’ Goodbye To Love ?
None are solos, they’re all being accompanied.
This is solo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY5y4Rp3tU8
and what a solo – and what a musician!
Chicago’s Terry Kath on 25 or 6 to 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUAYeN3Rp2E from ~2:00 to ~3:30
or a great cover – maybe we should give credit and say “performance” by Leonid & Friends
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_torOTK5qc from ~1:50 to ~3:27
Hendrix, famously, to one of Chicago’s horn players in the 60s, “You know your guitar player is better than me.”
Happened upon that Leonid version of 25 or 6 to 4 a few months ago and was instantly mesmerized and stunned and have watched it at least a dozen times so far.
Those people knocked it all the way out of the park. Hard!
The star performer in all of their toonz is the drummer, and the guitar player is superlative as well.
They’re from Ukraine and are touring the US.
Jimi Hendrix All Along the Watchtower.
Only one is tough!
Steely Dan – Peg
Dunno who determines the top 5. The abovelisted are fine, but not sure top 5.
I think there’s an inherent bias in all of this, “band playing on the radio when I got laid for the first time, best band ever” kind of thing.
Take your pick from these dueling badasses. I’ve seen Di Meola. Sadly, I never got to see de Lucia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhccIfevjCU