Eric Clapton wasn't entirely believable when he sang that he had a rock 'n' roll heart Wednesday at the Sprint Center.

He packed his concert with blues and ballads. Fortunately for the audience of approximately 12,000, this mature side of the iconic musician is compelling. The shimmering version of the blues Clapton offered during his 95-minute performance was impeccably tasteful. It also was entirely free of grit.

His take on "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," for instance, would sound more at home in a Brooks Brothers outlet than in a dingy tavern. Backed by top session players including drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Willie Weeks, Clapton and his band played with precision. The effect was enhanced by a sonic field so crisp that the Sprint Center sounded like an enormous recording studio. The occasionally earthy wailing of two backup vocalists was the sole raw element of the ensemble.

While gorgeous, a gentle reading of "Layla" lacked bite. Like the sleepy takes of "I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart" and "Wonderful Tonight," "Layla" was transformed into amiable easy listening. Only "Cocaine" and a grandiose version of "Badge" contained any semblance of edginess. Blues material including "Before You Accuse Me" seemed formulaic, but at least it was rendered by a man responsible for inventing the formula.

Along with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green and a handful of other innovators, Clapton concocted the massively influential British blues-rock hybrid in the early '60s. While far too many of Clapton's countless imitators rely on flashy gimmicks and shameless showboating, Clapton's guitar work is consistently distinguished and precise.

Even during his most demonstrative solos — a smoldering offering during "Old Love" was particularly impressive — he made every note count. Clapton's nimble solo on "I Shot the Sheriff" and a brilliant acoustic demonstration on "Driftin' Blues" were more than worthy of his legendary reputation.

Clapton's status as a guitar hero is hardly a secret. The evening's biggest surprise, consequently, was the durable power of his vocals. Clapton might be a more convincing singer today than at any point in his lengthy career. The resonance he displayed on "Tell the Truth" and "Running on Faith" was astounding.

Roger Daltrey, a man known for his powerful voice, opened for Clapton.

"It's an interesting experience being a support act," the vocalist of the Who said. "It's good to be reminded where you came from."

Although he was greeted with only a smattering of applause when his 50-minute set began, Daltrey's vital performance quickly won over the audience. Selections from his solo career blended well with fresh readings of classics from the Who's catalog.

A sinewy version of "Who Are You" was bracing, as was guitarist Simon Townshend's contribution to "Going Mobile," a song that Daltrey claimed "the Who never did on stage." Townshend looked and sounded almost exactly like his big brother Pete: It might not have been the Who, but it was the next best thing.

PHOTOS BY JIM BARCUS | THE KANSAS CITY STAR Mostly sticking to blues and ballads, Eric Clapton produced studio-like sound and steady vocals.

Roger Daltrey's powerful voice won over the audience Wednesday night at the Sprint Center. He mixed his solo material with Who classics.

ERIC CLAPTON SET LIST Going Down Slow, Key to the Highway, Tell the Truth, Old Love, I Shot the Sheriff, Driftin' Blues, Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, Running on Faith, Layla, I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart, Badge, Little Queen of Spades, Before You Accuse Me, Wonderful Tonight, Cocaine, Crossroads.

ROGER DALTREY SET LIST I Can See for Miles, The Real Me, Behind Blue Eyes, Days of Light, Freedom Ride, Gimme a Stone, Who Are You, Going Mobile, Young Man Blues, Baba O'Riley.