Cream: Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton

These three musicians had impressive legacies even before the formation of Cream. Baker and Bruce performed together in the Graham Bond Organization, a jazz fusion band that wowed British audiences in the early and mid sixties. Both performed in other influential English groups of the day, crossing paths with many world class musicians, including Eric Clapton. Before joining Cream, Clapton was a key member of both The Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, honing his guitar skills influenced by the great American bluesmen.

By early 1966, Baker, Bruce, and Clapton were all feeling constricted in their respective bands. Baker approached Clapton about creating a new three piece group, and Clapton quickly suggested Jack Bruce as the third member. Baker, while initially hesitant due to some ongoing personality conflicts with Bruce, relented to Clapton's suggestion and Cream was born.

Their shelf life lasted a mere two and a half years, from the spring of 1966 through November, 1968. During that time period, they toured relentlessly in Europe and the United States, building their reputation with their virtuoso performances and long, extended jams. Their style was influenced by jazz and blues music, and Clapton himself refers to Cream as a jazz rock fusion band, which is about a correct a moniker as any. Baker is a jazz drummer by trade, and to this day recoils at being referred to as a rock drummer.

During their life, Cream recorded four landmark albums: Fresh Cream, their debut, in 1966, followed by Disraeli Gears in 1967. Wheels of Fire was released in 1968, and finally the aptly titled Goodbye in 1969, a few months after their farewell performance in November, 1968.

The musical chemistry between the three members is unmistakeable and undeniable. In fact, the name Cream was chosen to represent each members standing as the cream of the crop at their respective instrument. Over the years, Ginger Baker has commented that playing with Bruce and Clapton was easy because he had an almost telepathic sense of what they would play next.

Initially, personal chemistry between the three helped propel the music. However, grueling tour schedules and squabbles over songwriting credits let to a strain in relationships, particularly between Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. Clapton, almost as strong willed as the other two, was continually thrust into the role of peacemaker. Compounding the situation was the fact that all three men have extremely strong musical directions, with each wanting to be in control. Substance abuse problems afflicting all three certainly didn't help, and a break up was inevitable.

Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton joined forces again immediately after Cream's breakup in another supergroup, Blind Faith. Joined by Steve Winwood and bassist Rick Grech, Blind Faith lasted only one album and one tour before disbanding. Jack Bruce began his solo career with his very successful 1969 release, "Songs For A Tailor".

Through the early 1970's, all three members of Cream played with a revolving selection of musicians and bands. Each struggled with deep heroin addiction during this time period as well. Clapton finally emerged in the mid 1970's with several well regarded albums like 461 Ocean Boulevard and Slowhand.

During the 1970's and into the early 1980's, the profile of both Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce dimmed. Each has said that heroin addiction gripped them severely during this time period, costing them not only huge sums of money, but nearly their careers and life.

The subject of reuniting Cream began to come up almost as soon as they broke up in November, 1968. In fact, since their farewell performance at Royal Albert Hall was so well received, the three men briefly had second thoughts about breaking up. However, they decided enough was enough and moved ahead to other projects, namely Blind Faith featuring Clapton and Baker and Jack Bruce's first solo album.

After Blind Faith, Clapton in particular wanted to distance himself from Ginger Baker, whom he admired greatly almost as an older brother figure. But Baker's heroin addiction made him difficult to deal with, let alone work with. Clapton himself was in the midst of serious substance abuse problems and felt it best to distance himself from both Cream bandmates. Feelings between the three were strained by the end of Cream, to put it mildly. A deep underlying affection remained, particularly from Clapton's standpoint, but it was time to move on.



Clapton tells the story of Cream reuniting, in a way, quite by accident in 1976. Each happened to be at the same London record company office early one summer day. The three men decided to spend the afternoon together on the terrace of Clapton's home, "enhanced" by a dose of hallucenigenics. Clapton's girlfriend at the time (and later his wife) Patti Boyd recalls that the anger between the three members of Cream had somewhat worn off and how fascinating it was to watch their personal chemistry and interaction.

At the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acceptance speech and later comments to the press, Clapton recalled the 1976 chance meeting as the most recent time the three men had spent time together. Further, he mused that each adopted the same roles they had in the band, with Baker holding court while he and Jack Bruce addressed other visitors.

The three members of Cream also came together for Clapton's wedding reception in 1979. A jam session ensued with other prominent musicians, including Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and many others, but Cream did not perform alone that night.

Thereafter, there remained a distance between all three. Ginger Baker was involved in olive farming, something he has since divulged was a way to finally shake heroin addiction. Jack Bruce too was at a career nadir due to drugs, and finally began a low key comeback in the early 1980's.

In 1987, the BBC filmed a documentary about Clapton's career to date. Clapton discusses Cream at some length, commenting how the three men "simply couldn't stop playing" when they were together, alluding to the strong musical chemistry between the three.

The BBC invited Jack Bruce to be filmed with Clapton, and the two Cream bandmates played brief versions of "White Room" and "Cat's Squirrel", an old blues standard. Clapton is clearly enjoying playing with his old partner. The narrator comments, "They hadn't played these old Cream standards in almost 20 years. But if the rustyness showed through, so did a little of the old understanding." As those words were being spoken, the camera shows Clapton and Bruce finishing "Cat's Squirrel" in perfect timing, with each nodding their approval.

Two years later, in 1989, Jack Bruce planned to take his band on the road and needed a drummer. He immediately approached Ginger Baker, who Bruce felt was best for the job, despite their interpersonal conflicts. This has always been a consistent sentiment coming from Jack Bruce. He has often commented that Ginger Baker is, in his opinion, the greatest drummer in the world. At the time, Baker initially refused Bruce's offer until financial issues caused him to reconsider. They did a small club tour of the United States which, by all accounts was well received. They even appeared on David Letterman's late night show, performing "Hey Now Princess" and then participating in a brief interview with Letterman. Letterman of course asks about the possibility of Cream reuniting, and Bruce answers in positive fashion, suggesting it could happen. Meanwhile Baker, sitting along side Bruce, seems to be nodding "no".

Around that time, Clapton dropped in on a Jack Bruce show (sans Baker) in New York City. The two traded riffs and the audience at the small club was understandably thrilled.

In January 1993, Cream was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted by ZZ Top, who called them "Bad bad boys with that good thing."

Apparently, Baker, Bruce, and Clapton were all wary of attending. Strained feelings still existed between Baker and Clapton in particular. Jack Bruce reportedly phoned Baker to inform him of the ceremony, and stated, "Eric will go if you go". Bruce in turn had informed Clapton, "If you go I'll go."



The three men, once again Cream, gathered for a rehearsal the day before the induction ceremony. At his acceptance speech the next night, Clapton informed the crowd "Yesterday ... we played together for the first time in 25 years. And it was pretty amazing ... it was wonderful."

The acceptance speeches from Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton were quite emotional, particularly Clapton's. Bruce remarked, "I come from Glasgow, in Scotland. It doesn't seem so far away now. I guess that's what rock and roll is all about, it brings people together. And if the three of us can be together again, anybody can be together again, I'll tell ya." The comments spoke to the depth of strained feelings over the many previous years.

Jack Bruce offered thanks to his two Cream bandmates. "i'd like to thank Ginger, for showing me some mad African rythyms that I can't get over", he said. Pointing to Clapton, he said, "And Eric ... for clearing my mind ... and teaching me about the purity of the blues ... and the honesty of them." His voice cracking with emotion and eyes welling with tears, he simply gestured to both men and said "Thank you".

Clapton then took the podium. His comments were touching and emotional. "Up until recently, I didn't believe in this institution at all", he said. "But then, not so long ago, a friend of mine, Robby Robertson (of The Band), pointed out to me that minor and major miracles take place in here, and it deeply moved me." Clapton's voice began to clutch as he added, "And I thought a lot could be gained by coming here tonight, and a lot has been gained. I've been reunited with two people I love very dearly." Fighting back tears, he continued, "It's very moving". The crowd applauded as Bruce and Baker looked on from behind, visibly moved.

He continued with his remarks about the rehearsal the day before and then added, "And we're gonna play again in a little while. I don't know how it's gonna be, but as Ginger says, or as I say to Ginger apparently, whatever you do, don't worry." Then he told a humorous anecdote about their chance reunion in 1976. "The last time the three of us were together, we were on acid down at my house", Clapton said. "And this drug dealer came around the corner, we were in the garden, and this drug dealer who owed me money or drugs or something came 'round the corner and he stopped, 30 feet away. and couldn't get any closer. It was like a wall ... like a force field", Clapton chuckled before finally adding, "And that kind of symbolizes to me what happens when the three of us get together ... it can be good or bad ... you never know ... but I'm very very grateful to be here tonight."

After finishing his remarks, he turned to hug Ginger Baker, who then took the mike. Apparently he felt he couldn't top his two bandmates this time around. He simply stated, "Yeah. I guess everybody's said everything, so I'll be very brief. Just thanks very much, it's nice to be here, thank you."

The three men then played a searing three song set. "Sunshine Of Your Love" started it off, followed by an inspired version of "Born Under A Bad Sign", which Clapton dedicated to the song's author, bluesman Albert King. Then, a loose and mixed tempo version of "Crossroads", followed by thank you's, applause, and photographs backstage.

Cream would not play together again for another 12 years.

We found a great source for Cream and other rock band t-shirts.

They have two designs, a Disraeli Gears album cover and a "rainbow" design with a picture of Cream on the front.

Click here for Cream and other Rock & Roll T-Shirts and search for Cream T-Shirts.

Here's the only joke we've ever heard about Cream ...

Q: "What do Eric Clapton and coffee have in common?

A: "Neither one are as good without Cream."

Here is a list of our five favorite Cream songs. As with any list, it is subject to opinion. Some you may know, others you may not, but it is safe to say that each of these songs highlight the individual and collective talents of Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton. In no particular order, here they are:

White Room

From the 1968 Wheels of Fire double album, White Room is a Jack Bruce and Peter Brown composition, although the contributions of Baker and Clapton should have been noted in the songwriting credits.

The winding, psychedelic lyrics are only surpassed by the musicianship. Listen to Baker's "Bolero" drum beat and his signature use of the cymbols. Bruce carries the vocals, lifting into soprano range and back to tenor. Meanwhile, Clapton pioneers the use of the famous wah wah pedal, giving White Room its familiar sound.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a Robert Johnson composition that deeply influenced Clapton as a young guitarist. The version you frequently hear was recorded live in 1968 and was released on Wheels of Fire.

Clapton steals the show here with two dazzling solos that are recognized as among the best ever, and he also takes the vocals. Listen closely the next time you hear the song and take in Jack Bruce's driving bass. He plays counter melody to Clapton's guitar, and the results are extraordinary. This is Cream's musicianship at its finest.

Stepping Out

Another blues standard favored by Clapton, this is an instrumental. It is available as a bonus track in repackaged Cream releases, and on You Tube. Search for the 1967 version, played for a Swedish radio station. The blending of the three talents is mind boggling and it is easy to pick out the drums, bass, and lead guitar, as neither member outshines the other. This is a real under the radar gem.

I'm So Glad

From their debut release in 1966, Fresh Cream, I'm So Glad was originally written by Skip James. The unique guitar intro also serves as the songs coda. Jack Bruce shines on vocals and it is hard to believe he was only 23 when it was recorded. But in our opinion, Ginger Baker steals the show here. His sense of timing, counter beat technique, and use of cymbals is a real treat. Cream opened their 2005 reunion songs with I'm So Glad, so be sure to watch or listen to both versions.

Born Under A Bad Sign

Penned by the great bluesman Albert King, Cream played this song at their 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. The version is available on You Tube. Much like White Room, this song allows each member to shine equally. Baker's driving back beat kicks the song into overdrive, while Bruce plays the melody on bass and provides stellar blues vocals. Not to be outdone, Clapton scorches here with guitar riffs that are among his very best.

This is just our own personal list of favorites, recognizing numerous other Cream classics are missing. Which are your favorites?

Cream, consisting of drummer Ginger Baker, bassist Jack Bruce, and guitarist Eric Clapton, broke up in late 1968 after a whirlwind 29 month existence. Over the next 24 years, the three men rarely worked together. Then in 1993, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At the induction ceremony, Cream played three songs after a brief rehearsal the day before. Clapton, in his emotional acceptance speech, noted it was the first time the three had played together in almost 25 years. The performance, although brief, was highly praised and it was clear the musical chemistry of the three virtuoso players was still intact.

Although further Cream projects were apparently discussed, nothing more came from the brief reunion. Clapton, in the midst of a soaring solo career, continued down that path. Baker and Bruce went on to form two thirds of another power trio with guitarist Gary Moore that disintegrated a year after it began.

In 2003, Jack Bruce was diagnosed with liver cancer which nearly cost him his life. During his recovery period from a liver transplant, Clapton finally proposed a Cream reunion. All three members agreed to meet for six weeks of rehearsals in early 2005, with four shows scheduled for London in May.

By all accounts, rehearsals went well. The three members, all with strong personalities and musical directions, meshed well. Cream finally reunited on May 2, 2005, at the Royal Albert Hall, the first of four shows that week.

Playing a varied set list covering hits and blues standards, Cream generated world wide praise for the reunion. The concerts were filmed and recorded, and the subsequent CD and DVD set were best sellers.

New York Reunion

Clapton admitted he was elated with the shows. Baker and Bruce expressed similar sentiments, so it was no surprise Cream announced they would play three shows in New York in October.

Each of the three concedes something went wrong during the first show. Old animosities between Bruce and Baker were at the root of the problem. Baker, complaining that Bruce was playing too loudly, threatened to not play the next two shows until cooler heads prevailed.

Bruce, meanwhile, stated he was suffering severe cramping and swelling in his hands, an after effect of his surgery and medication. This, he said, caused him to not be at his best. Clapton, ever the diplomat, stated Cream's sound was too small for the large venue in New York.

The three went their seperate ways after the shows.

Future Cream Reunions?

Clapton, in recent interviews, stated that reuniting Cream was much like putting a ghost to bed, but adds he would "never say never" to another go around. Jack Bruce, now fully recovered, states he'd like to reunite with Cream for one more time, if only to leave everything on a positive note. Ginger Baker, living in an almost exile state in South Africa, has refused to reunite, citing old animosities with Bruce.

And yet, reunion rumors persist. Bruce and Baker, the old antagonists, played at a 2008 tribute concert for Baker in London. Clapton speaks glowingly of both men and wrote the forward for Jack Bruce's recent autobiography. There are rumors of a one shot Cream reunion during the 2010 guitar festival, Crossroads, hosted by Clapton (see below for an update).

Whether a reunion happens or not, Cream's music continues to stand the test of time. This grouping of three brilliant musicians produced a totally unique body of work that still influences musicians to this day.

In a 2009 interview, Clapton stated he raised the possibility of Steve Winwood joining the 2005 Cream reunion with Baker and Bruce. Not surprisingly, the idea did not go over well with the two. If it were to be a Cream reunion, they felt, it needed to be Cream and no one else.

The idea to add Winwood was scuttled, but Clapton has worked and toured with Winwood several times since then. Winwood also showed up to play with Baker at Baker's most recent concert performance (12/09) in London.

Jack Bruce Says No More Cream

In an interview with BB6 Music on 4/10/2010, Jack Bruce said there will be no more Cream reunions.

His quote: "There's a new story now ... Cream is over."

In the interview, Bruce downplays the severity of the arguments between the three members of Cream, saying it was more legend than fact. He addressed one argument that occured during Cream's 2005 reunions between himself and Ginger Baker. The story is told in more detail in Bruce's autobiography, "Composing Himself". The long and short of the anecdote is that Baker corrected Bruce on the timing of a song ("Spoonful"), and while Bruce disagreed, he soon realized Baker was right and apologized. Said Bruce, "Everything was fine after that."

We are told the reason for Bruce's definitive statement about no more Cream is due to his frustration with Clapton and particularly Baker's reluctance to play again as the legendary trio. Perhaps realizing he was running into a brick wall, Jack Bruce decided to make a statement of his own.

Bruce did go on to say in the interview that he is involved in "some very exciting plans, it's the most exciting thing I've ever done", so watch this space as details unfold.

As things stand currently, Clapton continues to perform with his own band and in collaborations with old partners. He has more shows scheduled with Steve Winwood during 2011 and recently performed shows with Jeff Beck. Jack Bruce also continues to perform with his own band, although sporadically. He has a series of shows scheduled for 2011 both in Europe and the United States. Ginger Baker lives in quiet retirement in South Africa and has an active Facebook page. The page is managed by his daughter Nettie, who helped Baker write his autobiography. Baker himself posts on the page from time to time, but there has been no indication if or when he might play again in public.

As for the relationship between the three men, Clapton has commented the three have "amicably parted ways", although there have been no comments from any of the three about Cream since Bruce's remarks in early 2010.

Jack Bruce's autobiography has hit the shelves and it's a must read for any Cream fan, or any fan of rock music for that matter.

The story is told by author Harry Shapiro, who previously worked with Eric Clapton on a biography and has known the members of Cream for years. He tells a tale with full cooperation from Jack Bruce, with no stone left unturned.

"Composing Himself" is not only a reflection on the mutifaceted career of Jack Bruce, but it's also a glmpse into the music business from the 1960's through today. Jack's early years are discussed, including his first association with Ginger Baker. As the story goes, a young 19 year old Jack Bruce approached a seasoned London area blues/jazz/rock fusion band, for whom Baker was the drummer.

Bruce asked Baker and famed saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith if he could sit in for a set. After finally agreeing, Baker and Heckstall-Smith decided to test the young bass player's mettle. They chose a complicated ballad, with scores of chord changes, improvisation, and musical meanderings. To their astonishment, the talented young musician played flawlessly.

The Cream years are covered in detail. For the most part, Bruce is kind to Baker here, although no punches are pulled either. Addiction to drugs is discussed, including Jack's long road to recovery and ultimately, the liver transplant that nearly cost him his life. As one would expect, a portion of the book is devoted to the 2005 Cream reunion shows. Jack Bruce discusses the dust up between himself and Ginger Baker, and indicated the volume problem Baker complained about was due to Bruce switching bass guitars and certainly not intentional. To the reader, it is clear the two have never been able to overcome problems.

Particularly interesting is a chapter on the ill fated West, Bruce, and Laing "super group" that record company executives thought would be the next Cream. Amidst clashing personalities both within and around the band, and a haze of drugs, the trio collapsed under its own lofty expectations after two short years.

Another interesting story involved Jack Bruce and Stephen Stills. After Cream broke up in late 1968, Bruce was approached by Stills to join the now legendary trio Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Bruce was intrigued, thinking he could add unique elements both vocally and musically. His enthusiasm waned immediately when Stills stated his interest in Bruce joining CSN was strictly as a bass player.

Bruce and Shapiro receive ample cooperation from Bruce's contemporaries, with the notable exception of Ginger Baker, whose daughter fills in the details (she ghost wrote Baker's recent autobiography, "Hellraiser"). Eric Clapton delivers a beautifully written foreward and pays homage and due respect to his old partner.

"Composing Himself" is a compelling, interesting, and often harrowing take on the life and career of Jack Bruce.

Here's a picture of a Cream concert ticket from 1968 at the Chicago Coliseum.

Cream held two concerts at the Chicago Coliseum that year. They played this show in April; the opening band was the Mothers of Invention featuring Frank Zappa.

Almost six months later, in October 1968, Cream played the Coliseum again on their farewell tour. That concert was bootleg recorded and a bootleg exists but it is not widely available.

The Chicago Coliseum was a building of great historical significance. Located on Chicago's near south side at 15th and Wabash Avenue, it was in its waning years when Cream played there in 1968.

The building was dedicated in 1900 by President William McKinley and was the main convention/exhibition/arena in Chicago until the Chicago Stadium opened in 1929. The Coliseum seated about 9000 people and had an adjacent north wing that seated another 4000 for boxing matches.

Several U.S. Presidents were nominated in the Chicago Coliseum, including Taft, Wilson, and Harding. Jackie Robinson played in a UCLA basketball game there in 1939 and Joe Louis fought in the Coliseum in 1934. The NHL Chicago Blackhawks called it home for three years before the Chicago Stadium was built.

By the mid to late 1960's, larger events in Chicago were being hosted at other venues and the aging Coliseum was used less and less. By the late 60's, it was primarily used for rock concerts and as a meeting hall for social activist groups.

In his autobiography "Composing Himself", Jack Bruce specifically mentions this concert in Chicago. He recalls that it was after this show that Cream decided to break up.

They continued on their tour through June and came back to the United States for their farewell tour in October, 1968 when they again played at the Chicago Coliseum.

Around that time, the Coliseum also hosted concerts for many other famous artists. The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Three Dog Night, Uriah Heep, and The Grateful Dead all graced the stage at the historic Chicago venue.

In fact, the final event ever at the Chicago Coliseum was a concert. James Taylor and Carole King played there on March 12, 1971. The next day, the Chicago Fire Department slapped numerous code violations on the building and it was closed to the public. The historic arena was then used mostly for boat storage until it was demolished in May, 1982.

Here's a picture of Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton, together as Cream, on stage.

The picture is from an October, 1968 concert at the Chicago Coliseum during Cream's farewell tour.