Eric Clapton and his music

Cream wow London with reunion shows
3 May 2005

Tears from Clapton as he thanks loyal fans.

Legendary rock supergroup Cream played the first of four reunion concerts last night, 36 years on from playing a farewell concert on the same stage.

Last night's concert, held at London's Royal Albert Hall, saw the original line up of Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker - all now in their 60's -- playing a two hour set to an emotional crowd. Many fans had flown in from abroad to attend the shows, with touts and agencies offering tickets up to ten times their initial value.

"Thanks for waiting all those years," Clapton told the crowd after emerging to a standing ovation. "We'll probably play everything we know. We'll play as long as we can."

The legendary guitarist reportedly agreed to the concerts, which were announced back in January, due to worries over the health of Bruce, 61, and Baker.

"There isn't a drummer on this earth that has the dexterity that Ginger has," Clapton said in 1993 following the band's induction into the rock and roll hall of fame.
"Jack has this powerful thing that happens when he starts to sing and you're off on the side."

The series of concerts continues tonight.

Вы фотки хотели?

,1

,2

,3

,4

Ли Диксон -Эриковский гитарный техник...

,6

,7

Класс! Сет-лист - ну просто пальчики оближешь=)
Эх, wish I was there...

Wednesday, May 4, 2005
Fans flock to Cream reunion
By The Associated Press

LONDON – Reviewers hailed the reunion of rock supergroup Cream, although they found it hard to resist comments about the advanced age of the performers and the audience.
Eric Clapton, 60, Jack Bruce, 61, and Ginger Baker, 65, pulled a full house at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday night, where the top tickets were officially selling for $236 US and were being offered for resale at up to $3,220 US.

The band simply walked on stage unannounced and dug into I’m So Glad.

After two more songs, each received with a standing ovation, Clapton said. “Thanks for waiting all those years!”

“We’ll probably play everything we know — we’ll play as long as we can,” he told the crowd.

The cheering continued in yesterday’s review columns.

“They were never less than good, often brilliant, occasionally inspired,” David Cheal wrote in The Daily Telegraph.

“And they got better as the night went on.”

The group played what was to have been its farewell concert on Nov. 26, 1968 at the Albert Hall, and most of Monday’s audience dated from that era.

“The atmosphere is less like a rock concert than a corporate hospitality tent at Wimbledon,” Alex Petridis wrote in The Guardian.

“Paunchy men in sports jackets clink ice in gin and tonics, and mumsy ladies fan themselves with pricey souvenir programs.”

Petridis found the performance a pale shadow of Cream’s brief glory years.

“You get a brief glimpse of what the fuss was about during Rollin’ and Tumblin’, when Bruce abandons his bass guitar in favour of a harmonica, and Clapton and Baker churn out a frantic, clattering riff,” Petridis wrote.

The same tune wowed Cheal.

“Rollin’ and Tumblin’, with Bruce on harmonica, was sensational, an express train of a song, hurtling along with purpose, power and unstoppable momentum,” Cheal wrote.

“For the first of many occasions during the evening, I had to sit, blink, look around the stage, and remind myself that I was watching Cream at the Albert Hall — and they were very, very good.

“Inevitably, they were a diminished version of their former selves. They are not young men, and they were not playing, as they once did, as if their lives depended on it.”

David Sinclair of The Times also found the group more subdued.

“Instead, they played with a newfound economy of effort that worked to best advantage on some of their more out-of-the-way, pop-flavoured songs including Deserted Cities of the Heart and a surprise inclusion of Pressed Rat And Warthog, the lysergic nursery rhyme narrated by Baker in his cockney growl,” Sinclair wrote.

Cream scheduled three more Albert Hall dates last night, tomorrow and Friday — all sold out.

//

May 03, 2005
First Cream Reunion Concert, May 2, 2005
by Saiichi Sugiyama

It really happened. The lights went down and the band walked on stage. A thunderous noise and standing ovations all around. In my seat at the Royal Albert Hall, I kept thinking this was so unreal, I must be dreaming. I have, over the last 20 years, seen Eric Clapton perform at this venue so many times and it was the same Eric standing there now at stage left – but with him were Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.

The show kicked off with “I’m So Glad”. Eric leads with arpeggios that I worked out how to play from LPs thirty years ago but never saw being played by him. His black signature Stratocaster is plugged into a Cornell amp and Jack is playing a 1950s violin-shaped Gibson EB-0 bass, like the one that Felix played, through a Hartke rig. Ginger is playing a green sparkle DW kit.

This is CREAM - the unmistakable blend of Eric Clapton's and Jack Bruce's voices in harmony. Jack looks thin and frail but his singing is strong and what a presence. Ginger’s kit sound though a modern PA is much fuller than on live recordings from the '60s. Playing is slightly tentative but can you blame them? It’s been almost 37 years. An a cappella ending to "I'm So Glad" and the crowd is on its feet again.

The next song, "Spoonful", is bluesier in a sort of modern Clapton way but Jack’s vocal is still magnetic. Eric took his first lead vocal of the night with "Outside Woman Blues".

Jack’s vocals and playing got stronger as the evening progressed. "Deserted Cities of Heart" sounded better than the '60s live version to my ears and "We Are Going Wrong" was amazing - richly enhanced by the modern reverb which allowed the music to breath more. The Cockney "Pressed Rat and Warthog", totally unexpected, with Ginger rapping on a headset microphone, had the band and the audience in stitches. It was fantastic to hear "Badge" with Jack playing the distinctive bass line with the Gibson voice.

The choice of songs was eclectic – some obvious oldies and other not so obvious ones. The only number that was not in the Cream canon was "Stormy Monday", but I am sure they played this slow blues song with the late great Graham Bond/John Mayall/ in the early days of Cream. "Sleepy Time" was also more American blues in approach, Eric bringing to the fold the guitar sound and style that he developed during his career as a solo artist. Jack’s bass tone and playing was particularly good on "NSU" and "Sweet Wine". Shorter improvisations allowed them to play more numbers and that seemed to please the crowd very much.

Above all, what was really striking was the rapport among the band members, radiating from the stage and reflected in the spirit of the music. All three were smiling and the audience was ecstatic. The thunderous applause and standing ovation at the end of songs seemed never ending, the band launching into the next number in the middle of continuing cheer. Jack was clearly being stretched due to the fact that he is still on the road of recovery from the serious illness he had suffered. It was heart warming to see the concern that Eric displayed – it appeared like Eric was keeping an eye on Jack, making sure he was all right.

There were subtle improvements made in instrumental arrangements such as Eric playing slide guitar on "Rollin’ and Tumblin’", striking a pose that was reminiscent of the great Howlin’ Wolf, while Jack half-sat on a stall and displayed his prowess on a blues harp. A harmonica on a stand came into play to enhance Wolf’s "Sitting On Top Of the World", sounding like a happy medium between the fire of Cream’s '60s version and the bluesiness of Wolf’s version. This was clearly the Cream 2005.

Certain songs to varying degree appeared to me still had a room to develop over the course of next three shows (and who knows? US or Japan tour?), such as "Born Under A Bad Sign" and "Politician" (which sported a new ending arrangement). "Crossroads" was a not-all-together-satisfying compromise between the chunky Clapton version and the faster rendition from Wheels on Fire. Probably for a similar reason, "White Room", to my ears, sounded like it needed to be turned into a Cream number again. It was curious to see that Eric sang the chorus, which, in a Clapton concert setting, has always been sang not by Eric but by a backing singer. Eric also sang the last verse of "White Room", probably an acknowledgement of the fact that he regularly sang this Pete Brown/Jack Bruce song in his concerts for 20 years since Live Aid in 1985.

The concert came to an end with "Toad", a highlight of the evening with Ginger showing that he is still the boss on the kit. The encore was "Sunshine of Your Love" featuring the distinctive drum voice of Ginger.

To quote Eric’s words in “Sunshine Of Your Love”, I’ve been waiting so long – and it was worth it. It was one of those nights. The crowd seemed happy and fulfilled, including Brian May of Queen, who sat a few feet away from me, beaming with a big smile. I know how you felt, Brian.

May 04, 2005
Cream Reunion Concert: Day 2
by Saiichi Sugiyama

On the second night of the reunion concert series Cream means business. “I’m So Glad” makes a cracking opener and it is a luxury to have “Spoonful”, a song that used to be the climax of Cream shows in 1967/8, as the second number.

No tentativeness tonight - Jack, Eric and Ginger tear right into it. Despite 30 years of listening to the rich Gibson/Marshall tones on Wheels of Fire, Eric Clapton's Strat and custom-made Fender Tweed Twin amps help him demonstrate once again that tone is in the guitarist’s fingers.

Tonight’s version of “Spoonful” gives me both flashbacks and a glimpse of what Cream is capable of in 2005. “Outside Woman Blues” showcases how far Eric has travelled as a vocalist while, again, making the Stratocaster sound work in place of the SG. Subtle but extremely impressive stuff. The deceptively complex chordal backing for Ginger’s “Pressed Rat and Warthog” sounds less chaotic tonight and again engenders smiles all round.

When the band hits “Sleepy Time”, it's evident from the amazing vocals and powerful bass playing that Jack Bruce is in form tonight. The discrepancy in the timing of vocal harmonies over the phrase “we have” in the chorus adds a human factor and the knowing smiles exchanged between Bruce and Clapton show they are clearly having fun. Eric’s lead playing is superb with a hint of the classic Live Cream performance yet altogether new and convincing - another classic in the making.

The crisp changes in the rhythm pattern propels the revived classic, “NSU”. I am missing the vocal harmony on the last line of the verse – the line that goes “the only time I’m happy...”, so I start singing along in my seat and can't stop. “NSU” is a fun number and Cream performs it as such.

Tonight's “Politician” has more of venom, more snakey-ness and Jack sings it well. The groove is so convincing that although drummer Ginger Baker stays away from those quirky syncopations heard on the Good-bye album, they're not missed.

Ginger’s “Sweet Wine” certainly sounds sweet with a great solo from Eric, who's in his element, and Ginger's a power house in “Rolling and Tumbling” while Eric’s extended excursions on the fretboard on “Stormy Monday” create a storm of their own with Eric joining Jack using the T-bone Walker chords on the last verse tonight. It's such a pleasure to witness this wonderful music improvised in real time before your eyes and ears.

“Deserted Cities of the Heart” is brilliant again with Ginger as the driving force. The middle section with the tempo change is dramatic and Eric’s solo superb. He's in the playing-out mood. Jack launches straight into “Born Under A Bad Sign”, and it seems that Eric is so into it that Jack’s smile is mistaken for a cue for the solo. Another human touch and as it is such a great performance that I hope the production team puts it on the DVD.

Although the song was never a favourite of mine among the group's original '60s recordings, Cream's 2005 version of “We Are Going Wrong” has become a high point of the show for me due to its magnetic intensity. The band performs it with so much passion that despite its simple lyrics, the tragedy it portrays is quite moving. Jack’s voice is strong and Eric and Ginger provide dark and powerful dynamics in the backing. The solo section is a perfect vehicle for the present day Eric Clapton, combining a melodic non-pentatonic approach with firey intensity at times reminiscent of his fabled performance on the 1985 “Same Old Blues”.

I said in my review of the first night that the version of “Crossroads” suffered from being neither fish nor fowl. Tonight’s rendition sounds more engaging with Eric’s lead guitar leaning more on the groove and with killer bend entries into solos. It is this rhythmic tension that made the Wheels of Fire version of the song one-of-a-kind. “Sitting On Top of the World” provides a hint of the heavy staccato accents from Jack and Ginger of the '60s versions.

“White Room” in particular demonstrates that the three musicians are in the process of getting reacquainted. It is a well-known song like this, which each member has played in unique variation with different musicians at one time or another over the 37 years since the band broke up, that shows the time and distance they spent apart. Tonight’s “White Room”, despite the powerful solo from Eric at the end, ironically does not sound as tight as other lesser known numbers.

This is, of course, to be expected since Cream was together for a relatively short time and the song developed in its own way in three separate directions. Eric does not play like Vernon Reed and Ginger does not drum like Steve Gadd – they are simply different. It would take more than a few weeks of rehearsal and four concert dates to establish definitive new Cream versions of such numbers, or to develop a new “band” empathy, knowing as second nature how the others will approach an end-break or cue a solo.

Judging from the great musical sparks I hear from the RAH stage, which patently goes beyond a mere nostalgic journey, I am convinced that as they play together more and re-acquaint with each other (and I think there will be no shortcut to this), something new and exciting will emerge. Now that I have seen them together, I'm convinced that they should continue to play as a band beyond 6 May. If not for commercial reasons, for the sake of creating some very unique music, with perhaps a European tour, Jack’s health permitting, or an album session slated for, say, early next year?

Cream took the world by surprise, broke barriers and preconceptions,and started something great in the '60s. This re-union was a surprise in itself, but they can surprise us even more. The African groove on the outro of "Sunshine Of Your Love" could mean a new dawn for a truly re-united, semi-permanent, supergroup, or, at least, a sort of collaborating musical family. There's so much strength in this unit – why not? Meanwhile, two shows down – two more to go.

Cream Night 2...

1. One one song (Outside Woman Blues, I think), Eric was so into it that he
was moving his head side to side and "missing" the mike a bit with his
vocal!
2. On Born Under a Bad Sign last night, E started to solo but abruptly
stopped after Jack continues singing another verse!
3. E missed his vocal at one pooint on Sunshine and then remembered it was
his turn.
4. I didn't mention the laser light show behind the stage but very cool
swirling psychedelic colors.
5. Ginger obvioulsy wants to make some cash since he was wearing and
pluggin the T-shirts both nights.
6. Jack saying "Eric Clapton on vocals" - is the
mystery now solved?
7. Crossroads didn't match the WoF version IMHO but no other version ever
has for me. Still great to hear fast version.
8. Badge sounds so differenet with J & G. Jack's bass sounding like the
album version. This is the first time Cream has ever played this song live.
9. I was thinking it would have been so cool if George were still alive and
walked out to play that intro guitar before E's solo. Watching from above
though.
10. The sound that these 3 guys make sounds like such a much bigger band.
11. The bass and drums stand out because they are so different from anyone
else E has played with since Cream.
12. Jack did not have the agonized expression last night as on Monday where
he seemed to be having huge problems with perhaps arthritis in his hands.
13. So great to hear Deserted Cities, a song I always loved. A guy shouted
for it Monday right before they went into it.
14. E's slide guitar was not quite loud enough to hear well on Rollin' &
Tumblin'
15. Jack's vocals are superb
16. We're Going Wrong was a huge surprise and really well done for one of
the lesser known songs.
17. Last night's crowd didn't seem quite as over-the-top as Monday's. Great
applause but not standing ovations on each song.
18. I imagine many hardcore fans just had to be there opening night.
19. Very little wah-wah but the guitar tone was
great anyway. Again only Strats.

Setlist Cream - Tuesday May 3, 2005

I'm So Glad
Spoonful
Outside Woman Blues
Pressed Rat and Wart Hog
Sleepy Time, Time
NSU
Badge
Politician
Sweet Wine
Rollin' & Tumblin'
Stormy Monday
Deserted Cities of the Heart
Born Under a Bad Sign
We're Going Wrong
Crossroads
Sitting on Top of the World
White Room
Toad
Sunshine of Your Love (Encore)

The Reviews

Review by Phil Bunce, Swindon
Different night, same setlist, but to this non-musician there seemed more fluidity. The first night under there belts (and what a reception they got!) they seemed to relax more together and start to ‘ping’ together more.

Whether it was the different angle or what, there seemed to be more mid-song interaction between the guys and though, first night, It looked as thought EC and JB went right off-stage during Toad, this time I could see them sitting and apparently discussing the sweat-drenching heat of the hall.

I thought Rollin’ and Tumblin’ was the standout on Monday, but it was more difficult to choose on Tuesday – Rollin’, Stormy Monday, Deserted Cities, White Room, Toad, Sunshine? They seemed to sustain a higher level.

Review by Nick Kernoghan
The set was identical to that of the 2nd.

They were different to 1968. No massive Marshall stacks, no free-form improvisations, no Gibson guitars, no ringing ears afterwards. Did it detract? Not at all! This was older and wiser Cream. The sound was vastly better and the playing just as good. Every song was at least very good and there were a lot of highlights. Spoonful, Sleepy Time Time, NSU, Badge, Sweet Wine, Crossroads and White Room were excellent. Better still were They Call It Stormy Monday, Sitting On Top Of The World and Toad (down to about 7 minutes) and an extended We’re Going Wrong was awesome! There are few concerts with so many highs.

Eric was on fine guitar form with a sustaining fat and creamy (beautifully overdriven) tone. A fuller sound than he used on the Me and Mr. Johnson tour. He pulled an amazing flute-like tone out of somewhere on Sweet Wine and the fills and solos on We’re Going Wrong were otherworldly. Less aggressive, but more articulate than the youthful article. His playing caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up several times. Also I don’t suppose many would argue with the comment that he is has matured from a passable singer into a really good one!

Jack hit the bass harder than everyone else I have ever seen giving a really dirty just distorting, grinding tone. He anchored the band superbly inserting fluid runs with great taste. On fine vocal form as well.

Ginger was a revelation, the finest drumming performance I have ever been privileged to watch! Those double bass drums and amazing tom toms just took several of the songs to another level. Badge, which I have seen Eric play many times, was the best I have ever heard it. He drove the other two along in irresistible fashion.

As we left my mate Bill said “That’s it then, I can save myself a lot of money by not going to anything less good than that.” Seems to sum up a great night!

Review by Rick Kent
Tuesday Night Show... this is a from the heart review and from the gut and without thinking too much. Think and write.

The band seemed to really like playing together and happy to be there. Even more than last night. During Pressed Rat and Warthog Jack and Ginger were really cracking each other up towards the end of the number. Ginger even flubbed a lyric while Jack made him laugh. With all the press about their feuding this was so cool to see. Here in London all the press seems to center on how the members of Cream hated one another. They go on and on and on about Jack and Ginger. Enough already!

The opening I'm So Glad was great tonight. They must be reading the
reviews in the London newspapers (or read the reviews here... ha, ha) because right away Eric showed more passion in his vocals for this first song of the
night. Spoonful was more exotic this time with Eric getting more psychedelic sounding. Did anyone else go tonight? Can you expound on this for me? I liked Spoonful so much more tonight.

Overall the show was better but last night was great. Shit man these are Cream concerts I'm talking about!

My impression of the songs:
I'm So Glad (!! so much better of an opening Tuesday night!!)
Spoonful (played with so much more spirit especially Eric)
Outside Women Blues
Pressed Rat & Warthog (Eric says" this one is featuring Ginger")
Sleepy Time Time (not as good as Monday and my favorite from Monday)
NSU (they did get into this one a lot with some inklings of a jam)
Badge (crowd really likes this one but it doesn't thrill me like the rest.)
Politician (to me, not as well done as Monday)
Sweet Wine
Rollin' & Tumblin' (done well once again)
Stormy Monday (Eric has his heart into this one and doesn't hold back anything)
Deserted Cities of the Heart (my least favorite)
Born Under a Bad Sign (this was my favorite of Tuesday night! They really got into it! Eric and Jack kept smiling and laughing here having a great time with it)
We're Going Wrong (OK I'm not down with this one, too dark, same as Monday but a great add to the show I think)
Crossroads (I think Crossroads is a hard one to get right)
Sittin' On Top of the World (I hate to say it but not done with enough drive)
White Room (lot's of passion here and better than Monday, much better I think)
Toad (same 6 minutes but not as tight as Monday IMHO)

Encore: Sunshine of Your Love (another highlight of Tuesday because they added a nice extended jam at the end to cap off the night. This jam was the first real jam of the reunion so far in my opinion.)

Первое видео- кусочек Sunshine of your love

http://petroassociates.com/cream.mov

А DVD-то,главное,выйдет?