I am lucky that I lived through what I regard as the golden decade of 'Rock' - mid sixties to mid seventies when musicianship was one of the primary attractions. I also happen to believe we are in a similar golden period now, it's just not coming from the US and UK. Bands such as Band Maid, Lovebites, Nemophila, Gacharcic Spin, Scandal etc from Japan (all female bands) and The Warning from Mexico (again all female) are making Hard Rock and Metal as good as, if not better than anything I've heard in my lifetime. The musicianship and song composition of these bands is off the charts and these and other bands from Japan in particular have revived my love of Rock after finding the last 30 or more years pretty dismal.
This is so ridiculously good. Clapton just ripped these absurd solos live and you can almost hear the gasping of the audience at the end just being like “…wow”. Jack, Ginger, & Eric really were the Cream of the crop. Insane talent.
The original of this song, Cross Road Blues, was written by Robert Johnson in 1937. You should check out some Robert Johnson. Another original you should react to is the original line up of Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green). It's a completely different sound from the songs you've reacted to.
Yes to Robert Johnson and YES to Peter Green's version of Fleetwood Mac. Peter Green and Eric Clapton's fans had a rivalry over which one was "God" in the late 60s London music scene.
It’s really hard to state just how big and how influential Cream was. They were only together for about three years, but in that time, they released four albums and changed rock and roll forever.
The saying at the time is that Cream wasn’t a band that played together, they played against each other. Kind of a battle of the bands with just one band. Oh, and close your eyes and imagine Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin all existing at the same time.
Yep...I remember my older sisters were pre- teens and teens...they and friends and older cousins next door went streaking around our whole neighborhood in Houston ...oh amber I was like woaaaahh...i waited for them with their clothes behind the ditch hedge...I was 7 and it was awesome...they were dancing running jumping and free...I guess like in the garden of eden...the music was the best.
Badge is a must. Bruce really steps on it on that one. Edit. The bass on Badge was played by Felix Papillardi, their producer and former bassist and one of the lead singers of the band Mountain, who is mostly known for its epic track Mississippi Queen, which you guys should really check out. Jack Bruce was actually on piano on Badge . Whoever played it, the bass was awesome. I had to correct that before the commenters leapt on me!
Early on Papillardi was producing Cream and he made sure Bruce was mixed in well. Great duels between him and Clapton with Baker after it like like a house on fire! The closer you listen the more you hear.... Amazing
These guys were essentially like a supergroup in the making. But man I love Jack's bass playing so much and of course Ginger Baker on the drums is fantastic. Young Clapton is killing it and I love the song itself, great story and great imagery. It's an older blues song and it's really pretty dark but they just make it cook.
Do you notice how timeless this music is...they could have recorded this just the other day! It still sounds just as great! Jack Bruce is the bassist guys(RIP)
Definitely! I also really loved the supergroup BBM from the early 90's. It consisted of Bruce, Baker and Gary Moore. Phenomenal band. Too bad they only recorded one album. Check that out if you're unfamiliar. You won't be disappointed. It was like Cream for the 90's.
That's definitely a classic performance of a great tune. The guitar and bass and drums intertwining on this is just sublime. All 3 soloing at once! hehe
For a band that existed for 3 years, Cream has a deep rabbit hole of incredible rock. In addition to songs already mentioned, I'm adding "Tales of Brave Ulysses", the ultimate blend of power rock & psychedelic poetry. You'll see why this classic 1967 piece was at the forefront of the emerging hard blues/rock sound that Cream & Jimi Hendrix were pioneering. Blessings to you!
Live version of "Tales of Brave Ulysses" from "Live Cream Vol. II" (released in 1972, four years after Cream broke up) is a must. th-cam.com/video/I32Wwfv8v1U/w-d-xo.html Fans have long argued which band deserves most credit for introducing "heavy metal" and usually you hear the same triumvirate mentioned: "Led Zeppelin" debut (1968), "Black Sabbath" (1970) & Deep Purple ("In Rock" 1970). But if ever there was a number that defined "heavy metal" & launched a thousand new bands hoping to capture the audience Cream developed & then abruptly abandoned, it was "Tales of Brave Ulysses." (And dig Eric Clapton's wah-wah pedal work out and Jack Bruce's awesome overdriven bass tone. Whew!
@@ronforeman2556 I just listened to the link you provided. Fantastic performance, though I'm glad I was already familiar with the lyrics. Jack's delivery increased the dramatic tension and the sense of altered reality. Altered reality is what Cream was all about for me.
There is something about the blues... it's almost like it physically hurts NOT to get that emotion out of your heart, through your fingers and mouth. You feel it in your whole body. It's so sublime! And by the time the song is over, all those hard feelings get released and then there is nothing left except pure joy. It's like, sometimes you feel better after a good cry or after you go outside and scream at the top of your lungs. It feels wonderful to get it all out. Music speaks it's own language and you don't need an interpreter to understand those feelings. When you are a young teenager with emotions and hormones raging against each other, music is the perfect outlet for all the joy and all the pain and all the frustration of growing up. And it stays with you for life!!!☘️💚
If ever a band were named appropriately, it was Cream, because these three musicians were truly the cream of the crop and defined the power trio. Speaking of power trios, you should check out when Rush covered this for their 30th anniversary - big shock they were influenced by Cream, among others.
I wish you guys could have been a teenager/ young adult when all this great music came out! Many of us have been listening to Cream for 40 years or more! Glad you are experiencing all of it and glad we get to see you enjoy it! The best time ever!
No one gives Ginger Baker enough credit for that awesome drumming. Thank you for giving him credit. Now, if you want to hear Eric with a different bass player and drummer who were both his equals in the talent department; check out the soundtrack for the movie "Tommy" that was based on the Who rock opera of the same name. "Eyesight To The Blind" is the name of the song.
Eric, Jack, and Ginger got back together and performed at The Royal Albert Hall in 2005. The live sound system they used was so much improved over the early years. Songs like "Stormy Monday", "I'm So Glad", and "Badge" are amazing.
Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were both jazz musicians. "I thought of Cream as sort of a jazz band, only we never told Eric he was really Ornette Coleman." - Jack Bruce
Thanks so much for this blast from the past. Cream sounded like more than 3 artists, just as Pentatonix sounds like so many more than 5. Y'all bring joy to this sentenarian's day. Keep on keepin' on! Edit: BTW, y'all usually make me smile. 😃
Clapton lives down the street from me...well, not exactly, he lives about 20 minutes from me. One of the vendors I've worked with for years told me a story about his son (who was an early 21 pilots band member) got to set up a drum set at Clapton's house...wasn't just some drum set, but drums given to Clapton by Ginger Baker, perhaps the very drums in this video. I'll have to ask the vendor guy next time I see him.
Jack Bruce is the best bass player I have ever seen… I saw him in October 1972 with West, Bruce and Laing ..........Felix Pappalardi is a close second… I saw him with Mountain in 73 and 74
The Mountain - Cream connection is strong, Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
Crossroads is one of those songs that blues based bands all have all done a version of & still do to this day. Jack Bruce is an amazing bass player. 👍🏻
This footage is from Cream's farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 26 November 1968 and most definitely NOT from San Francisco Winterland as it says in the caption. I have the DVD of this concert at home. Just thought you guys should know that the information given in the caption is wrong. By the way, Cream would reform for a few concerts in 2005 and the concert, again at the Royal Albert Hall was filmed and is available both on CD and DVD. Sadly, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker have both passed away.
..."Class of 76"...Crossroads...a song that is sung by many different groups both rock and country while portrayed in scenes over and over in movie after movie...a classic forever
Check out Creams Royal Albert Hall Concert. It's a reunion after a 30-year split. I have followed Clapton since he played for John Mahall. This band is the first supergroup out of the late 60s. My favorites include "Sunshine of your Love", "Politician", and "Toad". Must be played loud. Enjoy!
When I was in high school in my tiny town , we had a band of classmates and recent grads who play this at Dances. The 2nd guitar solo put a chill up my spine. I will turn 69 soon, and it still does! Thanks you two ! You two put a smile on my face 😊.
Three absolute legends. Clapton is deeply rooted in the blues, and this is basically an uptempo blues song. It's actually a cover version of Robert Johnson's Crossroad Blues (with a bit of Traveling Riverside Blues thrown in). I personally really dig his guitar work in White Room, myself. Oh, and if you want to hear Ginger Baker go off on the drums, try Toad (live) from the Wheels of Fire album. It's basically a long Ginger drum solo.
Clapton went on the to most commercially successful career, but Bruce and Baker went on to the more musically creative careers by far. Check out not only Bruce's extensive solo career but the short-loved "supergroup" West, Bruce, and Laing, his one album with Bruce, Baker, and more, his jazz work. etc.
If you liked this, you'll love their epic, 16 minute live version of SPOONFUL. All 3 of them go off! CREAM'S influence on RnR is off the charts. Lynyrd Skynyrd does a killer live version of Crossroads from their "One more from the road" album.
Yes, for me that is both the best version ever of that song and their best extended, live performance. They were a force of nature for sure, there is not much better than 60s Clapton.
Right on Kevin. There’s never been a cover of Cream’s live recording as close as Skynyrd’s live album version. It’s a remarkable stand alone achievement all on it’s own.
You are 100% correct. The live version of "Spoonful" from the "Wheels of Fire" album is one of the finest rock jams ever recorded. At times the Clapton, Bruce and Baker take off in their own direction like each is doing a solo yet they are still interwoven with each other in musical perfection.
THAT performance IS maybe the MOST famous, influential song to most guitar players coming up for at least the next 20 years following the release of this Album. Cream was formed by Clapton, Bruce and Baker to be just that... at the time the Cream of the crop so to speak. They were really 3 of the top players. And Eric Clapton was THE guitar player that everyone, especially other guitar players, were trying to emulate in one way or another.
Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
EC was only 23 then and already a veteran having been in both The Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Astonishing. Three musicians at the top of their game.
I know you have done Steve Winwood before, but you should really check out the band Traffic ( Steve on vicals) Low spark of high heeled boys. Its awesome.
Legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson wrote Crossroads in 1936, and it's a reference about how he went to a crossroads in Clarksdale Mississippi and made a deal with the Devil to sell him his soul in exchange for musical talent. Today there is a marker at the crossroads in Clarksdale.
I have to tell you guys how much I appreciate the way that you guys do your reactions. You let the music speak, and then you speak and have a conversation. It gives us a chance to watch your faces without hearing what you have to say at that moment. There are so many other reaction channels now that you don’t even get a listen to the music because they feel the need to say everything that comes to their mind the second it comes to their mind so many times the reactions aren’t even very insightful because they’re too spontaneous that they don’t give the music a chance before they respond
Jay, I suggest you listen to (or even react to) some of the tracks from the Live Cream album - specifically "Sleepy Time Time" and "Sweet Wine". Some of the best lead bass playing ever recorded, and you will understand why Jack Bruce said he and Ginger Baker "...thought of Cream as sort of a jazz band, only we never told Eric...".
...you can still barrelhouse baby, down by the riverside...clubs in the deep south would heat the room by lighting a barrel of oil on fire. Folk would come to the joint and drink and dance and flirt. Sometimes folk would get rowdy and knock the barrel over and light the joint on fire. This solo plus Jimi Hendrix' Machine Gun (check it out - Band of Gypsys) plus something by Django, Wes, Beck, Page...this version of Crossroads Blues by Robert Johnson basically taught me how to play guitar in 1969. Baker, Bruce, and Clapton were called Cream to imply "cream of the crop".
@@johnsilva9139 - I thought that until maybe 2003? when a friend of mine, who had a computer (I did not) printed out the Napster lyrics. From 1968-2003 I thought it was "you can still buy a house, baby...".
Their live 60s stuff always jams harder than the studio stuff...they weren't allowed to crank up their amps in the studio (this was a different era) and it has a substantial effect on the feel of the music
These two people are superb .....I grew up during the 1960's saw Cream 6 times live as well as Jack Bruce several times....the way these two react to this GOLDEN AGE and some of it;s greatest songs..........shows that they transcend their time and grasp the greatest of these classics in an intelligent and sophisticated way...
I cut my teeth on Cream and boom, they were no more. There were three of them, meaning that the music needed three amazing musicians. Clapton was at his best in Cream but you need to hear Ginger Baker on a long version of Toad. And if you like drummers, it's about time we dipped our toe into some from fusionmeister Billy Cobham's first LP, Spectrum (1971?). Changed drumming forever. I recommend Status or Red Baron but ideally, the album needs to be listened to in one sitting.
In the 60's Eric was referred to as a guitar god as he was just a super master of guitar. Loved this whole album as well as Creams Disraeli Gears album. Jack Bruce was like a man possessed in this song and Ginger Bakers drumming equaled John Bonham. What a great time to be alive hearing all this iconic music.
This piece of dynamite has about 10 seconds in Eric's 2nd solo of the most intense playing by 3 guys...most people that know this song know exactly when that happens...Cream reminds me of a charging rhinoceros...
I got to see Clapton on his world tour in 2006, and he closed out his show with this song. He brought Robert Cray back out who opened the show and they traded solos for like 10 minutes.... fantastic stuff.
Yes! You could react to the entire Cream album "Disraeli Gears" album, or the double album this song is off of "Wheels of Fire" Jack Bruce did most of the vocals, and he had some amazing solo album work after Cream broke up (check out "Rope Ladder To The Moon" or "Theme From An Imaginary Western".
Would love to see you check out Jack Bruce solo, maybe "Rope Ladder To The Moon", where he plays bass, piano & cello. He was a very talented and versatile musician in his own right.
Cream actually did a couple Falstaff Beer jingles back in the day. Falstaff the thirst Slaker, “ Falstaff the beer that can slake any thirst any day” was the refrain
I'm 71 years old and have seen most all of the great guitarists live and Clapton is, without a doubt, the greatest EVER! I have seen him over a dozen times in different venues since the seventies and every single time, he has just blown me away. And not only can he play, but he can write and sing and in my mind is the greatest musician of all time, bar none! And Cream is the best three man band that ever performed together. I highly recommend their 2005 reunion performance DVD at Albert Hall, a four night affair which will just absolutely amaze you. Just crank it up and enjoy the best of the best!!
The song was first recorded in 1936 by Robert Johnson and is one of the great blues classics. Cream was the essence of the less is more credo. Each member is an absolute craftsman on their instrument and should be recognized as such. This song just proves they were indeed the Cream of British blues. To me the great part is how they can go into the solos and just drop back into the vocals.
Jack the Bruce and Ginger the Baker are both in Rock Heaven now, no? Lucky Heaven! I grew up with their albums and liked some of their deep cuts that never played on Radio. "Dance the Night Away" for example. But for y'all I am gonna suggest "I'm So Glad" since y'all make me glad. Crossroads kicked serious arse. Check out the Mississippi delta original. Robert Johnson, I think. Cream was all about our African-American roots music.
They're singing about the crossroads near Rosedale Mississippi where Bluesman Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil to learn to play the guitar. He did, but died penny-less...
Thank you Rob Squad. You finally got around to one of the foundational pieces of music, in the long history of Hard Rock. This one live recording (thank God they rolled tape that night) was a pivotal moment in influencing most of what came after. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s live cover of the Cream version is worth a listen, as it’s a stand alone achievement all on it’s own. 🤘😎
You might try the studio version of Sitting On Top of the World, a lovely slow blues number - when these guys take their time, it's even better, the fudgy bass, incandescent guitar, Bruce's impassioned R&B vocals
Finally! The best live recording of Cream and to this day the craziest solo by Eric Clapton. Two other must have songs: Strange Brew and Badge. And from the post Cream era another Band with EC and Ginger Baker you've already heard: Blind Faith. You've got to listen to Do What You Like with solos by all members. You'll be blown away. Thanks for your videos!
My vote..Clapton is the best. But Wow Jay and Amber, you guys have grown into music so much since you started. To listen you two discuss and appreciate the nuances of this music now is so amazing.
You guys should do the band Mountain. Felix Pappalardi produced Cream and then formed Mountain as the American version. They even do a couple songs written by Jack Bruce. Felix had that bass sound like Jack.
The Mountain - Cream connection is strong, Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
@@ratroute8238 In fact here is Jack Bruce live solo doing Theme from and Imaginary Western showing off his singing and piano playing chops. What giants we witnessed! th-cam.com/video/eszCRHkI9zA/w-d-xo.html
If you want some more Eric Clapton stretching out, from a year later, do from Blind Faith his Had to Cry Today, one of Clapton's best songs, riffs and extended solos, ably helped by Steve Winwood. Great tune and enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
I'm glad to see you reacting to one with Eric Clapton vocals. Jack Bruce did a fine job, but I always preferred Clapton's. As stated below, you'll like his vocals on "Badge".
I agree! My favorite Clapton solo. Screaming twang from that Gibson 335 with JB’s driving bass and GB’s jazz/rock flawless beats. Three guys live - wow!
🔥🔥🔥 FIRE! Iconic singer, song,group Awesome! Either out in 68, more like 69. I'm listening to music since 58. I still say the best music ever is from 68, 69 and 70. Strange Brew and White Room and Badge are incredibly good also
The Mountain - Cream connection is strong, Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
Cream for the short time they were together 1966 to 1968 gave us some of the best music of all time. you have to appreciate the music they gave us. Peace my Friends and rock on.
As already said, Cream was a supergroup before such a thing existed! My boyfriend at that time was a drummer and idolised Ginger Baker so I had a LOT of exposure to Cream. Loved Eric Clapton ever since.
OH!! Another cool classic group and great song. I love Crossroads. Thanks, your 2 for 3 tonight. Loving ya. Have a goodnight. Go with God. Peace and love to you and yours.
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This was when being a musician was at the forefront. Everyone in Cream is top notch.
Cream of the crop
Definitely Rock gods of their instruments!
Quote from ginger, we called ourselves cream because we were the 3 best musicians around.
-never heard of them-
I am lucky that I lived through what I regard as the golden decade of 'Rock' - mid sixties to mid seventies when musicianship was one of the primary attractions. I also happen to believe we are in a similar golden period now, it's just not coming from the US and UK. Bands such as Band Maid, Lovebites, Nemophila, Gacharcic Spin, Scandal etc from Japan (all female bands) and The Warning from Mexico (again all female) are making Hard Rock and Metal as good as, if not better than anything I've heard in my lifetime. The musicianship and song composition of these bands is off the charts and these and other bands from Japan in particular have revived my love of Rock after finding the last 30 or more years pretty dismal.
Everyone talks about Eric Clapton and for good reason but Jack Bruce was phenomenal on this.
This is so ridiculously good. Clapton just ripped these absurd solos live and you can almost hear the gasping of the audience at the end just being like “…wow”.
Jack, Ginger, & Eric really were the Cream of the crop.
Insane talent.
Insanely talented and such a tight band musically.
Ligolackey, you are so. So, SO tight!
Jay/Amber, you'll love their "Badge" and "Strange Brew"!!! One of the great short lived groups, so much talent in 3 guys.
"SWLABR" is one of their best.
Tales of brave Ulysses.
I 2nd Badge!
I love Badge, don't care at all for Sterange Brew
I nominate White Room.
The original of this song, Cross Road Blues, was written by Robert Johnson in 1937. You should check out some Robert Johnson. Another original you should react to is the original line up of Fleetwood Mac (with Peter Green). It's a completely different sound from the songs you've reacted to.
Another member of the '27' club'.
Absolutely agree with that one!
Fun fact: there are TEN Fleetwood Mac lineups before we get to Lindsey and Stevie. All are worthy of a listen.
Yes to Robert Johnson and YES to Peter Green's version of Fleetwood Mac. Peter Green and Eric Clapton's fans had a rivalry over which one was "God" in the late 60s London music scene.
The Cream version of "Crossroads" is actually a combination of two Robert Johnson songs; "Crossroads" and "Travelin' Riverside Blues".
It’s really hard to state just how big and how influential Cream was. They were only together for about three years, but in that time, they released four albums and changed rock and roll forever.
The saying at the time is that Cream wasn’t a band that played together, they played against each other. Kind of a battle of the bands with just one band.
Oh, and close your eyes and imagine Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin all existing at the same time.
Yep...I remember my older sisters were pre- teens and teens...they and friends and older cousins next door went streaking around our whole neighborhood in Houston ...oh amber I was like woaaaahh...i waited for them with their clothes behind the ditch hedge...I was 7 and it was awesome...they were dancing running jumping and free...I guess like in the garden of eden...the music was the best.
Just try to imagine the night that Jimi actually played on stage with Cream
Well said!
EVERY guitar player that started playing in the 70s will point to this guitar solo as a main influence.
The 2nd guitar break is the finest of its kind I've ever heard and likely ever to hear.
And the first wasn't far behind the second.
Badge is a must. Bruce really steps on it on that one.
Edit. The bass on Badge was played by Felix Papillardi, their producer and former bassist and one of the lead singers of the band Mountain, who is mostly known for its epic track Mississippi Queen, which you guys should really check out. Jack Bruce was actually on piano on Badge . Whoever played it, the bass was awesome. I had to correct that before the commenters leapt on me!
Also the bridge part is played by George Harrison!
BADGE is my favorite Cream song!
Early on Papillardi was producing Cream and he made sure Bruce was mixed in well. Great duels between him and Clapton with Baker after it like
like a house on fire! The closer you listen the more you hear.... Amazing
Please react to badge this is a must
Fanny’s version of “Badge” is also out of this world with June Millington’s guitar solo particularly their live version on French TV in 1972.
These guys were essentially like a supergroup in the making. But man I love Jack's bass playing so much and of course Ginger Baker on the drums is fantastic. Young Clapton is killing it and I love the song itself, great story and great imagery. It's an older blues song and it's really pretty dark but they just make it cook.
They were the first supergroup. That's been well documented.
Eric is way up on the list of greatest guitarist of all time. And he has a great voice too! Some people just have it, and Eric for sure, has it. ❤🎸🇬🇧
True...he did a good job developing his vocals.
Should have it like this 🇨🇦🇦🇺 Eric dad is Canadian ww2 veteran.
@@ninjavigilante5311 noted. 😁
I love Clapton, but he is far away from being one of the greatest guitarists. Hes a great musician thats for sure.
Don't forget SRV!
2nd solo - one of the best live improvised solos ever recorded!!!! Eric once said Cream's philosophy was " forget the music and just PLAY"!
The majestic Jack Bruce on bass!
Also played fair harmonica; part of my inspiration to play blues harp.
I must not neglect the truly insane Ginger Baker on drums.
Do you notice how timeless this music is...they could have recorded this just the other day! It still sounds just as great! Jack Bruce is the bassist guys(RIP)
Definitely! I also really loved the supergroup BBM from the early 90's.
It consisted of Bruce, Baker and Gary Moore. Phenomenal band. Too bad they only recorded one album. Check that out if you're unfamiliar. You won't be disappointed. It was like Cream for the 90's.
2 of my favorite guitar solos, EVER.
Bruce's bass amp sounds like the speakers are blown.
That's definitely a classic performance of a great tune. The guitar and bass and drums intertwining on this is just sublime. All 3 soloing at once! hehe
For a band that existed for 3 years, Cream has a deep rabbit hole of incredible rock. In addition to songs already mentioned, I'm adding "Tales of Brave Ulysses", the ultimate blend of power rock & psychedelic poetry. You'll see why this classic 1967 piece was at the forefront of the emerging hard blues/rock sound that Cream & Jimi Hendrix were pioneering. Blessings to you!
Live version of "Tales of Brave Ulysses" from "Live Cream Vol. II" (released in 1972, four years after Cream broke up) is a must. th-cam.com/video/I32Wwfv8v1U/w-d-xo.html Fans have long argued which band deserves most credit for introducing "heavy metal" and usually you hear the same triumvirate mentioned: "Led Zeppelin" debut (1968), "Black Sabbath" (1970) & Deep Purple ("In Rock" 1970). But if ever there was a number that defined "heavy metal" & launched a thousand new bands hoping to capture the audience Cream developed & then abruptly abandoned, it was "Tales of Brave Ulysses." (And dig Eric Clapton's wah-wah pedal work out and Jack Bruce's awesome overdriven bass tone. Whew!
@@ronforeman2556 I just listened to the link you provided. Fantastic performance, though I'm glad I was already familiar with the lyrics.
Jack's delivery increased the dramatic tension and the sense of altered reality.
Altered reality is what Cream was all about for me.
@@ronforeman2556 Agreed that live version is amazing!
@@jamesmaas4833 " ... how his naked ears were tortured, by the siren sweetly singing."
@@ronforeman2556 OH, ho! Nice!
There is something about the blues... it's almost like it physically hurts NOT to get that emotion out of your heart, through your fingers and mouth. You feel it in your whole body. It's so sublime! And by the time the song is over, all those hard feelings get released and then there is nothing left except pure joy. It's like, sometimes you feel better after a good cry or after you go outside and scream at the top of your lungs. It feels wonderful to get it all out. Music speaks it's own language and you don't need an interpreter to understand those feelings. When you are a young teenager with emotions and hormones raging against each other, music is the perfect outlet for all the joy and all the pain and all the frustration of growing up. And it stays with you for life!!!☘️💚
You said - it "hold fast"! (1Thess.5 :21)
If ever a band were named appropriately, it was Cream, because these three musicians were truly the cream of the crop and defined the power trio. Speaking of power trios, you should check out when Rush covered this for their 30th anniversary - big shock they were influenced by Cream, among others.
I wish you guys could have been a teenager/ young adult when all this great music came out! Many of us have been listening to Cream for 40 years or more! Glad you are experiencing all of it and glad we get to see you enjoy it! The best time ever!
I agree! Something that we danced to with wild abandonment! Love this group of GOAT......S!😘😎
It’s been 55+ years for me!!
It’s easy to forget that this is a 3 piece band. The full sound they get live is incredible.
A band at the peak of their power of live performance! Thanks for this. My favorite guitar song...
No one gives Ginger Baker enough credit for that awesome drumming. Thank you for giving him credit. Now, if you want to hear Eric with a different bass player and drummer who were both his equals in the talent department; check out the soundtrack for the movie "Tommy" that was based on the Who rock opera of the same name. "Eyesight To The Blind" is the name of the song.
Eric, Jack, and Ginger got back together and performed at The Royal Albert Hall in 2005. The live sound system they used was so much improved over the early years. Songs like "Stormy Monday", "I'm So Glad", and "Badge" are amazing.
Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were both jazz musicians. "I thought of Cream as sort of a jazz band, only we never told Eric he was really Ornette Coleman." - Jack Bruce
Thanks so much for this blast from the past. Cream sounded like more than 3 artists, just as Pentatonix sounds like so many more than 5. Y'all bring joy to this sentenarian's day. Keep on keepin' on! Edit: BTW, y'all usually make me smile. 😃
Clapton lives down the street from me...well, not exactly, he lives about 20 minutes from me. One of the vendors I've worked with for years told me a story about his son (who was an early 21 pilots band member) got to set up a drum set at Clapton's house...wasn't just some drum set, but drums given to Clapton by Ginger Baker, perhaps the very drums in this video. I'll have to ask the vendor guy next time I see him.
Jack Bruce is the best bass player I have ever seen… I saw him in October 1972 with West, Bruce and Laing ..........Felix Pappalardi is a close second… I saw him with Mountain in 73 and 74
The Mountain - Cream connection is strong, Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
Iconic performance.
Cream of the crop. All three pretty much the best (or nearly) at their respective instruments.
Crossroads is one of those songs that blues based bands all have all done a version of & still do to this day. Jack Bruce is an amazing bass player. 👍🏻
Scotland's genius RIP jack
This footage is from Cream's farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 26 November 1968 and most definitely NOT from San Francisco Winterland as it says in the caption. I have the DVD of this concert at home. Just thought you guys should know that the information given in the caption is wrong. By the way, Cream would reform for a few concerts in 2005 and the concert, again at the Royal Albert Hall was filmed and is available both on CD and DVD. Sadly, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker have both passed away.
..."Class of 76"...Crossroads...a song that is sung by many different groups both rock and country while portrayed in scenes over and over in movie after movie...a classic forever
Check out Creams Royal Albert Hall Concert. It's a reunion after a 30-year split. I have followed Clapton since he played for John Mahall. This band is the first supergroup out of the late 60s. My favorites include "Sunshine of your Love", "Politician", and "Toad". Must be played loud. Enjoy!
When I was in high school in my tiny town , we had a band of classmates and recent grads who play this at Dances.
The 2nd guitar solo put a chill up my spine. I will turn 69 soon, and it still does!
Thanks you two ! You two put a smile on my face 😊.
Three absolute legends.
Clapton is deeply rooted in the blues, and this is basically an uptempo blues song. It's actually a cover version of Robert Johnson's Crossroad Blues (with a bit of Traveling Riverside Blues thrown in).
I personally really dig his guitar work in White Room, myself.
Oh, and if you want to hear Ginger Baker go off on the drums, try Toad (live) from the Wheels of Fire album. It's basically a long Ginger drum solo.
Clapton went on the to most commercially successful career, but Bruce and Baker went on to the more musically creative careers by far. Check out not only Bruce's extensive solo career but the short-loved "supergroup" West, Bruce, and Laing, his one album with Bruce, Baker, and more, his jazz work. etc.
If you liked this, you'll love their epic, 16 minute live version of SPOONFUL. All 3 of them go off! CREAM'S influence on RnR is off the charts. Lynyrd Skynyrd does a killer live version of Crossroads from their "One more from the road" album.
Yes, for me that is both the best version ever of that song and their best extended, live performance. They were a force of nature for sure, there is not much better than 60s Clapton.
Right on Kevin. There’s never been a cover of Cream’s live recording as close as Skynyrd’s live album version. It’s a remarkable stand alone achievement all on it’s own.
You are 100% correct. The live version of "Spoonful" from the "Wheels of Fire" album is one of the finest rock jams ever recorded. At times the Clapton, Bruce and Baker take off in their own direction like each is doing a solo yet they are still interwoven with each other in musical perfection.
THAT performance IS maybe the MOST famous, influential song to most guitar players coming up for at least the next 20 years following the release of this Album. Cream was formed by Clapton, Bruce and Baker to be just that... at the time the Cream of the crop so to speak. They were really 3 of the top players. And Eric Clapton was THE guitar player that everyone, especially other guitar players, were trying to emulate in one way or another.
Jack Bruce was one of the finest musicians to come out of Scotland.
Genius Scotland is extremely proud
@@JohnMckinney-l3u Most Scottish people don't even know who Jack Bruce is, sadly.
@@williamwallace5857 I will try and make sure people realise how incredible jack Bruce was as a musician
I just searched youtube and no one has reacted to Eric Clapton's The Core. It's off slow hand and one of his very best songs. Food for thought.
Great song.
"STRANGE BREW"... trippy and funky!!!
Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
Clapton was also with Derek and the Dominos for a hot minute.
Their top hits:
Bell Bottom Blues
Layla
They have done a reaction to Layla.
Derek and the dominos is soo underrated, Jim gordon and carle radle... are jus as great as jack and ginger but didn't hate eachother lol.
EC was only 23 then and already a veteran having been in both The Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Astonishing. Three musicians at the top of their game.
Speaking of Eric Clapton; another 'must listen' of his is "Bell Bottom Blues" from his days with 'Derek and the Dominos'.
I know you have done Steve Winwood before, but you should really check out the band Traffic ( Steve on vicals) Low spark of high heeled boys. Its awesome.
Legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson wrote Crossroads in 1936, and it's a reference about how he went to a crossroads in Clarksdale Mississippi and made a deal with the Devil to sell him his soul in exchange for musical talent. Today there is a marker at the crossroads in Clarksdale.
The three members of Cream put out some amazing music…😎🍺🎸
There perfect lead instruments all blended together bass drums and guitar . incredible .
Jack Bruce is a ferocious bass player wow
I have to tell you guys how much I appreciate the way that you guys do your reactions. You let the music speak, and then you speak and have a conversation. It gives us a chance to watch your faces without hearing what you have to say at that moment.
There are so many other reaction channels now that you don’t even get a listen to the music because they feel the need to say everything that comes to their mind the second it comes to their mind so many times the reactions aren’t even very insightful because they’re too spontaneous that they don’t give the music a chance before they respond
Jay, I suggest you listen to (or even react to) some of the tracks from the Live Cream album - specifically "Sleepy Time Time" and "Sweet Wine". Some of the best lead bass playing ever recorded, and you will understand why Jack Bruce said he and Ginger Baker "...thought of Cream as sort of a jazz band, only we never told Eric...".
...you can still barrelhouse baby, down by the riverside...clubs in the deep south would heat the room by lighting a barrel of oil on fire. Folk would come to the joint and drink and dance and flirt. Sometimes folk would get rowdy and knock the barrel over and light the joint on fire. This solo plus Jimi Hendrix' Machine Gun (check it out - Band of Gypsys) plus something by Django, Wes, Beck, Page...this version of Crossroads Blues by Robert Johnson basically taught me how to play guitar in 1969. Baker, Bruce, and Clapton were called Cream to imply "cream of the crop".
Thanks for that. I thought the line was...you can still buy a house baby...
@@johnsilva9139 - I thought that until maybe 2003? when a friend of mine, who had a computer (I did not) printed out the Napster lyrics. From 1968-2003 I thought it was "you can still buy a house, baby...".
Their live 60s stuff always jams harder than the studio stuff...they weren't allowed to crank up their amps in the studio (this was a different era) and it has a substantial effect on the feel of the music
These two people are superb .....I grew up during the 1960's saw Cream 6 times live as well as Jack Bruce several times....the way these two react to this GOLDEN AGE and some of it;s greatest songs..........shows that they transcend their time and grasp the greatest of these classics in an intelligent and sophisticated way...
That bass is great!
I cut my teeth on Cream and boom, they were no more. There were three of them, meaning that the music needed three amazing musicians. Clapton was at his best in Cream but you need to hear Ginger Baker on a long version of Toad.
And if you like drummers, it's about time we dipped our toe into some from fusionmeister Billy Cobham's first LP, Spectrum (1971?). Changed drumming forever. I recommend Status or Red Baron but ideally, the album needs to be listened to in one sitting.
In the 60's Eric was referred to as a guitar god as he was just a super master of guitar. Loved this whole album as well as Creams Disraeli Gears album. Jack Bruce was like a man possessed in this song and Ginger Bakers drumming equaled John Bonham. What a great time to be alive hearing all this iconic music.
This piece of dynamite has about 10 seconds in Eric's 2nd solo of the most intense playing by 3 guys...most people that know this song know exactly when that happens...Cream reminds me of a charging rhinoceros...
Agreed. I've yet to hear a match to that second solo. Doesn't last too long, doesnt have to, the impact is in its brevity.
One of my favorites! Eric Clapton is just EVERYTHING!
I got to see Clapton on his world tour in 2006, and he closed out his show with this song. He brought Robert Cray back out who opened the show and they traded solos for like 10 minutes.... fantastic stuff.
Yes! You could react to the entire Cream album "Disraeli Gears" album, or the double album this song is off of "Wheels of Fire" Jack Bruce did most of the vocals, and he had some amazing solo album work after Cream broke up (check out "Rope Ladder To The Moon" or "Theme From An Imaginary Western".
I often use this song to show jazz fans that yes, there is some great improv in rock and talent in rock.
Would love to see you check out Jack Bruce solo, maybe "Rope Ladder To The Moon", where he plays bass, piano & cello. He was a very talented and versatile musician in his own right.
Cream actually did a couple Falstaff Beer jingles back in the day. Falstaff the thirst Slaker, “ Falstaff the beer that can slake any thirst any day” was the refrain
Let it Rain from Eric Clapton is sooo good!
I'm 71 years old and have seen most all of the great guitarists live and Clapton is, without a doubt, the greatest EVER! I have seen him over a dozen times in different venues since the seventies and every single time, he has just blown me away. And not only can he play, but he can write and sing and in my mind is the greatest musician of all time, bar none! And Cream is the best three man band that ever performed together. I highly recommend their 2005 reunion performance DVD at Albert Hall, a four night affair which will just absolutely amaze you. Just crank it up and enjoy the best of the best!!
Believe it or not Lynyrd Skynyrd performs a great cover of this song on their One More From the Road live album in 76.
skynyrds version is better than this really
I saw them play it that year here in Nashville
Great album
The song was first recorded in 1936 by Robert Johnson and is one of the great blues classics. Cream was the essence of the less is more credo. Each member is an absolute craftsman on their instrument and should be recognized as such. This song just proves they were indeed the Cream of British blues. To me the great part is how they can go into the solos and just drop back into the vocals.
Eric Clapton is a BEAST!!! And Cream are MONSTERS!!!! They never let me down. They have always jam out to all there songs!!!! Love them!!!
Cream +"Crossroads" = mic drop❤
Jack Bruce was a fantastic Bass Player
Jack the Bruce and Ginger the Baker are both in Rock Heaven now, no? Lucky Heaven!
I grew up with their albums and liked some of their deep cuts that never played on Radio. "Dance the Night Away" for example. But for y'all I am gonna suggest "I'm So Glad" since y'all make me glad. Crossroads kicked serious arse. Check out the Mississippi delta original. Robert Johnson, I think. Cream was all about our African-American roots music.
They're singing about the crossroads near Rosedale Mississippi where Bluesman Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil to learn to play the guitar. He did, but died penny-less...
Thank you Rob Squad. You finally got around to one of the foundational pieces of music, in the long history of Hard Rock. This one live recording (thank God they rolled tape that night) was a pivotal moment in influencing most of what came after. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s live cover of the Cream version is worth a listen, as it’s a stand alone achievement all on it’s own. 🤘😎
You might try the studio version of Sitting On Top of the World, a lovely slow blues number - when these guys take their time, it's even better, the fudgy bass, incandescent guitar, Bruce's impassioned R&B vocals
Wanna hear another Eric Clapton solo that is on par with this? “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” live.
The video of this (not the audio) is taken from thier farewell concert. The opening act was a new band called YES.
Finally! The best live recording of Cream and to this day the craziest solo by Eric Clapton. Two other must have songs: Strange Brew and Badge. And from the post Cream era another Band with EC and Ginger Baker you've already heard: Blind Faith. You've got to listen to Do What You Like with solos by all members. You'll be blown away. Thanks for your videos!
Blind Faith was amazing. I love how Clapton and Steve Winwood interacted together musically.
That is why they chose the name Cream, because all three were the very top or Cream of the crop. R.I.P. Jack and Ginger!
My vote..Clapton is the best.
But Wow Jay and Amber, you guys have grown into music so much since you started.
To listen you two discuss and appreciate the nuances of this music now is so amazing.
love it🎉
Indeed
You guys should do the band Mountain. Felix Pappalardi produced Cream and then formed Mountain as the American version. They even do a couple songs written by Jack Bruce. Felix had that bass sound like Jack.
The Mountain - Cream connection is strong, Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
@@ratroute8238 I was going to suggest "Theme.." for them to listen to. That and Nantucket Sleigh ride. Lets get some thumbs up for MOUNTAIN!😎
@@ratroute8238 In fact here is Jack Bruce live solo doing Theme from and Imaginary Western showing off his singing and piano playing chops. What giants we witnessed!
th-cam.com/video/eszCRHkI9zA/w-d-xo.html
If you want some more Eric Clapton stretching out, from a year later, do from Blind Faith his Had to Cry Today, one of Clapton's best songs, riffs and extended solos, ably helped by Steve Winwood. Great tune and enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
There's a live version of "spoonfull" from dutch TV that is well worth a look. Jack singing too
I'm glad to see you reacting to one with Eric Clapton vocals. Jack Bruce did a fine job, but I always preferred Clapton's. As stated below, you'll like his vocals on "Badge".
This is a cover by Robert Johnson written/recorded around 1936 - 1937
One of the first psychedelic bands!! Love it!!
No they aren't. Haven't you heard of Quicksilver Messenger Service???. The song Cream is playing is blues and rock. Sounds like the Allman Brothers.
I agree! My favorite Clapton solo. Screaming twang from that Gibson 335 with JB’s driving bass and GB’s jazz/rock flawless beats. Three guys live - wow!
🔥🔥🔥 FIRE! Iconic singer, song,group Awesome! Either out in 68, more like 69. I'm listening to music since 58. I still say the best music ever is from 68, 69 and 70. Strange Brew and White Room and Badge are incredibly good also
San Francisco 1968.
R.i.p. Ginger Baker. An amazing drummer, and Jack Bruce. a great bassist. You both are gone, but your music lives on.
You need to do Mississippi Queen by Mountain!
Absolutely. Another rockin power trio. Lesley West on guitar and Felix Pappalardi on bass. Felix produced the Cream album.
The Mountain - Cream connection is strong, Felix Pappalardi played on and produced Creams best albums(wrote Strange Brew) and produced Jack's solo album Songs for a Tailor which had Theme for an Imaginary Western on it and then Leslie West's guitar solos pushed it into history for Mountain.
Chicago Joe here... Now you have to see "Crossroads" 1986 with Ralph Macchio. 😜🤪😝
Long live Robert Johnson!
Great pick. Jack Bruce Ginger Baker Eric Clapton …….Cream’s ‘Sunshine of your Love’ is one of my faves.
Cream is very under appreciated. Not under rated.
One of the most underrated bass player and vocalist, Jack Bruce. I saw Jack Bruce Band, West Bruce, and Lange, and Cream
Cream for the short time they were together 1966 to 1968 gave us some of the best music of all time. you have to appreciate the music they gave us. Peace my Friends and rock on.
As already said, Cream was a supergroup before such a thing existed! My boyfriend at that time was a drummer and idolised Ginger Baker so I had a LOT of exposure to Cream. Loved Eric Clapton ever since.
Jack Bruce plays the Bass here like a lead, amazing.
Somebody asked Eric Clapton what it was like to be the best guitar player ever, and he said I don't know, go ask Prince.
OH!! Another cool classic group and great song. I love Crossroads. Thanks, your 2 for 3 tonight. Loving ya. Have a goodnight. Go with God. Peace and love to you and yours.