Spring forward, they said. It’ll be fine, they said. Right, which explains why I’m typing this on a Monday midafternoon with my head in a daze. Then again, how could one not get dazed and perhaps a tad confused (in the best way possible) to the heavy tuneage of Cream? Unfortunately, I was born too late (31 years, to be exact) to experience the legendary power trio during their original run, and was only 6 years old when they did their series of reunion shows at the Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden, so for me, Cream’s music has only lived in the form of old records and archival footage. Well, that and the occasional suburban sports-bar band poorly muddling their way through “Sunshine of Your Love”, if that counts.
Last night, however, I was finally able to experience the music of Cream in a way I never thought imaginable: Live, onstage, and proper. Who better to be torchbearers of this legacy than their heirs themselves? Sons of Cream are exactly what the name implies: Not just a tribute, but a flesh and blood testament to the band by their children. Jack Bruce’s son, Malcolm, handles bass and vocals, while Ginger Baker’s son, Kofi, holds down the drums. On guitars and vocals is Rob Johnson, great grandson of Baker. Together, these three musicians not only nail every last sonic detail of their fathers’ music, but embody the adventurous spirit that made them one of the most thrilling units to ever grace this planet.
While my tolerance for so-called jamming varies in a live sense, when executed right by pros, I can go for it all night. Mind you, this wasn’t your run of the mill lite jam band at your local watering hole, dragging out a half-assed rendition of The Allman Brothers’ “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” just to pass time. These are three virtuosos who fully grasp their fathers’ usage of improvisation, and use it as a tool to breathe new life into classic compositions. Not only that, but it made me appreciate Cream themselves as musicians even more. My two biggest takeaways from these jams: 1. As much as we give Jack Bruce credit for being a powerhouse singer and genius songwriter, we don’t honor his artistry as a bassist enough. His lines were absolutely insane, and it didn’t hit me until watching his kid execute them. 2. Has any drummer in the history of rock n’ roll used cymbals more tastefully or effectively than Ginger Baker? No.
As far as the setlist goes, amidst the jams, it was a solid balance of both hits and deep cuts. “White Room” got the evening off to an explosive start, while the fuzzed out psych of “SWLABR” and proto-doom crawl of “Politician” set the stage for an evening of eclectic classic rockers that simultaneously encapsulated downhome blues, jazzy precision, vintage psychedelia, and early metallic heft. Johnson did a damn fine Clapton on both guitar and vocals on standouts like “I’m So Glad” and “Crossroads”, while Baker did his old man proud on “Pressed Rat and Warthog” and the iconic “Toad”. Speaking of his old man, whether the dearly departed Ginger liked it or not, there’s no denying the morose atmosphere and lumbering riffage of “Tales of Brave Ulysses” and “We’re Going Wrong” was only a step away from the likes of Sabbath and Pentagram.
By the time Sons of Cream wrapped up the jam-packed evening (pun fully intended) with “Sunshine of Your Love”, the crowd, largely consisting of first-generation Cream fans, were on their feet in approval. Hell, I’m only 27 and am crying about hearing this classic of the psychedelic age being butchered by amateurs. I could only imagine how many times somebody in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s have been punished by such. To hear it done right, complete with an extended jam (because why not) was the perfect finale. Whether you’re an OG who witnessed the glory of Cream firsthand, or a youngster who missed out, if you bow at the altar of all things heavy, fuzzy, bluesy, and bizarre, Sons of Cream are a must-see attraction. While last night marked the end of their latest tour, it’s only a matter of time before they embark upon another leg, and when they do, it’s best you hit the “Crossroads” and catch ’em live!
Setlist
- “White Room”
- “SWLABR”
- “Politician”
- “Outside Woman Blues”
- “Sleepy Time Time”
- “Pressed Rat and Warthog”
- “Crossroads”
- “I’m So Glad”
- “Sweet Wine”
- “Toad”
- “N.S.U.”
- “Can’t Find My Way Home” (Blind Faith song)
- “Sitting on Top of the World”
- “Had to Cry Today” (Blind Faith song)
- “Tales of Brave Ulysses”
- “We’re Going Wrong”
- “Spoonful”
- “Sunshine of Your Love”
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