Review by Dave Gardiner
Photos by Stan Johnson
The Music Of Cream 50th Anniversary World Tour isn’t your usual tribute band playing the hits. In this day and age, groups covering popular bands like the Beatles, Pink Floyd and the like are common and many. What sets this show apart is probably the shared DNA between the players and the members of Cream.
Drummer Kofi Baker is the son of Ginger, bassist Malcolm Bruce is the son of Jack, and guitarist Will Johns is Eric Clapton’s nephew (his parents are famed engineer and producer Andy Johns and actress Paula Boyd, sister of Patti, who was married to both Eric Clapton and George Harrison).
These three have known the music their entire lives and were supported by their family to hone their musical skills. This was an interesting element of the show because each member, along with playing the music, had stories to tell about their upbringing amongst Britain’s rock royalty.
The origin of this production started a couple years ago in New Zealand with Kofi Baker meeting tour manager Simon Roberts. A tour of Australia and New Zealand was set up initially with former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, but he bailed at the last minute, and Robben Ford and Glenn Hughes saved the tour.
The audience was happy to hear the songs because no one was playing this music. Afterwards, Kofi brought in Malcolm because he had played with Ginger. Will Johns was then recruited because of his vocal and guitar skills.
The show at the Egg began with “NSU” with the drive and energy we hoped for. It’s always been a favorite of mine. “Outside Woman Blues” followed, which was expected because I had asked Malcolm if they were planning to play it. Malcolm shared vocals with Will. Neither have a voice that sounds like Eric Clapton or Jack Bruce, but they have the feel, and the selections they played sounded fresh.
Behind the group was a large screen with psychedelic oil flow images reminiscent of the late 60s. Photos of Cream started to creep in, then as the songs changed, kaleidoscopic images of bright colors and day-glow mushrooms appeared.
The first set contained unique versions of “Politician” and “Badge” from Cream’s 1969 Goodbye album, bending and stretching them into improvisational jams based on the jazz backgrounds of Baker and Bruce melding into the rock and blues background of Clapton.
Malcolm explained that, in the early days, Cream was pressured into writing their own songs. The first original song they recorded was “Sleepy Time Time,” inspired by Malcolm’s mother Janet putting her young son to sleep. Photo images of her with a young Malcolm appeared on the screen as the band played the song.
After playing “Strange Brew,” Kofi took the microphone to sing “Pressed Rat And Warthog” sounding quite like his father. Estrangement between Kofi and Ginger continues; Kofi told me that Malcolm had actually spent more time with his father than he had. This was evident in the Ginger Baker biopic Beware Of Mr. Baker.
After closing the first set with “SWALBR,” I chose to stay in my seat to watch a video about Cream that was shown during intermission. The band returned to the stage with “I’m So Glad,” and I realized they had the feel right without trying to sound like Cream. They had their own interpretation of this great song.
Will, backed by photos of himself with Clapton during the 70s, recalled going into the studio at Uncle Eric’s house and loudly playing along to ZZ Top on drums. Clapton suggested he learn a real instrument, which Will assumed meant the guitar, and taught him the beginning notes of “Crossroads.” Will was left to figure out the rest on his own. The trio played this with reckless abandon at the Egg.
Staying with the blues, we heard “Born Under A Bad Sign,” with a hint of reggae, after which we were treated to a great vocal opening to the epic “White Room.” They also played “Sitting On Top Of The World” and “Sweet Wine,” which I was happy to hear.
Kofi took liberty to entertain the audience with his dad’s “Toad,” which lasted nearly 15 minutes. It was no simple feat since he recently broke his hand and was playing in pain. I was in denial that he had been hurt at all based on his performance, but after the show he told me that he had been dropping sticks through the night. I only noticed him enjoying his workout and delivering his solo naturally. I was reminded of seeing his father play on the same stage a few years prior.
My favorite song of the night was introduced by Malcolm as a composition his dad wrote about the downside of his relationship with his wife. The classic “We’re Going Wrong,” was backed by projected psychedelic imagery and family photos. I was moved at Malcolm’s energy and sincere delivery.
They had to do “Sunshine Of Your Love,” and much to everyone’s delight, they tore it up. Then they left the stage, only to return with a powerful version of “Spoonful.” For me, this was a perfect setlist and it received a rousing ovation. If you’re fan of Cream, I recommend catching this tour if it comes to your town. After finishing up the east coast, the plan is to tour the UK and parts of Europe, before eventually returning to the States and playing the West coast.
