By the mid-1960s, the spotlight in the music industry began to shift from jazz ensembles to the burgeoning rhythm and blues scene.
Among the notable figures of this transition was Graham Bond, a multifaceted musician whose innovative spirit would inadvertently influence a multitude of bands in the years to come.
Let’s rewind to the origins of one of Britain’s moast iconic supergroups, exploring the tumultuous beginnings, lineup changes, and the creative sparks that ignited their legendary status.
Introducing Graham Bond
Graham bond kicked off his musical journey in the jazz realm, initially performing with Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. In 1962, he departed from the group to establish the Graham Bond Quartet, enlisting Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, both of whom were also part of Korner’s ensemble, along with guitarist john McLaughlin.
As the 1960s progressed, Bond shifted his focus towards the more commercially viable blues genre, retaining the quartet’s lineup while adding saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith. Bond transitioned to playing the Hammond organ and taking on vocal duties, leading to the formation of the Graham Bond Organisation, which quickly made a name for itself, releasing their debut album in Febuary 1965.
However, the band soon faced challenges, notably with substance abuse, which became a meaningful issue for Bond. Tensions escalated between Jack Bruce and ginger Baker, frequently enough resulting in heated confrontations.
Feeling overwhelmed, Bond relinquished control to Baker, who seized the possibility to dismiss Bruce. The band continued as a trio,but the chemistry was lacking. Baker eventually left the group, citing Bond’s increasing unreliability due to his drug use.
The Formation of a New Trio
With the band in disarray, Ginger Baker sought to form a new group and instantly thought of Eric clapton, whom he had encountered frequently on the London club circuit. At that time, graffiti proclaiming “Clapton is God” was a common sight, reflecting his immense popularity.
Clapton’s distinctive sound, achieved with his cherished 1959 sunburst Gibson Les Paul through a JTM45 Marshall amplifier, contributed significantly to his acclaim. He had purchased this guitar from Lew Davis’s shop in London’s Charing Cross Road in 1965, using earnings from his stint with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. The inspiration for the guitar came from the album cover of Freddie King’s Let’s Hide Away and Dance Away, despite King actually holding a Goldtop model.
On May 13, 1966, Baker attended a Bluesbreakers concert in Oxford and proposed a jam session with Clapton. The two musicians instantly clicked,both musically and personally. After the show, Baker offered Clapton a ride home and invited him to join his new band.
At this point, Clapton was eager to break free from merely emulating his blues idols and was open to new musical ventures. His only stipulation was that Jack Bruce must be part of the band,unaware of the previous conflicts between Bruce and Baker.
Initially surprised, Baker respected Bruce’s talent and recognized the potential synergy among the trio. After some encouragement from his wife, Baker reached out to Bruce to gauge his interest in moving past their differences and joining the new project.
Bruce, while under contract with Manfred Mann, was dissatisfied with the pop direction of the band. He had previously played alongside Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers in late 1965, and they had enjoyed their time together, even recording tracks for a blues compilation album, What’s Shakin’, in March 1966. Bruce agreed to join,and Baker suggested Robert Stigwood as their manager,having known him from his time with Graham Bond.
The trio aimed to collaborate rather than compete as individual artists. Initially, clapton envisioned himself as the lead vocalist but soon recognized Bruce’s superior vocal prowess and extensive experience. Clapton viewed their collective musicianship as exceptional and proposed the name ‘Cream’ for the band.
Rehearsals commenced at Baker’s flat in Neasden, North London, before relocating to St Anne’s Brondesbury Church Hall in West Kilburn. The chemistry among the three musicians was palpable from the start, and they sensed they were onto something special.
Chris Welch from melody Maker happened to be at the hall and joined the band for a break at a nearby café. Robert Stigwood,who was present during the rehearsals,asked Welch for his opinion on the band’s potential.
Fortunately, Welch expressed enthusiasm. Had he been less impressed, the band might never have launched. Stigwood then suggested they simply go by the name ‘Cream’.
![Cream pictured in london,1967 [L-R]: Eric Clapton,Jack Bruce,Ginger Baker](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oBGRx9bwkLynGJYCvLeXJB-1200-80.jpg.webp "Unplugged Legends: The Rise of Cream - Clapton, Bruce & Baker's Formative Journey 7")
Shortly after their formation, Clapton’s prized ‘Beano’ Les Paul was stolen from their rehearsal space, along with his distinctive leather strap inscribed with the names of his blues idols.
“You’ve probably heard about me taking the covers off my pickups: this is something I would definitely recommend for any guitarist.The advancement, sound-wise, is unbelievable.”
In an effort to recover his guitar, Clapton reached out to the music press, providing detailed descriptions of the instrument and the engraved names, making it easier for anyone to identify the stolen items if they appeared for sale.
He described the guitar to Record Mirror as “a Les Paul Standard, five or six years old, small and solid. It has one cutaway and is a red-gold color with Grover machine heads. The back is heavily scratched,and ther are several cigarette burns on the front.”
Notably, Clapton had removed the metal pickup covers towards the end of 1965, exposing the bobbins: double-white at the neck and double-black at the bridge. In early 1966, he shared with Beat Instrumental: “You’ve probably heard about me taking the covers off my pickups: this is something I would definitely recommend for any guitarist. The improvement, sound-wise, is unbelievable.”
Watch On
Despite numerous rumored sightings on the East Coast of the united States, eric Clapton’s beloved Les Paul has never been recovered. he later expressed that this particular guitar was the finest he had ever owned.
while Clapton also had a Gibson ES-335 from his tenure with The Yardbirds, he cherished the unique sound produced by the Les Paul. For the initial months of Cream, he borrowed a Les Paul, possibly from Keith richards, before eventually acquiring another ‘Burst from Andy Summers.
To add insult to injury, Clapton’s original Les Paul case was stolen during a cream performance at Klooks kleek. He speculated that the thief had returned to claim the case after taking his guitar.
In an unexpected twist, Clapton contemplated purchasing a rickenbacker shortly after the theft, as Les Paul guitars were scarce at that time. This decision seemed peculiar, given that the tonal quality would differ significantly from that of a Les Paul.
Crafting Their Legacy
Robert Stigwood took charge of organizing press releases, scheduling tour dates, and securing studio time for their debut single and album. The primary challenge was that neither Ginger Baker nor Eric clapton were songwriters. However, jack Bruce proved to be a talented composer and collaborated with lyricist and beat poet Pete Brown to create a series of songs for Cream’s inaugural album, blending pop tracks with carefully selected blues covers.
In August 1966, they spent three days recording at rayrik Sound Studios in Chalk Farm, aiming to release a single that would capture the public’s attention. Even though the studio was quite basic and more suited for demos,they managed to record four tracks: Coffee Song,Beauty Queen,You Make Me Feel,and Wrapping Paper.
Watch On
Ultimately, they chose to release Wrapping Paper, a rather lackluster track that failed to resonate with audiences. It was perceived more as a light-hearted music-hall piece than a genuine blues or pop song.Coffee Song had also been in contention for release but was ultimately passed over.
This decision proved disappointing, as Stigwood’s label, Reaction, withdrew 10,000 copies from stores due to poor sales. Clapton expressed his frustration to Record Mirror, stating, “I’m weary of being labeled a specialist musician. Manny assumed Cream would be a blues band, but in reality, we’re more of a pop group.”
In a conversation with Chris Welch from Melody Maker,Clapton remarked,”People frequently enough view us as three solo artists clashing with one another. we aim to dispel that notion and present ourselves as a cohesive group.”
The Rise of Cream
Cream kicked off their tour with a warm-up performance on July 29, 1966, at the renowned Twisted Wheel in Manchester, followed by another set in the early hours of July 30. The following day marked their official debut at the 6th National Jazz and Blues Festival held at the Royal Windsor Racecourse in Berkshire.
Despite performing in heavy rain, the band delivered a thrilling 40-minute set that captivated around 10,000 fans. Highlights included Ginger Baker’s electrifying drum solo during Toad, which left the audience clamoring for more.
The tour continued throughout the year across the UK, with the band often performing two shows a night. while Cream typically refrained from inviting guest musicians on stage, there was one notable exception on October 1, 1966, at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London.
Jimi Hendrix, the rising star of the time, requested to join them for a jam session.Clapton and Hendrix held mutual admiration for each other, and despite Baker’s reservations, they welcomed Hendrix on stage.
the two artists delivered a powerful rendition of Howlin’ Wolf’s Killing Floor, much to the delight of the audience. This collaboration solidified the burgeoning reputations of both Cream and Hendrix.
Watch On
The recording of Fresh Cream, the inaugural album from the band, took place during rare breaks in their touring schedule at Ryemuse Studios located in Mayfair. In december 1966, they released I Feel Free as their second single, accompanied by N.S.U., serving as a preview of the upcoming album. This track, with its vibrant pop sound, sharply contrasted with their first single and climbed to No.11 on the UK charts, generating significant excitement for the album’s release.
The album’s artwork featured different typographic styles for its releases in the UK, Europe, and the US.Notably, the UK single I Feel Free was included in the US version of the album in 1967, replacing Spoonful. Meanwhile, European editions enjoyed the addition of Wrapping Paper and The Coffee Song as bonus tracks.
One of the most intriguing releases was aimed at the French audience, where Polydor launched a four-track EP featuring a distinctive version of Cat’s Squirrel, showcasing an entirely different guitar solo by Eric Clapton. This EP has since become a highly sought-after collector’s item. Fortunately, it is now accessible through the deluxe editions of the album at a more affordable price compared to the original release.
In an era before the rise of social media, bands relied on radio sessions and appearances on popular youth television programs like Ready Steady Go! to promote their music. Cream’s numerous BBC Radio sessions significantly contributed to their growing popularity, and over the years, their debut album has gained recognition as a timeless classic, remaining a vital part of music history.
Unplugged Legends: The Rise of Cream – Clapton, Bruce & Baker’s formative Journey
The Formation of cream
In the mid-1960s, the music scene was evolving rapidly, and the emergence of Cream marked a significant turning point in rock history. Formed in 1966, Cream was a supergroup consisting of three legendary musicians: Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Each member brought their unique talents and influences, creating a sound that would redefine rock music.
Early Beginnings
Before Cream, Clapton was known for his work wiht The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, where he developed his signature guitar style. Jack Bruce, a talented bassist and vocalist, had also played with the Graham Bond Organisation, while Ginger Baker was renowned for his innovative drumming techniques. Their paths crossed frequently in London’s vibrant music scene, leading to the formation of Cream.
Musical Chemistry
The chemistry among Clapton, Bruce, and Baker was palpable from the start. They aimed to create a collaborative habitat rather than compete as solo artists. This synergy resulted in a unique blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds that captivated audiences.
Innovative Sound and Style
Cream’s music was characterized by its improvisational style and fusion of genres.They were pioneers in the use of extended jams and complex arrangements, which set them apart from their contemporaries. Their debut album, Fresh Cream, released in 1966, showcased their innovative approach and included hits like I Feel Free and Spoonful.
Key Tracks and Albums
- Fresh Cream (1966) - their debut album featuring a mix of original songs and blues covers.
- Disraeli Gears (1967) – This album included the iconic track Sunshine of Your love, which became a defining song of the era.
- Wheels of Fire (1968) – A double album that showcased their live performances and studio work, featuring the hit White Room.
Impact on rock Music
Cream’s influence on rock music is undeniable. They were among the first bands to blend blues with rock,paving the way for future generations of musicians. Their innovative use of feedback, distortion, and improvisation inspired countless artists, from Led zeppelin to modern-day rock bands.
Legacy and Recognition
Despite their relatively short career, Cream’s impact has been profound. They were inducted into the rock and Roll hall of Fame in 1993, and their music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Their albums remain essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of rock music.
Benefits of Listening to Cream
Listening to Cream offers several benefits, including:
- Musical Education: Their innovative techniques provide valuable lessons in musicianship and creativity.
- Inspiration: The band’s ability to blend genres encourages listeners to explore their musical boundaries.
- Timeless Appeal: Cream’s music remains relevant, appealing to both new and old generations of music lovers.
Practical Tips for New Musicians
If you’re inspired by Cream and want to develop your musical skills, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with Improvisation: Take time to jam with other musicians and explore different musical ideas.
- Learn from the Greats: Study the techniques of Clapton,Bruce,and Baker to understand their unique styles.
- Collaborate: Work with other musicians to create a diverse sound and learn from each other.
Case Studies: The Influence of Cream
| Artist | Influence from Cream | notable work |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | Blues-infused rock sound | Whole Lotta Love |
| Guitarists like joe satriani | Improvisational techniques | Surfing with the Alien |
| Modern Rock Bands | Genre-blending styles | Various chart-topping hits |
First-hand Experience: Musicians Reflect on Cream
Many musicians cite Cream as a significant influence on their careers. here are a few reflections:
“cream taught me the power of improvisation and the beauty of blending different musical styles.” – Guitarist
“Their music pushed me to explore beyond traditional rock and dive into blues and jazz.” – Drummer
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