If you're an Eric Clapton fan you probably have not been too keen on his laidback products from the past few years. Sure, he's had a lot of solo success (due in large part to his Grammy sweep in 1993) but his legacy is rooted in his days with the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreaker and, most prominently, Cream.
Cream, who virtually invented the power trio, had a brief existence in the mid-to-late '60s and was the inspiration for a horde of sometimes lesser talents that tried to borrow their mix of blues, psychedelia and hard rock. The group folded in 1968 and, save for a brief set at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction a decade ago, Clapton had allegedly been ducking the prospect of a Cream reunion for some time. But it appears that he has decided to face his past, agreeing to a handful of gigs at London's Royal Albert Hall (the site of their last show in '68) this past May, the footage from which comprises this new live DVD set.
This DVD captures the band's performances over a couple of different nights at the London shows and presents the trio - all now nearing Social Security age - as raw, skilled, and quite the elder-statesmen. Bassist Jack Bruce, who has had health issues of late, stands alongside Clapton as they gallantly relive Cream's glory days.
Bruce is a commanding performer, handling the majority of the band's lead vocals, and is such a presence that one wonders why he did not have as rich a solo career as his more illustrious band mate. Bruce's cavernous, poignant vocals are still intact, and shine on Cream classics "I'm So Glad" and "Politician." Likewise his shared vocal trades with Clapton on the oft-covered "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room" are mesmerizing.
Clapton has clearly left his laidback image at home; the DVD footage reminds us why he will always have a place on the Mount Rushmore of great guitarists. Yet while Clapton does let loose, especially compared to recent years, he's still a bit restrained and does not really let his Fender rip until the final moments of "White Room" - which is a tad disappointing, as the wah-wah pedal effect on the song's original version was a unique invitation to the psychedelic world that Cream helped create. It would have been amazing to see Clapton fully recreate that live. But then again, knowing Clapton's history, revisiting his psychedelic days may not be among his favorite trips down memory lane.
Some better recollections for Clapton certainly come from his notable love for the blues. He really stands out on the band's cover of blues icon Robert Johnson's "Crossroads." Clapton's passionate delivery still makes him sound like the enthusiastic 20-something he was when Cream originally covered the song.
He also does a remarkable job on the George Harrison-penned "Badge." Though not as consummate as the original version, which featured some great guest guitar work from Harrison, it still conveys the passionate "where the hell did my life go" philosophizing that Harrison was a master of.
Not to be outdone, Cream drummer Ginger Baker also seizes the spotlight on occasion and certainly makes the most of his limited time as front-man. His rendering (one could not really say "singing") of "Pressed Rat & Warthog" is still interesting in an Edgar Allen Poe type of way - even if it does permanently reek of 1968 - but it is in his drum solo workout on "Toad" where he makes his mark. Several years before Led Zeppelin's John Bonham would make "Moby Dick" his concert centerpiece, Baker laid the blueprint to all drummers for how not to get lost in a sea of overwhelming talent. Was the wait worth it? Sure was. Just the fact that all the members of the band are still alive and healthy is a feat in itself. Knowing that Cream can pick up after all these years is not only a nod to their talent, but also proof that their music holds the same power that it did thirty years ago.
If you're not convinced, refer to the scene in "Goodfellas" when Robert DeNiro gives a menacing glance to an associate he is apparently going to "whack." DeNiro never says a word, but as the heavy riff from "Sunshine of Your Love" kicks in just as he initiates his murderous stare, you just know what is going to transpire.
It would be good if this string of shows will set the stage for a full Cream reunion tour. If not, this spectacular DVD will certainly more than suffice as a great, if long awaited, encore.
