Words by Annette Valentine
The sons of Cream are igniting the songs of the original super-group line up of Eric Clapton (guitarist singer), Ginger Baker (drums) and Jack Bruce (Bassist and singer songwriter) formed in 1966. The sons, Will Johns, Eric’s nephew, Kofi Baker, Gingers son and Malcolm Bruce, Jacks son, are all artists in their own right.
The energetic soloists take to the stage at the 02 Forum Kentish Town, opening with rare footage on screens of their mentors and forefathers and blasted the audience with the polyrhythmic and psychedelic song Outside Woman Blues, sang by Will and next up, Politician by Malcolm. Badge, Sleepy Time Time and Deserted Cities of the Heart kept the Cream classics rolling, followed by the expected Strange Brew, with Will and Malcolm both singing full throttle.
A solo from Kofi, Pressed Rat and Warthog has him enveloped in light, cocooned as if in a time capsule with footage on screen of his dad drumming, with the trace of Ginger’s African travels filtering through the drum beat.
Maya, Malcolm’s daughter, makes a surprise performance singing Swlabr, showing the talent running through the family veins. The audience are riveted with Crossroads sang by Will and Born under a Bad Sign by Malcolm. The trio talk of personal memories and the legacy of keeping the music alive, which is a joy to listen to.
The crowd are electrified and if you close your eyes you would think you were back in the time, especially when Cream lyricist Pete Brown appears and sings White Room; what a treat.
Sitting on top of the World and Sweet Wine are almost transcendental by the force of nature breezing around the forum. Sunshine of your Love sang by Malcolm, Kofi and Pete is capturing the essence of Cream and the leaders that they were for bands like Led Zeppelin.
After an encore, the insatiable audience are treated to Spoonful with Malcolm singing , Kofi drumming and Will playing guitar, sprightly, superbly and brilliantly, bringing the music home.
sounds fantastic, sad i missed the show!- great words.
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