On November 3rd, 2023, Malcolm Bruce and an all-star cast of legendary musicians will release a stunning tribute album to the band Cream. Malcolm Bruce is the son of the legendary Jack Bruce of Cream. The album entitled Heavenly Cream: An Acoustic Tribute to Cream presents fifteen classic Cream songs. The making of the album began before the pandemic hit. At the time Ginger Baker was still alive and happily participated in the recording playing drums on the songs “Sunshine of Your Love,” “Sweet Wine” and “Crossroads.” Additionally Cream lyricist Peter Brown sang lead vocals on three of the album’s tracks including the songs, “White Room,” “Theme for An Imaginary Western,” and “Politician.” Sadly both Ginger Baker and Peter Brown have passed away. The Heavenly Cream: An Acoustic Tribute to Cream stands as Ginger Baker’s last studio recording. Jack Bruce passed away in 2014. Eric Clapton is the lone living member of the band Cream.
The tribute album also features phenomenal vocalist Paul Rodgers singing lead vocals on the song “Born Under A Bad Sign.” The legendary UK singer Maggie Bell sings lead vocals on the cut “Crossroads.” Modern day blues guitar hero Joe Bonamassa is found all over the record playing scorching guitar and singing some killer vocals. Clem Clempson of Colosseum and Humble Pie straps on his guitar and hits it out of the park.
There are so many legends who have contributed to the album including major guitar work by the late Bernie Marsden of Whitesnake fame. Deborah Bonham the sister of the late John Bonham will knock you out with her stunning lead vocals. Also on the album were acclaimed musicians Pee Wee Ellis, Mo Foster, Neil Murray, Frank Tontoh, John Donaldson, Cheryl Alleyne, Helen Hardy, Holly Morrison, Calina de la Mar, John Smart, Laura Fairburst, Naomi Fairhurst, Abass Dodoo, Moreno Buttinar, Mo Nazam, Henry Lowther, Bobby Rush, Rob Cass, Andy Hodge, Tony Remy, Peter Bullick, Winsron Blissett and of course the multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Bruce.
Cream stands as one of the most important musical acts in classic rock history. The band Cream was first formed in 1966 when Eric Clapton had been playing guitar in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker would form what was recognized as one of rock’s first supergroups. While Eric Clapton’s blues roots fueled many of the band’s compositions, some of Jack Bruce’s musical inspirations came from the soulful rhythmic playing of Motown’s house bassist Jamie Jamerson. Ginger Baker’s powerful playing echoed the sounds of world music. The combination of all these various musical inspirations among the three extremely talented members of Cream resulted in a body of work that was groundbreaking and even more importantly, much loved by music fans.
Cream’s efforts and success in pushing the limitations of straight ahead rock and roll into expressing improvisational progressive jams that crossed the genres of jazz, world music and rock and roll is echoed on the new Cream tribute album. In my interview with Malcolm Bruce, the musician states how important the art of improvisation is to himself and his musical family. Malcolm Bruce is a soulful spirit. He understands the power of music and how it can bring people together. This is a compelling interview with an artist who celebrates his father’s legacy while also creating his own. He was a joy to speak with. We hope you enjoy this fabulous interview
Heavenly Cream: An Acoustic Tribute to Cream
Below are the track listings and album credits for this wonderful tribute album.
ALBUM CREDITS
Studio Engineers: John Moon, Paul Pritchard, Jonny Firth, Joe Taylor, George Oulton, Pearse Macintyre
Ginger Baker drum tech: Andy Chard
Malcolm Bruce: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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