Ginger Baker, one of rock music’s greatest drummer passed away on 6^th October. That’s when I decided to do a Cream LP review as a homage. When I first heard this album, I was unable to fathom how just 3 people can create such a grand sound. I am still left speechless on the subject. The answer lies in the fact that all three of them were already super accomplished musicians before forming Cream. Eric Clapton came from the blues foundation of John Mayall, Ginger Baker came from the R&B/Jazz backdrop of Graham Bond Organization and Jack Bruce from Manfred Mann. Together, they formed the world’s first supergroup, a term used to describe a band which is formed by musicians who are already established in their respective genres. And look at the name that they chose…Cream. They, kind of knew they were the finest around. And this debut LP, ‘Fresh Cream’ (again, what a name) goes on to prove that.

Released in 1966, the LP contains a mix of American blues standards, which the 3 of them loved and originals (written by Bruce and Baker). Bruce did most of the lead vocals, Clapton sang the cover of Robert Johnson’s Four Until Late and Baker got the last track…the epic drum instrumental Toad.  In many ways, ‘Fresh Cream’ paved the way for a bigger, louder and heavier way of playing rock ‘n’ roll. It gave birth to genres like hard rock, metal and psychedelia. And one can’t imagine bands like Led Zepplin &The Who coming out without Cream leading the way.

There are many remarkable tracks in there. Any description of the swinging 60’s is incomplete without a mention of the psychedelically bluesy I Feel Free. Then there is the Delta blues classic I’m So Glad and the trippy cover of Willie Dixon’s Spoonful. Throughout the album, Clapton’s lead guitar is blazing, and Bruce’s vocals and bass whipping the scene. But this one is about Mr. Baker, right? And he comes into his being with Toad (apart from all the other tracks). A five minute drum solo (with a brief guitar and bass intro and outro) which was the first drum solo in the history of rock music. Once again it led the way for all those heavy metal drum solos.

Baker’s style influenced many great later day rock drummers like John Bonham, Steward Copeland, Ian Paice among others. Rock music surely owes a lot of greatness in its rhythm to Ginger. RIP Ginger Baker!

Year: 1965

Genre: Blues Rock

Length: 38:10

Label: Reaction / Polydor

Producer: Robert Stigwood

Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com