Cream - Live Cream (Live) (1970)

Cream – Live Cream (1970)

Release Date: July 1970
Label: Atco Records / Polydor (UK)
Type: Live Album
Genre: Blues Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Hard Rock
Length: 63:39
Producer: Felix Pappalardi

Overview

Live Cream is Cream’s first official live album, capturing the band at the peak of their improvisational powers during 1968–1969. The album showcases the trio’s ability to expand studio recordings into explosive live jams, highlighting extended solos, dynamic interplay, and spontaneous creativity.

The album includes long, fiery renditions of blues standards and original compositions, demonstrating why Cream were considered one of the most formidable live acts of the late 1960s. Tracks like “N.S.U.,” “Sleepy Time Time,” “Spoonful,” and “Crossroads” illustrate the band’s tight chemistry while allowing Clapton’s guitar, Bruce’s bass and vocals, and Baker’s drumming to shine in unrestrained form.

Released shortly after Cream’s breakup, Live Cream became a testament to their legendary live reputation, influencing future generations of blues-rock and jam bands. The album balances raw energy with precision, making it both a historic document and a thrilling listening experience.

Tracklist

N.S.U. – 9:20
Sleepy Time Time – 11:08
Sweet Wine – 6:33
Rollin’ and Tumblin’ – 11:34
Spoonful – 16:30
Crossroads – 8:02

Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?

Did You Know? The live version of “Spoonful” stretches over 16 minutes, showcasing the band’s extended improvisational style.
Recording Venues: Tracks were recorded at Fillmore West, Fillmore East, and Winterland in San Francisco.
Blues Reinterpretation: Many songs are radical reinterpretations of traditional blues numbers, giving them a heavy, psychedelic edge.
Early Live Rock Influence: The album influenced the development of jam band culture and live rock performance.
Drum Highlight: “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” and “Crossroads” feature Ginger Baker’s legendary drumming solos, combining jazz and African rhythms.
Posthumous Release: The album was released after Cream disbanded, capitalizing on their growing cult status.
Album Legacy: Considered a template for future live albums, proving that a trio could fill stadiums with sound and improvisation.

Album Credits

Cream:

Eric Clapton – Guitar, vocals
Jack Bruce – Bass, vocals, piano, harmonica
Ginger Baker – Drums, percussion

Production Team:

Producer: Felix Pappalardi
Engineer: Tom Dowd
Live Recording Locations: Fillmore West, Fillmore East, Winterland, San Francisco

Mini Review

Live Cream captures the raw power, improvisational genius, and chemistry of Cream at the height of their live performance. Extended jams like “Spoonful” and “Crossroads” highlight Clapton’s fiery guitar, Bruce’s melodic bass, and Baker’s explosive drumming, making it a thrilling showcase for fans of blues-rock and psychedelic improvisation. As a historic live document, Live Cream stands as one of the definitive live albums of the late 1960s.

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