Cream - Live Cream Volume II (Live) (1972)

Cream – Live Cream Volume II (1972)

Release Date: March 1972
Label: Atco Records / Polydor (UK)
Type: Live Album
Genre: Blues Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Hard Rock
Length: 46:52
Producer: Felix Pappalardi

Overview

Live Cream Volume II is the second live album by Cream, released three years after the band’s breakup. Like its predecessor, it captures the trio’s explosive live performances, focusing on extended jams, blues reinterpretations, and improvisational virtuosity recorded between 1968 and 1969.

The album features long, intricate renditions of both blues standards and original compositions, demonstrating Clapton’s searing guitar work, Bruce’s expressive vocals and melodic basslines, and Baker’s inventive, jazz-inspired drumming. Tracks such as “Steppin’ Out,” “Deserted Cities of the Heart,” and “Sleepy Time Time” highlight the band’s ability to stretch songs into dynamic, unpredictable performances, making each track feel fresh and alive.

Although less celebrated than the first live album, Live Cream Volume II offers an essential glimpse into Cream’s live prowess, preserving the energy and spontaneity that defined one of rock’s first supergroups.

Tracklist

Steppin’ Out – 9:12
Deserted Cities of the Heart – 4:50
Pressed Rat and Warthog – 4:36
Sleepy Time Time – 11:28
Lawdy Mama – 6:25
Toad – 10:21

Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?

Did You Know? “Toad” features one of Ginger Baker’s longest recorded drum solos, emphasizing his jazz and polyrhythmic influences.
Recording Venues: Tracks were captured at Fillmore West, Fillmore East, and Winterland, maintaining the raw energy of the band’s live shows.
Extended Jams: Most songs far exceed their studio counterparts, showcasing Cream’s improvisational skill and interaction.
Delayed Release: The album was released posthumously for the band, intended to capitalize on their live reputation.
Blues Influence: Many tracks are reinterpretations of classic blues numbers, further cementing Cream’s role in modernizing the blues for rock audiences.
Supergroup Chemistry: The album highlights how the trio’s tight chemistry allowed them to explore musical extremes.
Historical Significance: Serves as a key document of the power trio format, influencing later live recordings by rock bands in the 1970s.

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 Volume II is a masterclass in live improvisation, showcasing Cream’s ability to transform blues and original compositions into epic, unpredictable performances. Extended tracks like “Toad” and “Sleepy Time Time” highlight Baker’s inventive drumming, Clapton’s fiery guitar, and Bruce’s commanding presence, making the album a thrilling experience for fans. While less iconic than the first live album, it remains an essential record of one of rock’s greatest trios.