23/03/2012 - St David’s Hall, Cardiff
MOST people will remember Jack Bruce as one third of the inspirational band Cream. Along with drummer Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton, they set about changing rock ‘n’ roll in a two-year span that saw them sell 35 million records, receive the first ever platinum album, and create a blues rock sound to inspire the likes of Led Zeppelin and many others. The simple fact is that Jack Bruce, using an overused phrase in music, truly qualifies as a legend.
Over a 50-year span in music, he has worked with a veritable who’s who of musicians too numerous to mention, fought and survived alcohol and drug problems, been inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, created and performed on over 20 studio and live albums and played on many more projects with other artists, while developing a unique vocal and bass style to influence many. When Mr Bruce strolls on to a stage it’s a set for music, no gimmicks, just musicians and equipment. He takes a seat at the piano and starts the opening phrases to Morning Story from the Harmony Row album, his voice strong and dynamic as ever.
Delving into his solo material Jack moves to the bass he describes as “his other piano”, the sound created, was a virtual band on its own. We are treated to very different and improvised versions of some classic Bruce, the likes of You Burned The Tables On Me, Neighbour, Neighbour, from his Graham Bond days, Weird of Hermiston, Born Under A Bad Sign, and a very moving version of Child Song Bruce dedicated to his son.
Then came the moment many had waited for with some classic Cream songs, White Room and Sunshine Of Your Love, that encapsulated the spirit of improvisation from the band, all excellent musicians, and bolstered by the brass section that moved in a soulful, funky direction, adding to and complementing Jack’s singing and bass playing. While the sound mix was patchy at times, all was forgiven as the band appeared for Politician as the encore where a true innovator and free spirit humbly said thank you to the crowd.
Music says thank YOU Mr Bruce.
Jack Bruce in 1972. originally posted to Flickr as Jack Bruce 1001720034. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.