CREAM - CLAPTON, BRUCE & BAKER SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Cream, the immensely influential British rock power trio of the 1960s, comprising guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker, forged an extraordinary partnership with the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. This legendary collaboration unfolded at the iconic Fillmore Auditorium and Winterland venues, where, in the period of February to March 1968, the band’s electrifying live sound was officially captured on tape and film. However, despite its significance, the comprehensive coverage of these historic performances has remained incomplete.

The task of constructing a definitive chronicle of these renowned shows has been impeded by inaccurate documentation and a tragic fire that ravaged the Atlantic Records audio archive in 1978. Nevertheless, recent archival discoveries have provided author Edoardo Genzolini with new insights and a fresh perspective on those remarkable days. In this meticulously crafted book, Genzolini presents a comprehensive and thorough documentation of Cream both on and off the Fillmore and Winterland stages, during those transformative two months of 1968 when they reigned supreme.

Drawing on extensive research, the author delves into the minutiae of each set performed by the band at both venues, meticulously examining the recordings made by Atlantic Records and the film footage captured by the esteemed British documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer. Genzolini’s precise analysis finally unveils the definitive account, shedding light on which live performances ultimately found their way onto various Cream albums. Moreover, this groundbreaking work features a remarkable collection of rare and previously unpublished concert photographs that capture Cream at the zenith of their artistic prowess.

In essence, this book serves as a testament to Cream’s unparalleled musical legacy and their enduring impact on the rock genre. Through painstaking research, meticulous analysis, and the inclusion of captivating visual material, the author provides a comprehensive and long-overdue exploration of Cream’s remarkable journey, transporting readers back to a time when this legendary band truly stood atop the world. Cream, the hugely influential 1960s British rock power trio—featuring guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker—and the American city of San Francisco, California, were a legendary pairing. The Fillmore Auditorium and Winterland were the venues where, in February–March 1968, the band’s live sound was first officially immortalized on tape and film. Yet, detailed coverage of those historic performances appears far from complete. Inaccurate documentation, as well as a devastating 1978 fire at the Atlantic Records audio archive, made the definitive chronicle of these famed shows difficult to construct. However, recent archival discoveries led author Edoardo Genzolini to look back at those days with a new perspective. This book presents his thorough documentation of Cream on and off the Fillmore and Winterland stages, when, during those two months of 1968, they really were sitting on top of the world. The author’s detailed analysis of all sets played by the band at both venues—recorded by Atlantic Records and filmed by legendary British documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer—and his precise look at which live performances ended up on which Cream albums present the definitive account for the first time. Also featured are rare, never-before-published concert photographs, presenting Cream at the height of their powers.
Cream, with guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker at the peak of their musical powers
Definitive account of their legendary 1968 concert runs at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium and Winterland venues
Includes commentary by legendary British documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer, who filmed the band at this time