Monday, March 4th
The 100 Club first opened its doors in 1942, the original name being “The Feldman Swing Club”. The name change happened when the father of the current owner took over the club in 1964.
Words: Stephen Harrison Pictures: Jerry Tremaine
Fast forward to Monday, 4th March 2024, the club played host to, Sons Of Cream, Malcolm Bruce (Jack Bruce) Kofi Baker (Ginger Baker), and Robert Johnson, no, he’s not the son of the man who allegedly sold his soul to the devil. The guys had planned a few dates around the country, before embarking on a small tour of Europe. I’d had the pleasure of interviewing Malcolm Bruce about the recently released album, Heavenly Cream, which was featured in Blues Matters Magazine. During our chats, Malcolm invited me down to see the band perform live, well, here I am.
It would be easy for some people to say that these guys were trading on their famous names, this could not be further from the truth. Malcolm does indeed play bass and sing, Kofi plays the drums, and Robert Johnson plays guitar and provides superb vocals for a man of such tender years. The club was packed, as you can well imagine as the band took to the stage, an air of anticipation hung around like a child who can’t sleep on Christmas Eve.
The band opened with, NSU taken from Cream’s debut album, Full Cream. If anyone in the audience had any doubts about the credentials or the seriousness of this band, they were obliterated within seconds. This is not a tribute act, not a comfortable rehash, this is a trio of musicians, at the top of their musical game, with a story to tell along the way.
I mentioned Robert Johnson earlier, the vocalist, I have to say that I was in awe of his vocal talents, and also his amazing guitar work. Don’t forget, these songs are amongst some of the best and most well-recognized songs on the planet, each member putting their individual soul into every piece. One of the highlights of the evening was when Naomi Campbell took to the stage (girlfriend of Robert) to take the lead vocals on, Can’t Find My Way Home, the beautiful song that was recorded by the short-lived, Blind Faith. Breathtaking, is the word that I would use to describe that performance. Also joining the band on stage on the harmonica for a couple of numbers was, Jerry Tremaine, a great blower of the harp.
Add to all of this, the merch desk was manned by none other than Nettie Baker daughter of Ginger). A fine array of books on sale, all written by her and various family members, is a treat for everyone who loves everything about Cream & Blind Faith. I was made to feel so welcome by everyone at the gig, including Leo Komar, the guy who helps to bring everything together behind the scenes. If you get a chance to see Sons Of Cream, grab it with both hands, you will not regret it.
Set List
- NSU
- Politician
- Sleep Time Today
- Had To Cry Today
- I’m So Glad
- Can’t Find My Way Home (Guest vocals- Naomi Campbell)
- Sweet Wine
- Pressed Rat And Warthog
- Toad
- Badge
- Sitting On Top Of The World (Guest harmonica-Jerry Tremaine)
- Crossroads
- We’re Going Wrong
- Sunshine Of Your Love
- Photo Credits
- Jerry Tremaine
- Paul Cook
- Malcolm Bruce
