May 12th, 2006

I remember as a young boy my older brother coming home from university with a stack of blues albums, a Gibson Melody Maker guitar, and a Fender Bassman amplifier. Among the fine collection of records including the likes of Howling Wolf, Otis Rush, Paul Butterfield and many other greats was this album, John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton. I was ten years old, and my life had just changed. I knew that music played with such emotion & beauty, as Eric played on this album truly left me with no choice as to what I wanted to do with my life. About two months later 'Fresh Cream' was getting worn out on my little record player in the basement. The inspirational factor of Cream was to touch so many musicians, some in the future not even really knowing where many of the concepts they so commonly embraced came from.

Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce & Ginger Baker are certainly more than Cream, as their musical and personal achievements have proven, but I still remember where this wonderful feeling of the passionate expression of music started for me. Our band, Disraeli Gears, is comprised of three musicians with diverse tastes and experience, but we share a love of what Cream gave to us.

We humbly bring you our takes of this great band, as an honest tribute to them with thanks and appreciation.

Sincerely,

Douglas Blais