Cream - a progressive band?

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   Thanks for all those interesting responses. What I think it underlines (as some of you detected) is the semantic arguments surrounding the definition. In other words - it is quite clear that the word PROG has assumed a quite different conotation to its original usage PROGRESSIVE. 'Prog' has its own magazine these days (courtesy of Classic Rock) and is a blanket term for music that possibly fuses rock with classical with elements or flavours of jazz and/or folk. It is not easy to sum it up - but we can say that bands like Yes, Marillion, ELP, Transatlantic, King Crimson etc. all comfortably sit within its perameters, whereas the likes of Deep Purple, Motorhead, U2, REM, The Rolling Stones and god knows how many other variations of rock formats don't. But there are of course always overlaps.

Perhaps Cream occupies one of those overlaps? As a genuinely progressive band of the late sixties alongside, Floyd, The Doors, Hendrix and Traffic they were certainly pioneers. Indeed the territory occupied by Cream - which they lay claim to - really has few if any other tenants. Cream were also (as Bruce and others tirelessy point out) two distinct bands - one for the recording studio - one for the concert hall. Not many bands had/have that schitzophrenia nor that ability.

When discussing Cream you really have to distinguish if you are analysing their studio or their live material.

Cream were not PROG. In many ways such a term would have been too restrictive. The Yes/Genesis approach to extended material relies upon strict discipline and memory. Cream played upon their wits every night. I have many bootlegs of their gigs and no song was ever played the same twice. For me that dexterity is quite remarkable. Few bands would dare take the risk. Few bands possessed the verve, skill or sense of adventure.

Cream remain utterly unique. Not even Zeppelin come close. The latter did long jams but they were essentially vehicles for Page to show off with Jones and Bonham knowing when to start and stop and when to join back in again. They were a consumate rhythm section - disciplined and reliable. But they did not take the risks Cream did. Bonham and Jones never attempted to match Page or duel with him in the way Clapton, Baker and Bruce did.

Cream deserve their own bracket. I don't know what you would call it. I would call it Progressive Jazz/Blues/Rock Hybrid. What they proved beyond doubt was that it wasn't just up to the 'featured' lead player to provide all the excitement. Indeed the credo of Weather Report - "we never solo, we always solo" could easily be applied to Cream.

In Eric Clapton they had one of the most dazzling guitarists of that or any age. In Ginger Baker they had a rhythmic genius way ahead of his time who was probably the first to bring world music into his drumming. Finally, in Jack Bruce they had their ultimate secret weapon. Not only did the man (alongside Entwistle) redefine what the bass guitar was all about, but he was a powerful vocalist; considerable musical talent who had mastered cello, harmonica, piano, acoustic guitar; and of course (with Pete Brown) a phenomenal songwriter. I would put Bruce/Brown alongside Lennon/McCartney; Jagger/Richards; John/Taupin; as one of the greatest songwriting duos ever.

There was never any band like Cream and probably never will be again.