A reunion like no other

The DVD release of Cream's Royal Albert Hall performance shows the highlights of the long overdue reunion concert of rock's first "super-group." The 2-disc DVD set contains more than 20 classic Cream songs, including "Badge," "Crossroads," "White Room" and "Sunshine of Your Love," as well as interviews with band members Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. \nCream was formed in 1966 and revolutionized rock music with their blend of blues, jazz and psychedelic rock; becoming one of rock's most prolific groups before going their separate ways in 1968. Until the Royal Albert Hall performance in May 2005, Cream hadn't played together in more than 35 years, with the exception of a three-song set at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.\nAlthough Cream hadn't played together in 37 years, you would never know it. It sounds as if the band had never stopped. Each song sounds the way it did in Cream's heyday, perhaps even better. The solos are fresh and inspired. The transitions are tight, almost flawless. \nFor the Clapton fan, seeing "Slow-Hand" play with Cream is refreshing. There are no extra guitars or keyboards to embellish the sound, just the raw energy of the original "power trio." Hearing Clapton play in this setting demonstrates why he is one of the most skilled players to ever pick up a guitar. His playing throughout is effortless.\nThe band seems to really enjoy playing together again. Smiles, head nods and between song banter are prevalent throughout the performances. "Thanks for waiting all these years. We're gonna do, I think, every song we know." Clapton jokingly says after a song on the first disc. "We didn't go for very long with slings and arrows of outrageous fortune cutting us off in our prime." Clapton continues. To which Bruce replies, "This is our prime, what'd you mean?" The band certainly sounds as if they're in their prime. The decades since Cream disbanded have truly made each member a seasoned and accomplished musician and all of them bring their experience to the performance. \nThe interview on the second disc is intriguing and shines light on the whole process of the reunion; from coming together, to rehearsing, to actually playing the show and possibly more Cream shows to come. Each member is interviewed separately and seem truly genuine and honest. Time has certainly mellowed and matured these three great musicians. \nThe cinematography is carefully created. The camera shots are balanced between all three band members equally, with interesting close ups during solos. The fans are brought into the performance through various crowd shots, but not too much to distract the viewer from the real show on stage. One interesting moment is seeing former Queen guitarist Brian May in the crowd enjoying one of Clapton's solos. \nThe DVD was a long time coming, but it proved to be well worth the wait.