Cream Bass Player Jack Bruce Has Died

Scottish born musician was 71...

Jack Bruce, perhaps best known for his role in seminal psych-rock outfit Cream, has died.

As the BBC point out, the bass player’s official website carries a note from his family. Confirming news of his passing, Bruce was seemingly suffering from liver disease and died at home in Suffolk surrounded by his family.

Born in Lanarkshire, Jack Bruce initially qualified to study cello at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music , but dropped out when he was forbidden to pursue his love of jazz.

Journeying to London, he began playing with influential group Blues Incorporated. Known for his inventive style, Bruce spent time with both the Graham Bond Organisation and Manfred Mann before settling in with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.

Known for producing no small number of rock legends, the confines of the group quickly chafed with the young bass player. Joining two fellow Mayall alumni – Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton – the trio decided to pursue their own goals.

Making an immediate impact, Cream’s style – rooted in blues but bearing the influential of both jazz and the emerging psychedelia –won outstanding acclaim. One of the most influential acts of the era, Cream released four albums in a turbulent spell before breaking up in 1968.

Releasing his first solo album in 1969, Jack Bruce worked tirelessly. Matching material under his own name with stints in Lifetime (with John McLaughlin) and Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band.

Cream briefly re-united in 2005, completing a memorable tour which culminated with a stunning performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

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