Jack...

I watched an hour interview of Jack Bruce over at Notreble.  It can be found here.

I didn't get into bass like the "normal" preteen rock star.  As a result, some artists, bands, even entire genres were skipped during my early days.  Cream was one of those that I missed.

If I had, I know I would have felt a connection.  It might have also moved me to pick up fretless earlier.

Listening to Jack, Ginger, and Eric talk, the fist thing that hits me is how can someone stay playing with someone they don't like.  I understand the legal aspects of meeting a contract requirement or meeting a scheduled gig - but to come back to a different band and join up with an individual who was not just "difficult" but you actually hated, I just don't see it.

I have played in situations and with players I was not on great terms with - but I never accepted a long term engagement in that environment.

And especially between a drummer and bass player.  My god, one of the main reasons I enjoy bass and performing music is the connection I feel with the drummer.  If there were any animosity there, it would impact the chemistry and the performances would suffer.

I guess to each his own.  We all make our own choices.  Who am I to question another's choice?

Anyway, a very interesting interview.  Lots of clips, some cameos from current bass players, and some performances from Jack.

Plus, his Scottish accent is cool.