Cream: Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6 2005

In 2005—37 years after their farewell concert—British power trio Cream did the unthinkable, reuniting for a historic four-night stand that began with Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton stepping onto the stage of London's Royal Albert Hall before a capacity crowd that included Sean Penn and Jude Law. This 19-song set captures highlights from the epic engagement, beginning with a buoyant “I'm So Glad” and ending with a triumphant “Sunshine of Your Love.” Although the legendary gentlemen don't look exactly like they did in the 1960s (frontman Bruce appears a little frail), they demonstrate that they still have the musical chops. The compact Bruce represents the essence of soul, bringing a particularly rich performance to “Politician”; and the long-limbed Baker is as irrepressible as ever, offering a rare vocal on “Pressed Rat and Warthog” and a percussive tour-de-force on “Toad.” Then there's Clapton, who remains as much a master of the guitar as of understatement. “Thanks for waiting all these years,” he quips after a slow-burning “Outside Woman Blues,” then adds, “We're going to do every song we know.” The track listing is, indeed, generous, despite the absence of classics like “I Feel Free,” “Strange Brew,” and “Tales of Brave Ulysses”—and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. Blu-ray extras include three alternate takes and interviews with the band. Highly recommended. (K. Fennessy)