Almost everything that happens today can be traced back to Eric Clapton when studying the history of rock guitar. Whether it’s trying to lay down a blues jam. Or using the guitar to become another voice in the band every time you play. Chances are that Clapton has covered some aspects of the rock and roll you have played in the past. At first, Clapton didn’t think “Strange Brew” was all that special, despite the great songs he eventually accumulated with his bands and solo catalog.
Then again, Clapton was happy enough not to be on the radio. “Slowhand” wanted to form a trio that could stand alone as a musical group after leaving The Yardbirds. He may have desired success, but that didn’t always equate to popularity. Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce transformed Cream into an unexpected musical stew, while The Yardbirds were straight-ahead blues.
Bruce had already performed with John Mayall and Eric Clapton after leaving The Yardbirds. They were far more sophisticated than other blues acts, largely due to Baker’s background in jazz. Many bands attempted to explore the same kind of thrashing open chords that Chuck Berry first introduced. Cream, however, could break down into protracted exercises. These required fans to go on a journey just through their solos.
They scraped together something that sounded like a hit to secure a record deal. Although the blues remained the predominant genre. Clapton’s rendition of the blues shuffle “Lawdy Mama” in a straightforward manner caught the attention of Felix Pappalardi, one of their collaborators.
‘Strange Brew‘ emerged after slowing it down and focusing on writing various words centered around psychedelic imagery. But rather than finishing everything in a matter of minutes, if Clapton had his way, he most likely would have worked on the song. This approach could allow them to jam freely and explore different musical ideas.
When informed that he could include one of his solos on the song, Clapton eventually gave in to his dislike of the song, stating, “I wasn’t that mad about it,” in an interview with Classic Albums. Although I’m still not overly fond of the form, I did appreciate that it was possible and that they knew how to accomplish it. It was also an unwritten agreement that they allowed me to play a solo on the guitar. I could play a guitar solo by Albert King if I gave in and performed this type of pop song.
The album succeeded because of its strict structure, which Clapton found unappealing. Fans would not be won over if the main riff of “Sunshine of Your Love” appeared only once in the song. Regardless of how many times he grew weary of playing the same riff repeatedly. Rock and roll built its foundation on loose rules. In the case of “Strange Brew,” the “don’t bore us get to the chorus” approach works just as well.
