As noted everywhere on the internet and in Mike Nipper’s Slog post, Jack Bruce died from liver disease on Saturday, October 25, at age 71. He was a brilliantly emotive vocalist, an imaginative composer of catchy rock songs, and a soulful, dexterous bassist who thrived in several different bands and as a solo artist over 50-plus years. Bruce is best known for his stint in Cream and wrote several classics that several millions know by heart. But some of his most interesting and exciting work was done with Tony Williams Lifetime, a powerful jazz-fusion group led by Miles Davis's former drummer that featured explosive talents like keyboardist Larry Young and guitarist John McLaughlin. Check out (Turn It Over) for proof.

For today’s Song of the Day, though, focus your ears on this extended workout of “N.S.U.,” the lead-off track from Cream’s 1966 debut LP, Fresh Cream. This version appears on the 1970 album Live Cream and was recorded in San Francisco in ’68. The Fresh Cream take is full of thrilling build-ups and pedal-to-the-metal rave-ups, but it clocks in at a meager 2:43. This live rendition goes for over 10 minutes and allows Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton to flamboyantly wield their world-class psych-blues chops. Zero in on Bruce’s supple, funky runs amid the tumult. It’s a bravura calm-in-the-storm performance—one of thousands in a diverse and rewarding career.

RIP, Jack Bruce.