in early 1967, cream were writing and rehearsing songs for their second album. their december 1966 debut album, "fresh cream", was a mix of updated blues numbers and pop-oriented rock songs. inspired by recent developments in rock music, they began pursuing a more overtly psychedelic direction. "sunshine of your love" began as a bass phrase or riff developed by cream bassist jack bruce. cream attended a concert on 29 january 1967 by the jimi hendrix experience at the saville theatre in london. cream guitarist eric clapton elaborated in a 1988 "rolling stone" magazine interview: