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GINGER BAKER IN CONCERT:
Known as "rock's first superstar drummer" for his work in the '60s and '70s with Cream, Ginger Baker stands as one of the most innovative percussionists of the 20th century. Combining African rhythms, jazz drumming, and an idiosyncratic kit setup, Baker's exhilarating playing has inspired a generation of drummers, elevating the instrument to a position of heightened importance in concert settings. As beloved for his colorful showmanship as he is for his virtuosic technique, Baker will let it all hang out on tour in 2014 in honor of his 75th birthday.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Born in South London, Baker gained notoriety drumming for the Graham Bond Organisation in the '60s before rising to international stardom later in the decade with Cream. After the group disbanded in 1968, Baker spent seven years living in Nigeria, collaborating with afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and recording and performing rock music as Baker Gurvitz Army. Over his long and storied career, he has recorded and performed with a staggering array of acts, including Blind Faith, Masters of Reality, and Public Image Ltd. In honor of his 75th birthday, Baker released A Drummers Tale in 2014, a career-spanning look back at his recording career that will be accompanied by several highly anticipated live appearances.
What an honor to see the master of mallets, sultan of sticks, the dragon of drums lay down the wrath of Achilles upon tanned hide, and have it arise in siren like beauty, a thundering Aphrodite. .dadum da da da da dum dum diddy dum dum psh
Baker is an extraordinary talent, who has assembled a group of fantastic musicians. Abass Dodoo, his right hand man, was fantastic, as were Ellis and Dankworth. We are so glad we got to the show. Baker said he had just gotten out of the hospital with pneumonia two weeks earlier, and his voice was weak but his drumming was not.
What show starts exactly on time? one given by a really aged drummer who still plays with fantastic energy, economy and taste. Baker looks and sounds like he's about to die at any moment (arthritis and COPD - kids, don't have a cigarette in your mouth every waking moment). The set was fairly short, comprising all the material on the new CD (Why?), but the band was tight and energized throughout. Same personnel as the CD. Drums percussion tenor upright bass. all very fine indeed. All jazz, covers and originals. Far exceeding expectations.
short set but incredible he truly enjoyed doing what he loves
I've been a GB fan ever since I saw Cream at the Winterland in SF eons ago. Ginger still has it - power, musicality, delineated sound. He's a true master. Crabby as ever, but a true master.
My first thought after the show was over----Thank God he did the reunion tour with Clapton and Bruce a few years ago. I went primarily to see Ginger. I saw Ginger and Jack at the Paradise in Boston in December 1989. This was a Jazz and African rhythm show with some very good musicians. Go and give this show a try and see a true (barely) living legend. He still has some great skill at age 74.
Arriving at the venue just after the opening salvo from the quartet, it was apparent to everyone in the audience that Mr. Baker can still deliver. The 74 year old was accompanied by a bassist ( acoustic and electric), a percussionist, and sax master Pee Wee Ellis. The band stared with a 6/8 afro Cuban inspired tune ( the 6/8 rhythms being a major theme throughout the evening), with Ginger leaving the stage after one tune - apparently at 74 when nature calls, you need to immediately listen. Ginger was back behind his DW double bass kit (after a short tune performed by the remaining trio) much to the delight of the audience. The set list included Wayne Shorters' "Footprints" and some Monkish pieces, as well as a slow 12/8 number that showcased both Ginger and his percussionist, who provided a big dose of energy and was the glue that kept the group together. The 5th member of the group was the sound engineer, who was able to accentuate the evenings' performance with a great mix, allowing all of the musicality of the foursome to shine through... truly a delight for all who were in attendance, and who appreciate Bakers' commitment to the jazz idiom.
Ginger is the master we know. The Jazz infusion was great. He played 6 songs. Needed to pee after the first one and took 2 more breaks after that. He complained about be a "sick old man" who needed money. Felt kinda bad for him. He was cranky when the audience didn't listen to him. His other percussionist was outstanding. The stand up base guy really worked hard and the sax player was pretty good. All in all the show was good, short and not likely to be in Boston again. GInger said he was "warned" not to do this tour and that there is a pool going on to see if he is able to finish it without dieing. Again...felt kinda bad and yet privileged to see him play!
The show and Baker were just amazing. Better than I expected. I would encourage anyone who is a fan to go see him!
He's old,he's cranky,and he's in poor health,yet Mr.Peter Edward Baker gave 110% this past Sunday at the Wilbur Theatre. Age and ailments have diminished his skills for sure, but he is still a rhythm master who knows his way around a drum kit. Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion play Afro/Jazz and each player is a pro (drums,bass,percussion,saxophone); they have a good repoire onstage, with Ginger in charge. Good interplay between them as well. I am a rock and blues fan, yet I appreciated and was truly excited by this performance.
