I’ve been
fascinated by Ginger Baker ever since I saw the documentary Beware of Mr Baker, which chronicles the drummer’s life and career
both before and after his time as the drummer in the legendary band Cream. Baker comes across as a difficult, curmudgeonly man in the film, but I
couldn’t help but respect him, both for the incredible life he has lived – a life so bizarre and eventful that it resembles what might happen if a Viking were transplanted into modern times – and for his mercurial ability as a drummer.
It was with this in mind that I went to see Ginger perform live at the Jazz Café in Camden. Ginger is now 78 years old, and has dealt with numerous health problems over the last several years, but still plays the occasional gig with his jazz band, which features percussionist Abass Dodoo, saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, and bassist Alec Dankworth. A stellar line-up, but the real question was: what kind of mood would Mr Baker be in? I had heard some horror stories, and the scowling expression on the drummer's face as he entered the building suggested the worst.
Fortunately, Ginger cheered up considerably after taking the stage. He looked frail, but the moment he picked up his drumsticks the years seemed to fall away, and Baker looked completely in command as he pounded out a series of complex rhythms. The interplay between Baker, Dodoo and Dankworth was something to behold, as they locked into a hypnotic groove through which Ellis weaved his saxophone parts.
It was with this in mind that I went to see Ginger perform live at the Jazz Café in Camden. Ginger is now 78 years old, and has dealt with numerous health problems over the last several years, but still plays the occasional gig with his jazz band, which features percussionist Abass Dodoo, saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, and bassist Alec Dankworth. A stellar line-up, but the real question was: what kind of mood would Mr Baker be in? I had heard some horror stories, and the scowling expression on the drummer's face as he entered the building suggested the worst.
Fortunately, Ginger cheered up considerably after taking the stage. He looked frail, but the moment he picked up his drumsticks the years seemed to fall away, and Baker looked completely in command as he pounded out a series of complex rhythms. The interplay between Baker, Dodoo and Dankworth was something to behold, as they locked into a hypnotic groove through which Ellis weaved his saxophone parts.
The musical
skill on display was one thing, but the real highlight for me was Ginger
himself; it might be hard to imagine for anyone familiar with the hardened
curmudgeon of Beware of Mr Baker, but
we were treated to an evening of Ginger laughing, smiling, cracking jokes with
both the band and the audience and telling stories (including one about the
time he accidentally drove his car off the side of a mountain in Italy, landed
in an olive tree, and then spontaneously decided to start an olive farm). He would probably never admit it, but he looked delighted to
be back on stage.
Eventually,
as the set wore on, the rigours of drumming began to take their toll, and
during the penultimate song, an exhausted Ginger placed his drumsticks down and
signalled to be helped from the stage. The audience recognised the effort he
had put forth with a huge round of applause, and Ginger turned around and
raised his hand in acknowledgement. Afterwards, the band played on for one song
without Ginger, which showcased Abass Dodoo’s percussion skills.
It was a
real privilege to see Ginger perform, as I suspect that he is a complete one-off
who won’t be replicated any time soon. It was even better to catch him in a
good mood, and I hope he continues to enjoy playing for a long time to come.
