Ginger Baker RIP
RIP GINGER BAKER – August 1939 to October 2019
When it comes to Ginger Baker bands then the late great drummer has a discography that seems to just keep going. He may have been widely known as a bit of a cantankerous old bugger, however, that surely added to his charm.
Having passed away at the age of 80, now is a good a time as any to review 5 overlooked Ginger Baker bands. In particular, taking a look at those albums included within the Ginger Baker discography.
Ginger Baker Discography
6 Overlooked Ginger Baker Bands
BBM – Around the Next Dream
It could be described as a Cream album with Irish blues singer/guitarist Gary Moore replacing Eric Clapton. However, possibly the most overlooked of Ginger Baker bands BBM were much more of a straight-edged British blues band.
Even the album’s artwork featured a picture of Ginger Baker with angel wings, something that following his death in 2019 is somewhat more poignant.
Fela Kuti – Why Black Man Dey Suffer
Having already performed on Fela Kuti’s “London Scene” album, Ginger Baker was aloud to let rip during the experimental follow up. It was all a bit too much for EMI and finally released on the lesser known Nigerian African Sounds label.
As such becoming a forgotten and overlooked album from one of the many Ginger Baker bands the drummer appeared in. “Why Black Man Dey Suffer” consists of 2 epic, albeit repetitive, tracks lasting half an hour in total.
Baker Gurvitz Army – Baker Gurvitz Army
Working alongside former The Gun and Three Man Army singer/guitarist Adrian Gurvitz, Baker took his time with Fela Kuti a step further. Combining his love of jazz and rock n roll with those African influences, the Baker Gurvitz Army debut album is certainly one worth checking out. Even if only to see the diversity of Ginger Baker’s Discography.
The Graham Bond Organization – There’s a Bond Between us
Pre-dating the formation of Cream, the Graham Bond Organization also featured Jack Bruce alongside Bond himself. “There’s a Bond Between us” may not have been as well received as the bands’ debut, however includes some rather nice jazz drumming by a certain Ginger Baker.
Hawkwind – Levitation
Wait a minute, when was Ginger Baker in Hawkwind? Well, given the ever-revolving list of musicians to have played with the space rock legends, it’s no wonder they often escape an obvious list of Ginger Baker bands.
However, when it came to the 1980 Hawkwind album “Levitation”, Baker had temporarily joined the band behind the drum kit Although his contribution was short-lived, “Levitation” went on to be a commercial success for Hawkwind.
Cream – Royal Albert Hall
Ok, so the legendary psychedelic blues of Cream are hardly one of the overlooked Ginger Baker bands. However the Royal Albert Hall reunion of 2005 was captured in all it’s glory on this official Cream live album. Featuring highlights from all 4 nights, the end result is a fantastically produced compilation, with the added benefits of modern technology.
Overlooked Ginger Baker Bands
