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Ginger Baker Albums Ranked and Reviewed Best to Worst

A list by JustGeorge93

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A ranking and review of the studio and live albums by the legendary jazz-rock drummer Ginger Baker! Ginger's career with Cream, Blind Faith, Airforce and Fela has always been one of the most fascinating stories in rock history! RIP Ginger. Enjoy!
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21Ginger Baker's Energy

21.Ginger Baker's Energy

Ginger Baker's Energy (1992)


Ginger took inspiration from his work with Jens and Jonas on Unseen Rain and single-handedly crafts another album of tame, easy-listening instrumentals with 1992's Ginger Baker's Energy. This album is not one of Ginger's most exciting because it sounds as if it could be incorporated into archives for background television music, with the absence of his former collaborators, the guitar and piano are less aggressive and appear softer and gentler, not to mention a lack of inspired drumming. COnsidering that Ginger made his comeback with Middle Passage only two years ago, with Energy it seemed that it was all gone. 2/10
Ginger took inspiration from his work with Jens and Jonas on Unseen Rain and single-handedly crafts another album of tame, easy-listening instrumentals with 1992's Ginger Baker's Energy. This album is not one of Ginger's most exciting because it sounds as if it could be incorporated into archives for background television music, with the absence of his former collaborators, the guitar and piano are less aggressive and appear softer and gentler, not to mention a lack of inspired drumming. COnsidering that Ginger made his comeback with Middle Passage only two years ago, with Energy it seemed that it was all gone. 2/10
20Eleven Sides of Baker

20.Ginger Baker

Eleven Sides of Baker (1976)


Ginger Baker was still raw and reeling from certain events in his personal life when he was given the long awaited opportunity to return to a solo career with 1976's Eleven Sides of Baker. Ginger had gotten back into heroin, his polo club had failed to take off costing him a fortune in Baker Gurvitz earnings, and his manager/best friend had died tragically in a plane crash. After the commercial glam-rock of the Baker Gurvitz Army's Hearts on Fire, Ginger made a halfhearted effort to return to the African influenced jazz leanings of Air Force, even employing a West Indies group for backup vocals and standard horn work. The result is an album of half-baked, half-serious tunes with some fairly standard drumming, absent much of the workman-like virtuoso stick work that Ginger was doing just a few months previous. A wasted opportunity, and it would take Ginger a while before he got back on track, as he would flee to Italy a little later to farm olive trees. 2/10
Ginger Baker was still raw and reeling from certain events in his personal life when he was given the long awaited opportunity to return to a solo career with 1976's Eleven Sides of Baker. Ginger had gotten back into heroin, his polo club had failed to take off costing him a fortune in Baker Gurvitz earnings, and his manager/best friend had died tragically in a plane crash. After the commercial glam-rock of the Baker Gurvitz Army's Hearts on Fire, Ginger made a halfhearted effort to return to the African influenced jazz leanings of Air Force, even employing a West Indies group for backup vocals and standard horn work. The result is an album of half-baked, half-serious tunes with some fairly standard drumming, absent much of the workman-like virtuoso stick work that Ginger was doing just a few months previous. A wasted opportunity, and it would take Ginger a while before he got back on track, as he would flee to Italy a little later to farm olive trees. 2/10
19Unseen Rain

19.Ginger Baker, Jens Johansson & Jonas Hellborg

Unseen Rain (1992)


Ginger took an unexpected turn after his impressive return to form with Middle Passage, when he teamed up with European musicians Jens Johansson and Jonas Helborg to record 1992's Unseen Rain. Unseen Rain is a different animal compared to Middle Passage; the production is cleaner and the world influences are toned down considerably to a more accessible level, and the exotic flavour that overlaid the structure and lyrics of previous albums is removed in order to make way for a more conventional sound. The music is impressive but it never quite stays with you or generates much impact as Ginger's work usually does, there are lush instrumentals with orchestrated background and and intertwining of finger style guitar and delicate piano work. The main issue is that this style never really presents an opportunity for Ginger to really shine; his drumming is only ever to support the musical talent of his new band. A rather disappointing follow up to such a strong comeback. 3/10
Ginger took an unexpected turn after his impressive return to form with Middle Passage, when he teamed up with European musicians Jens Johansson and Jonas Helborg to record 1992's Unseen Rain. Unseen Rain is a different animal compared to Middle Passage; the production is cleaner and the world influences are toned down considerably to a more accessible level, and the exotic flavour that overlaid the structure and lyrics of previous albums is removed in order to make way for a more conventional sound. The music is impressive but it never quite stays with you or generates much impact as Ginger's work usually does, there are lush instrumentals with orchestrated background and and intertwining of finger style guitar and delicate piano work. The main issue is that this style never really presents an opportunity for Ginger to really shine; his drumming is only ever to support the musical talent of his new band. A rather disappointing follow up to such a strong comeback. 3/10
18No Material

18.No Material

No Material (1989)


Ginger Baker and guitarist Sonny Sharrock assembled a new outfit called No Material; releasing their self-titled debut and final album in 1989, only playing a short-run of club gigs before disbanding. No Material specialises in the free jazz improvisation, and does not sound unlike Ginger's brief run with Fela however it is much heavier and in a way much uglier. No Material growl through fifteen minute jams that feature distorted guitar and a groaning horn section with minimal vocals and breaks. Ginger's drumming is at its most unfettered in nearly twenty years, but that does not make for an easy listen. No Material is consciously anti-commercial and anti-attractive; it is almost as if these disgruntled musicians were strangling their own careers to death out of spite of how cruel and damaging the music industry is and has been to them. Interesting, but not an pleasant experience, but maybe that was the sole purpose of No Material. 3/10
Ginger Baker and guitarist Sonny Sharrock assembled a new outfit called No Material; releasing their self-titled debut and final album in 1989, only playing a short-run of club gigs before disbanding. No Material specialises in the free jazz improvisation, and does not sound unlike Ginger's brief run with Fela however it is much heavier and in a way much uglier. No Material growl through fifteen minute jams that feature distorted guitar and a groaning horn section with minimal vocals and breaks. Ginger's drumming is at its most unfettered in nearly twenty years, but that does not make for an easy listen. No Material is consciously anti-commercial and anti-attractive; it is almost as if these disgruntled musicians were strangling their own careers to death out of spite of how cruel and damaging the music industry is and has been to them. Interesting, but not an pleasant experience, but maybe that was the sole purpose of No Material. 3/10
17Around the Next Dream

17.BBM

Around the Next Dream (1994)


Any time Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce work together, comparisons to Cream are inevitable. Given that this album's opener, "Waiting in the Wings," bears a passing resemblance to "White Room," and that this is then followed by a "Crossroads" knockoff, perhaps the comparisons are justifiable. Unfortunately, BBM doesn't benefit from such self-plagiarism. The weak link is, surprisingly, not with the Clapton stand-in, Gary Moore it's in the underwhelming drumming and bass playing by the two bona fide Creamsters. Bruce's voice is as pleasing as ever, but his and Baker's merely competent English blues instrumental work will fall short of the expectations of fans who know what they're capable of. 5/10
Any time Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce work together, comparisons to Cream are inevitable. Given that this album's opener, "Waiting in the Wings," bears a passing resemblance to "White Room," and that this is then followed by a "Crossroads" knockoff, perhaps the comparisons are justifiable. Unfortunately, BBM doesn't benefit from such self-plagiarism. The weak link is, surprisingly, not with the Clapton stand-in, Gary Moore it's in the underwhelming drumming and bass playing by the two bona fide Creamsters. Bruce's voice is as pleasing as ever, but his and Baker's merely competent English blues instrumental work will fall short of the expectations of fans who know what they're capable of. 5/10
16Hearts on Fire

16.Baker Gurvitz Army

Hearts on Fire (1976)


The final album by the Baker Gurvitz Army was 1976's Hearts on Fire. The band would soon disband after its release, citing the return of Ginger's drug addiction and his wanting to get back to his own solo career. Hearts on Fire is a different album compared to the two that came before it, one thing being that it is much heavier; the guitar interplay is on a different level with loud licks alongside hard riffing and screeching guitar solos. It seems the band are now consciously trying to chase the heights of bands like Deep Purple or ZZ Top, whereas before they seemed more art for arts sake, they are trying to come up with some hits here. While the playing is impressive, it seems very forced and out of the songs here nothing striking or memorable comes out of them. It is hard to see Ginger Baker becoming one of the performers that bring in the new era of British heavy metal, and it seems like he is not interested in that role as his drumming takes something of a backseat throughout the album, giving the Gurvitz brothers time to shine. 5/10
The final album by the Baker Gurvitz Army was 1976's Hearts on Fire. The band would soon disband after its release, citing the return of Ginger's drug addiction and his wanting to get back to his own solo career. Hearts on Fire is a different album compared to the two that came before it, one thing being that it is much heavier; the guitar interplay is on a different level with loud licks alongside hard riffing and screeching guitar solos. It seems the band are now consciously trying to chase the heights of bands like Deep Purple or ZZ Top, whereas before they seemed more art for arts sake, they are trying to come up with some hits here. While the playing is impressive, it seems very forced and out of the songs here nothing striking or memorable comes out of them. It is hard to see Ginger Baker becoming one of the performers that bring in the new era of British heavy metal, and it seems like he is not interested in that role as his drumming takes something of a backseat throughout the album, giving the Gurvitz brothers time to shine. 5/10
15Falling Off the Roof

15.Ginger Baker Trio

Falling Off the Roof (1996)


The formation of the Ginger Baker Trio led to a brainwave of creativity for Ginger, one reminiscent of his days in Cream, following the brilliant jazz-fusion of the trio's debut with 1996's Falling Off the Roof. Whereas the preceding album owed more to rock than it did to jazz, Falling Off the Roof is quite the splendid exercise that sees the trio stepping back into jazz, albeit rather lightly and carefully. Tracks like "Amarillo, Barbados", and "Bemsha Swing" do a good job of combining classical acoustic elements with jazz but it really does not come off as exciting as the grittier, bluesier flavours of Going Back Home. The Ginger Baker Trio do deliver some of the more attractive tracks of Ginger's career; the title track, "Our Spanish Love Song", and "Skeleton" are shining examples of this, but it lacks some of the fire that Ginger brings to his albums, but he is still finding his feet here. 5/10
The formation of the Ginger Baker Trio led to a brainwave of creativity for Ginger, one reminiscent of his days in Cream, following the brilliant jazz-fusion of the trio's debut with 1996's Falling Off the Roof. Whereas the preceding album owed more to rock than it did to jazz, Falling Off the Roof is quite the splendid exercise that sees the trio stepping back into jazz, albeit rather lightly and carefully. Tracks like "Amarillo, Barbados", and "Bemsha Swing" do a good job of combining classical acoustic elements with jazz but it really does not come off as exciting as the grittier, bluesier flavours of Going Back Home. The Ginger Baker Trio do deliver some of the more attractive tracks of Ginger's career; the title track, "Our Spanish Love Song", and "Skeleton" are shining examples of this, but it lacks some of the fire that Ginger brings to his albums, but he is still finding his feet here. 5/10
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14Why?

14.Ginger Baker

Why? (2014)


Ginger's latest and seemingly final studio album; 2014's Why? represents the culmination of all the cantankerous old drummer's drives, ambitions, influences, and desires of his fifty year career. Ginger had achieved everything, although quite sporadically and unconventionally, that any rock star idealises to achieve; musical respect from critics and peers, the creation of timeless works, financial security, and the eternal influence on future acts. Why? sees Ginger take some of his most treasured solo tracks "Aiko Biyaye", "Cyril Davies" and "Ginger Spice" among others, with a few original compositions and re-record them with his new band. Necessary or not, Ginger has created the perfect modern setlist for his declining years on the road with these personal favourites, and he has taken the obscurity of these 60's jazz-fusion/world music flavoured songs and thrown them back into the cycle. If Why? is to be Ginger's final album it offers a nice run through of what the lost rock star drummer had been doing since Cream disbanded. 5/10
Ginger's latest and seemingly final studio album; 2014's Why? represents the culmination of all the cantankerous old drummer's drives, ambitions, influences, and desires of his fifty year career. Ginger had achieved everything, although quite sporadically and unconventionally, that any rock star idealises to achieve; musical respect from critics and peers, the creation of timeless works, financial security, and the eternal influence on future acts. Why? sees Ginger take some of his most treasured solo tracks "Aiko Biyaye", "Cyril Davies" and "Ginger Spice" among others, with a few original compositions and re-record them with his new band. Necessary or not, Ginger has created the perfect modern setlist for his declining years on the road with these personal favourites, and he has taken the obscurity of these 60's jazz-fusion/world music flavoured songs and thrown them back into the cycle. If Why? is to be Ginger's final album it offers a nice run through of what the lost rock star drummer had been doing since Cream disbanded. 5/10
13Going Back Home

13.Ginger Baker Trio

Going Back Home (1994)


Give Ginger Baker this: He sure knows how to choose his sidemen. In fact, there is a certain pleasant symmetry to his recording career between the mid-'60s and the mid-'90s. It is a career bookended by power trios, first with his partnership with fellow virtuosos Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in Cream, and then, almost 30 years later and well after most would have written him off as a relic from a bygone era, this trio with Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell. More surprising even than this unlikely partnership is the fact that the album actually works. Most memorable are the Baker-penned compositions, which sport melodies that seem to have more in common with British or Arabic folk music than bebop. As a jazz drummer, Baker is surprisingly convincing on most of the material. The timbre of his drums, unusual for a jazz album, adds a pleasing earthiness to the proceedings, and intersects well with Haden's rich bass. Everything Frisell touches turns to gold, and this album is no exception. Here he is at his quirky, impressionistic best, tossing off Monk quotations as effortlessly as he sculpts darkly ambient textures. Despite these fine achievements, Going Back Home is not perfect. On some of the material, Baker's heavy rock hand shows a bit too much, as on "Straight, No Chaser." The results are charming in their own way, but one wishes that Baker could ease up on the "Sunshine of Your Love" tom-tom fills once in a while. By turns hauntingly melancholy and fearlessly experimental, this record is sure to please Frisell and Haden fans, and likely to pleasantly surprise those who enjoy Baker's work with Cream. 5/10
Give Ginger Baker this: He sure knows how to choose his sidemen. In fact, there is a certain pleasant symmetry to his recording career between the mid-'60s and the mid-'90s. It is a career bookended by power trios, first with his partnership with fellow virtuosos Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in Cream, and then, almost 30 years later and well after most would have written him off as a relic from a bygone era, this trio with Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell. More surprising even than this unlikely partnership is the fact that the album actually works. Most memorable are the Baker-penned compositions, which sport melodies that seem to have more in common with British or Arabic folk music than bebop. As a jazz drummer, Baker is surprisingly convincing on most of the material. The timbre of his drums, unusual for a jazz album, adds a pleasing earthiness to the proceedings, and intersects well with Haden's rich bass. Everything Frisell touches turns to gold, and this album is no exception. Here he is at his quirky, impressionistic best, tossing off Monk quotations as effortlessly as he sculpts darkly ambient textures. Despite these fine achievements, Going Back Home is not perfect. On some of the material, Baker's heavy rock hand shows a bit too much, as on "Straight, No Chaser." The results are charming in their own way, but one wishes that Baker could ease up on the "Sunshine of Your Love" tom-tom fills once in a while. By turns hauntingly melancholy and fearlessly experimental, this record is sure to please Frisell and Haden fans, and likely to pleasantly surprise those who enjoy Baker's work with Cream. 5/10
12Air Force 2

12.Ginger Baker's Air Force

Air Force 2 (1970)


Ginger Baker reflected on the final days of Air Force being quite a sad time; most of the original magic was gone now that record bosses were getting involved in the future direction. Ginger Baker's Air Force had really been one of the defining live albums of the new decade, but it was only ever meant to be a one off event; given that the star contributors such as Steve Winwood, Denny Laine, Phil Seaman, Graham Bond and Rick Grech could only stay for the original run before they had to depart. Now Ginger was pressured by the record company to assemble replacements and record a studio follow-up to Air Force, 1970's Air Force 2. The result is sadly a shadow of what came before; the songs are particularly confused "Do You Know Who Your Friends Are" and "We Free Kings" seem to introduce the African rhythms and big band arrangements into the stoner-rock realm, and the reinterpretations of "Sweet Wine" and "Toady" are not the most flattering in the early days of Cream's demise. Ginger really needed more time to do a solid follow-up to Air Force, but the record is not one of his worst. 5/10
Ginger Baker reflected on the final days of Air Force being quite a sad time; most of the original magic was gone now that record bosses were getting involved in the future direction. Ginger Baker's Air Force had really been one of the defining live albums of the new decade, but it was only ever meant to be a one off event; given that the star contributors such as Steve Winwood, Denny Laine, Phil Seaman, Graham Bond and Rick Grech could only stay for the original run before they had to depart. Now Ginger was pressured by the record company to assemble replacements and record a studio follow-up to Air Force, 1970's Air Force 2. The result is sadly a shadow of what came before; the songs are particularly confused "Do You Know Who Your Friends Are" and "We Free Kings" seem to introduce the African rhythms and big band arrangements into the stoner-rock realm, and the reinterpretations of "Sweet Wine" and "Toady" are not the most flattering in the early days of Cream's demise. Ginger really needed more time to do a solid follow-up to Air Force, but the record is not one of his worst. 5/10
11The Baker Gurvitz Army

11.The Baker Gurvitz Army

The Baker Gurvitz Army (1974)


Ginger Baker returned from Africa to the UK in the mid-70's after having squandered a fortune in building his recording studio and then having it blacklisted and deemed an unprofessional setup by EMI and local artists. Ginger was nearly a forgotten man in his own country and there was not many rock outfits that would acquire such a man or drummer. Ginger was short of options so he teamed up with the Gurvitz Brothers: Adrian and Paul, bass and lead guitar players, to form the Baker Gurvitz Army, another power trio. Such a step might have seemed subversively normal for Baker, but he and the brothers had an undeniable chemistry; not surprisingly, their debut album is a self-assured, aggressive affair. "Help Me" and "I Wanna Live Again" are punchy and succinct; so are the hard-driving instrumentals "Love Is" and its funkier cousin, "Phil 4." The band leavens their hard-hitting delivery with subtle orchestration and piano; the latter instrument works to haunting effect on the introspective "Memory Lane." There's some engaging humor, too; "Mad Jack"'s lyrics about a reckless outback race are silly, but kitschy fun. The only real clinker is "Since Beginning," which is bogged down from self-consciously "meaningful" lyrics and meandering delivery; its eight minutes could have benefited from judicious pruning. Naturally, no Ginger Baker album could pass without some drum solos, but they're tastefully done. Hard rock fans will enjoy Ginger's return to the genre with the Baker Gurvitz Army. 6/10
Ginger Baker returned from Africa to the UK in the mid-70's after having squandered a fortune in building his recording studio and then having it blacklisted and deemed an unprofessional setup by EMI and local artists. Ginger was nearly a forgotten man in his own country and there was not many rock outfits that would acquire such a man or drummer. Ginger was short of options so he teamed up with the Gurvitz Brothers: Adrian and Paul, bass and lead guitar players, to form the Baker Gurvitz Army, another power trio. Such a step might have seemed subversively normal for Baker, but he and the brothers had an undeniable chemistry; not surprisingly, their debut album is a self-assured, aggressive affair. "Help Me" and "I Wanna Live Again" are punchy and succinct; so are the hard-driving instrumentals "Love Is" and its funkier cousin, "Phil 4." The band leavens their hard-hitting delivery with subtle orchestration and piano; the latter instrument works to haunting effect on the introspective "Memory Lane." There's some engaging humor, too; "Mad Jack"'s lyrics about a reckless outback race are silly, but kitschy fun. The only real clinker is "Since Beginning," which is bogged down from self-consciously "meaningful" lyrics and meandering delivery; its eight minutes could have benefited from judicious pruning. Naturally, no Ginger Baker album could pass without some drum solos, but they're tastefully done. Hard rock fans will enjoy Ginger's return to the genre with the Baker Gurvitz Army. 6/10
10From Humble Oranges

10.Ginger Baker

From Humble Oranges (1982)


Ginger Baker fled his native country once more at the turn of the 80's, taking his new wife with him to Italy's Tuscany region to keep a low profile and live a quiet life, and it was not until he was settled in 1983 that he released From Humble Oranges that he credited to Baker and Band. The face of music had changed by the 80's yet rather than change with it Ginger created another album of delight 60's era jazz-rock fusion. From Humble Oranges finds Ginger in fine form and sharing some real musical chemistry with his new band; Doug Brockie and Karl Hill as the trio work together to create some really impressive instrumentals that recall the complexity and power of Air Force; "It"", and "Under the Sun". Baker and Band manage to create a haunting masterpiece that rivals Cream's "We're Going Wrong" with "On the Road to Grandma's House". A lot of good stuff here. 6/10
Ginger Baker fled his native country once more at the turn of the 80's, taking his new wife with him to Italy's Tuscany region to keep a low profile and live a quiet life, and it was not until he was settled in 1983 that he released From Humble Oranges that he credited to Baker and Band. The face of music had changed by the 80's yet rather than change with it Ginger created another album of delight 60's era jazz-rock fusion. From Humble Oranges finds Ginger in fine form and sharing some real musical chemistry with his new band; Doug Brockie and Karl Hill as the trio work together to create some really impressive instrumentals that recall the complexity and power of Air Force; "It"", and "Under the Sun". Baker and Band manage to create a haunting masterpiece that rivals Cream's "We're Going Wrong" with "On the Road to Grandma's House". A lot of good stuff here. 6/10
9Horses & Trees

9.Ginger Baker

Horses & Trees (1986)


Baker and Band, the unit that had birthed From Humble Oranges, had disbanded only after playing three shows together, and by 1986 Ginger had assembled a new band for the album Horses and Trees. A rather fitting title considering polo and olive farming had taken up much of Ginger's semi-retired life while music was placed on the back burner throughout the 80's. Horses and Trees marks the first time since 1972's Strativarious that Ginger takes a lead role on an album, conducting most of the arrangements with his extended drum solos pushed to the front of each track. The production loses some of that muddy homegrown touch and instead has a shinier, glossier sound than anything the drummer has done before on his own; the drums have more of a gated, reverb sound and echoes out with each pound which makes Ginger's drumming much spacier and dominant than before. This is a very interesting effect, particularly on tracks like "Interlock", "Dust to Dust" and "Satou". 6/10
Baker and Band, the unit that had birthed From Humble Oranges, had disbanded only after playing three shows together, and by 1986 Ginger had assembled a new band for the album Horses and Trees. A rather fitting title considering polo and olive farming had taken up much of Ginger's semi-retired life while music was placed on the back burner throughout the 80's. Horses and Trees marks the first time since 1972's Strativarious that Ginger takes a lead role on an album, conducting most of the arrangements with his extended drum solos pushed to the front of each track. The production loses some of that muddy homegrown touch and instead has a shinier, glossier sound than anything the drummer has done before on his own; the drums have more of a gated, reverb sound and echoes out with each pound which makes Ginger's drumming much spacier and dominant than before. This is a very interesting effect, particularly on tracks like "Interlock", "Dust to Dust" and "Satou". 6/10
8Live!

8.Fela Ransome-Kuti and The Africa '70 With Ginger Baker
Fela Kuti
The Africa '70
Ginger Baker

Live! (1971)


Ginger Baker had already provided the drums to some of Fela's studio releases, but it was not until Live! that Ginger received a co-billing with the radical Nigerian artist, and it was a move that helped bring Fela more into the world music market in Britain. Ginger delivers some of his most passionate playing on Live, and it is not hard to see why, Fela was the face of the music that Ginger wanted to be a part of at the time, and he blazes through frenzied African tribal-rock with his drum soloing and patterns; standing above the Africa 70 as the omega to Fela's alpha. The entire album is strong and it really gives the unrest in Nigeria voice through it's powerhouse performances, with highlights like "Black Man's Cry" and "Egbe Mi O (Carry Me I Want To Die). One of Ginger's greats. 7/10
Ginger Baker had already provided the drums to some of Fela's studio releases, but it was not until Live! that Ginger received a co-billing with the radical Nigerian artist, and it was a move that helped bring Fela more into the world music market in Britain. Ginger delivers some of his most passionate playing on Live, and it is not hard to see why, Fela was the face of the music that Ginger wanted to be a part of at the time, and he blazes through frenzied African tribal-rock with his drum soloing and patterns; standing above the Africa 70 as the omega to Fela's alpha. The entire album is strong and it really gives the unrest in Nigeria voice through it's powerhouse performances, with highlights like "Black Man's Cry" and "Egbe Mi O (Carry Me I Want To Die). One of Ginger's greats. 7/10
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7Elysian Encounter

7.Baker Gurvitz Army

Elysian Encounter (1975)


The Baker Gurvitz Army tightened their playing and sharpened their songwriting for their sophomore effort; 1975's Elysian Encounter. The second time round the band definitely hit the mark they had been aiming for on their debut; a set of rock songs that combines the fire of the late-60's blues-rock band with the jazz arrangements and structure along the line of jungle rhythms. The result is the best album to come out of this short-lived rock outfit. Ginger Baker contributes to the finer songs; "People", "Remember" and "The Hustler", which all cry out an agonising moan of times long passed not just in history but also in musical pop culture. The Gurvitz brothers' playing has definitely evolved too; taking the compulsive and by-the-book riffing of the debut to new heights, providing the fuel that really allowed Ginger to make his comeback in the rock world. 7/10
The Baker Gurvitz Army tightened their playing and sharpened their songwriting for their sophomore effort; 1975's Elysian Encounter. The second time round the band definitely hit the mark they had been aiming for on their debut; a set of rock songs that combines the fire of the late-60's blues-rock band with the jazz arrangements and structure along the line of jungle rhythms. The result is the best album to come out of this short-lived rock outfit. Ginger Baker contributes to the finer songs; "People", "Remember" and "The Hustler", which all cry out an agonising moan of times long passed not just in history but also in musical pop culture. The Gurvitz brothers' playing has definitely evolved too; taking the compulsive and by-the-book riffing of the debut to new heights, providing the fuel that really allowed Ginger to make his comeback in the rock world. 7/10
6Middle Passage

6.Ginger Baker

Middle Passage (1990)


Ginger's solo efforts throughout the 1980's always edged toward the drummer's return to world music and jazz-fusion, but neither 1983's From Humble Oranges, or 1986's Horses and Trees explicitly leapt back into the genre, they were more careful exercises that saw Ginger test the waters for that foray. Yet both of the care put into those two albums seemed quite redundant when Ginger pushed things too far with the explosive, boundless No Material album. 1990's Middle Passage is the desired return to form that Ginger's sparse fanbase had been waiting for; featuring a beautifully authentic Far and Middle Eastern influence that ranges from percussion, woodwind, and strings of exotic origin that are all interwoven with some of Ginger's best drumming since Stratavarious. Middle Passage holds some very thoughtful and haunting compositions; the jarring opener "Mektoub", and the dark "Under Black Skies" conjuring up oriental images of unknown worlds. There is finally an amazing drum solo with the track "Alamount" that pours over into the following track "Basil". A good one from Ginger. 7/10
Ginger's solo efforts throughout the 1980's always edged toward the drummer's return to world music and jazz-fusion, but neither 1983's From Humble Oranges, or 1986's Horses and Trees explicitly leapt back into the genre, they were more careful exercises that saw Ginger test the waters for that foray. Yet both of the care put into those two albums seemed quite redundant when Ginger pushed things too far with the explosive, boundless No Material album. 1990's Middle Passage is the desired return to form that Ginger's sparse fanbase had been waiting for; featuring a beautifully authentic Far and Middle Eastern influence that ranges from percussion, woodwind, and strings of exotic origin that are all interwoven with some of Ginger's best drumming since Stratavarious. Middle Passage holds some very thoughtful and haunting compositions; the jarring opener "Mektoub", and the dark "Under Black Skies" conjuring up oriental images of unknown worlds. There is finally an amazing drum solo with the track "Alamount" that pours over into the following track "Basil". A good one from Ginger. 7/10
5Stratavarious

5.Ginger Baker

Stratavarious (1972)


After Ginger had contributed to a few of Fela's studio albums, the Nigerian artist lended his Africa 70 band to the drummer so her could make 1972's Stratavarious. Stratavarious was Ginger's first indulgence in Afro-beat music; the record brims with such authenticity and passion that any trace of commercialism is disregarded; the tribal-like drum patterns and subtle time changes alongside the howling and groaning of the vocalists shed dark light onto the then unexplored musical landscape of Africa. The highlight, and Ginger's masterpiece, would be the opening track "Ariwo". A really interesting album, and it is a shame that it disappeared immediately after its release. 7/10
After Ginger had contributed to a few of Fela's studio albums, the Nigerian artist lended his Africa 70 band to the drummer so her could make 1972's Stratavarious. Stratavarious was Ginger's first indulgence in Afro-beat music; the record brims with such authenticity and passion that any trace of commercialism is disregarded; the tribal-like drum patterns and subtle time changes alongside the howling and groaning of the vocalists shed dark light onto the then unexplored musical landscape of Africa. The highlight, and Ginger's masterpiece, would be the opening track "Ariwo". A really interesting album, and it is a shame that it disappeared immediately after its release. 7/10
4African Force

4.Ginger Baker

African Force (1987)


Although originally recorded in 1987, Ginger Baker's African Force would not receive a wider release until 2001, which is quite the tragedy as African Force would have been the album that could have potentially revitalised Ginger's career and brought him back into the ranks legendary British musicians. The African influence is buzzing on African Force; tribal drum patterns and howling vocals seep through some of the most alluring and disturbing work Ginger has created, especially on tracks like "Sokoto" and "Ansoumania". The closing track "African Force" puts one in mind of Ginger's Blind Faith solo cut "Do What You Like" because it features all of the manic power of that composition but tightens things up to create a more direct trip into the unknown sounds of Africa. Brilliant work. 7/10
Although originally recorded in 1987, Ginger Baker's African Force would not receive a wider release until 2001, which is quite the tragedy as African Force would have been the album that could have potentially revitalised Ginger's career and brought him back into the ranks legendary British musicians. The African influence is buzzing on African Force; tribal drum patterns and howling vocals seep through some of the most alluring and disturbing work Ginger has created, especially on tracks like "Sokoto" and "Ansoumania". The closing track "African Force" puts one in mind of Ginger's Blind Faith solo cut "Do What You Like" because it features all of the manic power of that composition but tightens things up to create a more direct trip into the unknown sounds of Africa. Brilliant work. 7/10
3Coward of the County

3.Ginger Baker and the DJQ20

Coward of the County (1999)


When Ginger Baker finally established himself in Colorado; setting up his own horse ranch and making a name for himself on the local polo circuit, he finally got back to making music; establishing a jazz-ensemble band, the DJQ20. The album that came out of the leisurely jams with the DJQ20 led to the recording of one of Ginger's strongest albums, and his personal favourite. 1999's Coward of the County is Ginger's triumphant return to jazz, and the final entry into a jazz influenced trilogy that saw Ginger nurturing the craft of each track to benefit the album as a whole. Whereas before Ginger's albums had always been one-dimensional; his powerful rhythmic drumming taking precedence while other areas of the bands timidly followed behind, or vice-versa, here he is back to being the silent band leader that rallies all the musicians on a blazing trail of impeccable timing, stunning composition, and flawless improvisation. Ginger delivers a stunning drum solo with "Dangle the Carrot", alongside staples of his latter-day African Force tours "Cyril Davies" and "Ginger Spice". Coward of the County is the album that Ginger had been striving to make, and he did it. 7/10
When Ginger Baker finally established himself in Colorado; setting up his own horse ranch and making a name for himself on the local polo circuit, he finally got back to making music; establishing a jazz-ensemble band, the DJQ20. The album that came out of the leisurely jams with the DJQ20 led to the recording of one of Ginger's strongest albums, and his personal favourite. 1999's Coward of the County is Ginger's triumphant return to jazz, and the final entry into a jazz influenced trilogy that saw Ginger nurturing the craft of each track to benefit the album as a whole. Whereas before Ginger's albums had always been one-dimensional; his powerful rhythmic drumming taking precedence while other areas of the bands timidly followed behind, or vice-versa, here he is back to being the silent band leader that rallies all the musicians on a blazing trail of impeccable timing, stunning composition, and flawless improvisation. Ginger delivers a stunning drum solo with "Dangle the Carrot", alongside staples of his latter-day African Force tours "Cyril Davies" and "Ginger Spice". Coward of the County is the album that Ginger had been striving to make, and he did it. 7/10
2Blind Faith

2.Blind Faith

Blind Faith (1969)


Ginger was clearly not finished working as part of a band when Cream ended in 1968, as it would only be a few months later that he would gatecrash Eric and Steve's recording sessions and turn the project into another full-blown supergroup effort; 1969's Blind Faith. On Blind Faith, Ginger sounds as if he was allowed to flex his drumming muscles a bit more; aside from the compelling fifteen minute drumming exercise "Do What You Like", which really is one of his most defining and characterising songs, his presence dominates the set. "Had to Cry Today" features some of the most stunning musical chemistry between Eric and Ginger with the fast-paced riffing, complete with Steve's vocals soaring over the top. While Rick Grech is no Jack Bruce, and his bass work does not really bounce off Ginger's powerful drum patterns, it's OK, because on Blind Faith it is clear that Ginger is emerging as a leader in his own right. A classic album. 8/10
Ginger was clearly not finished working as part of a band when Cream ended in 1968, as it would only be a few months later that he would gatecrash Eric and Steve's recording sessions and turn the project into another full-blown supergroup effort; 1969's Blind Faith. On Blind Faith, Ginger sounds as if he was allowed to flex his drumming muscles a bit more; aside from the compelling fifteen minute drumming exercise "Do What You Like", which really is one of his most defining and characterising songs, his presence dominates the set. "Had to Cry Today" features some of the most stunning musical chemistry between Eric and Ginger with the fast-paced riffing, complete with Steve's vocals soaring over the top. While Rick Grech is no Jack Bruce, and his bass work does not really bounce off Ginger's powerful drum patterns, it's OK, because on Blind Faith it is clear that Ginger is emerging as a leader in his own right. A classic album. 8/10
1Ginger Baker's Air Force

1.Ginger Baker's Air Force

Ginger Baker's Air Force (1970)


1970's Ginger Baker's Air Force was recorded live at Royal Albert Hall in January of 1970 -- in fact, this may be the best-sounding live album ever to come out of that notoriously difficult venue -- at a show that must have been a wonder to watch, as the ten-piece band blazed away in sheets of sound, projected delicate flute parts behind multi-layered African percussion, or built their songs up Bolero-like, out of rhythms from a single instrument into huge jazz-cum-R&B crescendos. Considering that this was only their second gig, the group sounds astonishingly tight, which greatly reduces the level of self-indulgence that one would expect to find on an album where five of the eight tracks run in excess of ten minutes. There aren't too many wasted notes or phrases in the 78 minutes of music included here, and Steve Winwood's organ, Baker, Phil Seamen, and Remi Kabaka's drums, and the sax playing by Chris Wood, Graham Bond (on alto), and Harold McNair, all stand out, especially the sax trio's interwoven playing on "Don't Care." Additionally, Denny Laine plays louder, flashier, more virtuoso-level guitar than he ever got to turn in with the Moody Blues, bending notes in exquisite fashion in the opening of Air Force's rendition of the Cream standard "Toad," crunching away on rhythm elsewhere, and indulging in some more introspective blues for "Man of Constant Sorrow." Ginger's masterpiece. 8/10
1970's Ginger Baker's Air Force was recorded live at Royal Albert Hall in January of 1970 -- in fact, this may be the best-sounding live album ever to come out of that notoriously difficult venue -- at a show that must have been a wonder to watch, as the ten-piece band blazed away in sheets of sound, projected delicate flute parts behind multi-layered African percussion, or built their songs up Bolero-like, out of rhythms from a single instrument into huge jazz-cum-R&B crescendos. Considering that this was only their second gig, the group sounds astonishingly tight, which greatly reduces the level of self-indulgence that one would expect to find on an album where five of the eight tracks run in excess of ten minutes. There aren't too many wasted notes or phrases in the 78 minutes of music included here, and Steve Winwood's organ, Baker, Phil Seamen, and Remi Kabaka's drums, and the sax playing by Chris Wood, Graham Bond (on alto), and Harold McNair, all stand out, especially the sax trio's interwoven playing on "Don't Care." Additionally, Denny Laine plays louder, flashier, more virtuoso-level guitar than he ever got to turn in with the Moody Blues, bending notes in exquisite fashion in the opening of Air Force's rendition of the Cream standard "Toad," crunching away on rhythm elsewhere, and indulging in some more introspective blues for "Man of Constant Sorrow." Ginger's masterpiece. 8/10
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