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Awesome mixture of exotic acoustic and electric elements, rhythms and tonalities. Ginger Baker is a world traveler and this has heavy leanings to African themes but Bill Laswell's production brings it out of the village into the studio, but just barely. The drumming and percussion throughout the album goes beyond the boundries of both rock and world music. Bass duties are handled by Laswell and Jah Wobble, often both on the same track. Exotic guitars played by tonemaster Nicky Skopeltis. No vocals, no need for them here.In fact I've played this recording since it first came out (circa 1989) but not until writing this review now did the abscence of vocals even dawn on me. Middle Passage is an album of six masterful arrangements of various intensities from bold to simmering. I like Laswell's production style but on some recordings he gets to "loop happy" and looses ground, but not here this is a great meeting of real playing with only a slight sense of production. Ginger Baker is one of the most recognisable names in drumming the world over, despite over a 10 year sabbatical from the music industry (mid 70's until mid-late 80's) and also being an artist with integrity, taste and intention. For those of you who are aware of his sublime Horses and Trees album Middle Passage is like the next progressive step in strength and intensity but with relativly similar exotic acoustic/electric instrumentation. The overall picture presented by the music? maybe something like having a big bowl of saucy spiced hot stew inside the flame and insense lit brick and clay walls of an African-Asian hashish lunchoenette den.
Before you (as a potential hero worshipper) vote my review down for not awarding the mandatory five stars for all Ginger Baker projects, at least do me the courtesy of first reading this review. I want it to be known that Ginger Baker is also one of my heroes and I believe that good fans have a balanced view of their favorite musicians. "The Middle Passage" is one of Ginger Baker's weaker albums; it's not a coincidence that this album is out-of-print. The idea for this project is to combine rock with world music. This is a fantastic concept has been pulled off with great success by the likes of Baka Beyond,Bill Frisell and Mickey Hart. Specifically, this album has a North African feel. Considering the album's African theme and Baker's previous Fela partnership, it is surprising that this project lacks any suggestion of Afrobeat. As expected, the rhythm is strong but the melody is weak. In other words, "Middle Passage" will keep your foot tapping, but there's nothing that will inspire you to hum along. Some of this may have to do with the mix; Baker's drums are overpowering. Another issue with this project is the production. "The Middle Passage" sounds like it is trapped in the 1980s. Granted, very few musicians were doing anything so interesting during that time period, but the production is a drawback. Some of these issues are surprising considering the all-star cast of Ginger Baker, Bill Laswell and Jah Wobble. Given the quality musicians and interesting premise, "the Middle Passage" seems less than the sum total of its parts. In the end, we should be grateful to Baker for being so adventurous; it is only by trying different things that the envelope can be pushed forward. Hey, you win some and you lose some. In Ginger Baker's discography, "the Middle Passage" stands as one of his more interesting but less compelling projects.
Saw many Cream performances in the 60's. Was always awe-struck with this man's drumming. Recently became re-acquainted through finding these many other more recent recordings. Since I have traveled to Africa quite a bit, the rhythms from that continent have become part of my soul. This album is fantastic. Captures these rhythms and beyond using modern recording technologies and definitely Ginger's style. This is but one of many new and great recordings (a must have in my book),and, hopefully just one of many more to follow. Thanks Ginger.
Ginger Baker's musical contributions stand the test of time for their innovation and musicality, regardless of his general attitudes that he'll play with enyone if the price is right. Produced by Bill Laswell, whom I believe he first met when Ginger was asked to record with PIL in the 80's, Middle Passage showcases Mr. Baker's skills as a drummer and composer focusing on his exploration of African tribal rhythms with a cast of collaborators from the Laswell camp who all played on each other's records during this period. A must have recording for fans of Ginger's playing, and worldbeat music in general.
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