Live in Berlin Germany 1978

 inger Baker is probably best known as the drummer with

British rock band Cream and also Blind Faith. Despite being

hailed as The Greatest Rock Drummer he actually dislikes

the title preferring the title "jazz drummer".

Following his tenure with a number of jazz bands in the late

fifties and early sixties his career really took off

commercially when he joined the Graham Bond

Organisation. From here he formed Cream along with

fellow Bond Organisation bassist Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton

guitarist with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Cream were an

instant hit particularly in America were they sealed their

reputation with extensive touring and the release of the

albums Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire.

Following the split with Cream Ginger formed Blind Faith

along with Eric Clapton Steve Winwood and Ric Grech.

Once again the band enjoyed huge commercial success

and played one massively attended open air gig in London's

Hyde Park in June 1969. Following this gig the band released

their only studio album the self titled Blind Faith before

embarking on a successful American tour.

Ginger's next musical stop was his own band Ginger Baker's

Airforce who released two albums of part studio part live

recordings.

Following the breakup of airforce in early 1971 Ginger

moved to Africa and built his own recording studio in Nigeria.

At this point musically however Ginger was incredibly prolific

working with Fela Ransome Kuti and also his own band Salt.

He also recorded his own solo album Stratavarious. In 1974

Ginger returned to rock music with the Baker Gurvitz Army

who over the next two years produced three studio albums

and toured extensively.

In November 1978 after a short period setting up his own

Polo Club (something that still interests Ginger to this day)

Ginger found himself in Berlin for a concert with his old

friend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Africa 70 at the Berlin Jazzfest.

The three tracks contained on this album are a magnificent

blend of styles and one which went down exceedingly well

with the audience although best described as a jam the music

is never boring or self indulgent. This high quality recording

is a fine testament to the pairing of Fela and Africa 70 and

Ginger Baker and captures a real moment in time where the

language is music and the currency is virtuosity.

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