Beware of Mr. Baker

[Bill Hart]

I saw some outtakes or a trailer for this film quite a while ago- where Ginger Baker, the subject of the film, slugs the filmmaker in the face with his cane and draws blood. The irascible Mr. Baker, best known as the powerhouse drummer of the legendary power trio Cream, has always had a reputation as an incredible musician and a troubled, and troublesome, character.
Remember how scary he looked when he was young? Well, he hasn't gotten any prettier. And, according to the review i just read, he hasn't mellowed a bit. Remember that character played by Clint Eastwood- the aging, irascible codger who seemed mean and crusty? Clint was a mellow old guy compared to Ginger. Asked about Cream's formative role in the birth of heavy metal, Baker says "It should have been aborted."

I was a huge fan of Cream (and Blind Faith) back in the day. I'm looking forward to this film. Thankfully, he's only on screen, and not in the room.
Coming soon to a theatre near you.....

 

[Bill Hart]

Finally got to see this film via home streaming. What an insane, marvelous, cranky, talented, self-destructive character. He never considered himself a 'rock drummer,' and idolized the jazz greats, with whom he eventually got to play only after he faded into obscurity on the pop market scene. Baker went to Lagos, Nigeria in 1970 to immerse himself in African rythym; he seemed to have a penchant for crashing and burning everytime he got something good going. You can read the caution in the interviews with Clapton and Bruce- they respect Mr. Baker, but his emotional volatility obviously took its toll on their relationships. (And as credited writers, they apparently made far more money than Baker did as a performer and recording artist). The film is worth seeing- it also gives you a feel for just how important subtlety is, even in rock drumming. Baker is unsparing in his criticism of John Bonham and Keith Moon, as well as Charlie Watts. A singularly unique character.

 

[cjfrbw]

Loved his Air Force albums, and also his "World Music" efforts. He is featured on some African compilations. "Horses and Trees" and "Middle Passage" are a couple of faves of mine, a very eclectic vibe.

The Air Force records kind of point out that he was more influential in the spirit of Cream and Blind Faith than I appreciated, I previously thought the major forces were Clapton and Bruce.

The animosity between him and Bruce is so intense it has impeded many Cream reunions, I guess they managed to do one fairly recently that was quite good.

I guess he is also a pretty big guy, so you don't want him walloping you.