51-772: Peter Edward " Ginger " Baker (19 August 1939 – 6 October 2019) was an English drummer . His work in the 1960s and 1970s earned him the reputation of "rock's first superstar drummer", for a style that melded jazz and African rhythms and pioneered both jazz fusion and world music . Baker gained early fame as a member of Blues Incorporated and the Graham Bond Organisation , both times alongside bassist Jack Bruce , with whom Baker would often clash. In 1966, Baker and Bruce joined guitarist Eric Clapton to form Cream , which achieved worldwide success but lasted only until 1968, in part due to Baker's and Bruce's volatile relationship. After working with Clapton in
102-541: A Duke Ellington concert. According to Baker: Every drummer that ever played for Duke Ellington played a double bass drum kit. I went to a Duke Ellington concert in 1966 and Sam Woodyard was playing with Duke and he played some incredible tom-tom and two bass drum things, some of which I still use today and I just knew I had to get a two bass drum kit. Keith Moon was with me at that concert and we were discussing it and he went straight round to Premier and bought two kits which he stuck together. I had to wait for Ludwig to make
153-481: A drummer for purposes including timekeeping and embellishing the musical timbre . The drummer's equipment includes a drum kit (or "drum set" or "trap set"), which includes various drums, cymbals and an assortment of accessory hardware such as pedals, standing support mechanisms, and drum sticks . Particularly in the traditional music of many countries, drummers use individual drums of various sizes and designs rather than drum kits. Some use only their hands to strike
204-472: A kit up for me, which they did—to my own specifications. So Moonie had the two bass drum kit some months before I did. Baker preferred light, thin, fast-rebounding drum sticks (size 7A), usually held using a matched grip . Baker's playing made use of syncopation and ride cymbal patterns characteristic of bebop and other advanced forms of jazz, as well as the frequent application of African rhythms . In his early days, he developed what would later become
255-559: A performance of a drum, a group of drummers, or as a part of a larger marching band . Their uniforms will often have a military style and a fancy hat. In recent times, it is more common to see drummers in parades wearing costumes with an African , Asian , Latin , Native American , or tribal look and sound. Various indigenous cultures use the drum to create a sense of unity with others especially during recreational events. The drum also helps in prayers and meditations. Stan Robinson Stan Robinson (13 April 1936 – 9 April 2017)
306-585: A plane crash. After the failure of the recording studio in Lagos, Baker spent most of the early 1980s on an olive farm in a small town in Tuscany , Italy . During this period, he played little music. In 1980, Baker joined Hawkwind after initially playing as a session musician on the album Levitation . He left in 1981, after a tour. Live material and studio demos from that period which Baker participated in were included on two Hawkwind albums, released later in
357-661: A series of Cream concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden . The London concerts were recorded and released as Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6, 2005 (2005). In a Rolling Stone article written in 2009, Bruce is quoted as saying, "It's a knife-edge thing between me and Ginger. Nowadays, we're happily co-existing in different continents [Bruce, who died in 2014, lived in Britain, while Baker lived in South Africa] ; ... although I
408-642: A tobacco shop. His father, Frederick Louvain Formidable Baker, was a bricklayer employed by his own father, who owned a building business, and was a lance corporal in the Royal Corps of Signals in World War II ; he died in the 1943 Dodecanese campaign . Baker went to Pope Street School, where he was considered "one of the better players" in the football team, and then to Shooter's Hill Grammar School . While at school he joined Squadron 56 of
459-428: Is also prominently featured, although sadly his contributions are often misattributed to other players. Widely recognised for his full-toned delivery, agile technique and harmonic detail, Robinson's style during the 1960s and 1970s reflected the influence of several leading American jazzmen, including Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson , whose work he closely echoes on the album Space Walk . He also made effective use of
510-484: Is brilliant. Yesterday he inserted a tube into the artery at my right wrist and fed it all the way to my heart—quite an experience. He was taking pictures of my heart from inside—amazing technology ... He says he's going to get me playing again! Thanks all for your support". In June 2016, it was reported he was recovering from open heart surgery, but had also suffered a bad fall, which had caused swollen legs and feet. On 25 September 2019, Baker's family reported that he
561-506: Is regarded for its style, showmanship, and use of two bass drums instead of the conventional single one, after the manner of the jazz drummer Louie Bellson . In his early days, he performed lengthy drum solos , most notably in the Cream song " Toad ", one of the earliest recorded examples in rock music . Baker was an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Cream in 1993, of
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#1732800997554612-633: The Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2008, and of the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016. Baker was noted for his eccentric, often self-destructive lifestyle, and he struggled with heroin addiction for many decades. He was married four times and fathered three children. Peter Baker was born in Lewisham , South London ; he was nicknamed "Ginger" for his shock of flaming red hair. His mother, Ruby May (née Bayldon), worked in
663-572: The 5th Annual British Jazz & Blues Festival in Richmond (1965). In the early 1970s, he was a member of the Don Rendell Quintet, with drummer Trevor Tomkins and multi-instrumentalist Peter Shade, appearing on Rendell's albums Change Is (1969) and Space Walk (1972). He remained associated with Rendell intermittently until the 2000s. During 1970-1973 Robinson was a member of trumpeter Maynard Ferguson 's big band, then based in
714-485: The Air Training Corps , based at Woolwich and stayed with them for two or three years. Baker began playing drums at around 15 years of age. In the early 1960s he took lessons from Phil Seamen , one of the leading British jazz drummers of the post-war era. In the 1960s he joined Blues Incorporated , where he met bassist Jack Bruce . The two clashed often, but would be rhythm section partners again in
765-804: The Sahara . At his destination, Lagos, he sets up a recording studio and jams with Fela Kuti. In 2012, the Jay Bulger documentary film Beware of Mr. Baker about Baker's life had its world premiere at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas , where it won the Grand Jury Award for best documentary feature. It received its UK premiere on BBC One on 7 July 2015. Baker cited Phil Seamen , Art Blakey , Max Roach , Elvin Jones , Philly Joe Jones and Baby Dodds as main influences on his style. Although he
816-567: The Sahara . Baker invited documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer to join him and the film Ginger Baker in Africa follows his odyssey as he makes his journey and finally arrives in Nigeria to set up his studio. After many frustrating setbacks and technical hitches, Batakota (ARC) studios opened at the end of January 1973, and operated successfully through the seventies as a facility for both local and western musicians. Paul McCartney and Wings recorded
867-686: The "50 Most Important Drummers of All Time" and has defined him as "one of the most imitated '60s drummers", stating also that "he forever changed the face of rock music". He was voted the third greatest drummer of all time in a Rolling Stone reader poll and has been considered the "drummer who practically invented the rock drum solo". In 2016, he was ranked 3rd on Rolling Stone ' s "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time". According to author and columnist Ken Micallef in his book Classic Rock Drummers : "the pantheon of contemporary drummers from metal, fusion, and rock owe their very existence to Baker's trailblazing work with Cream". Neil Peart has said: "His playing
918-882: The 1960s he played with various prominent UK jazz groups including the Phil Seamen Quintet, The Downbeat Big Band, Tubby Hayes ’ Big Band, the Johnny Burch Octet , Long John Baldry , Sandy Brown's band (also featuring Al Fairweather, Malcolm Cecil and Brian Lemon ), Humphrey Lyttelton (in both a big band and small group setting), The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band and the BBC Radio Orchestra. Together with fellow tenors Dick Morrissey and Al Gay , baritone sax Paul Carroll, and trumpets Ian Carr , Kenny Wheeler and Greg Bowen , he formed part of ( Eric Burdon and) The Animals 's Big Band that made its one-and-only public appearance at
969-444: The 1960s" and "one of classic rock's true drum gods". AllMusic described him as "the most influential percussionist of the 1960s" and stated that "virtually every drummer of every heavy metal band that has followed since that time has sought to emulate some aspect of Baker's playing". Although he is widely considered a pioneer of heavy metal drumming, Baker expressed his repugnance for the genre. Drum! magazine listed Baker among
1020-504: The 1980s. In 1985, he worked with producer Bill Laswell on Horses & Trees and then performed as a session musician on Album by Public Image Ltd . Baker moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s intending to become an actor. He unsuccessfully auditioned for the part of the Homeless Man in the 1989 "Weird Al" Yankovic comedy film UHF and appeared in the 1990 TV series Nasty Boys as Ginger. In 1992 Baker played with
1071-587: The Graham Bond Organisation , a rhythm and blues group with strong jazz leanings. Their relationship was so volatile that Baker once attacked Bruce with a knife during a concert. In March 1963, Baker, Bruce played in the Johnny Burch Octet with Burch, Jack Bruce, Mike Falana , Stan Robinson and John Mumford and others. Despite this volatile relationship, Baker and Bruce reunited in 1966 when they formed Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton . A fusion of blues, psychedelic rock and hard rock,
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#17328009975541122-585: The Salisbury Equestrian Park, but he also sponsored an ongoing series of jam sessions and concerts at the equestrian centre on weekends. His past drug history increasingly caused him problems with U.S. immigration, so in 1999 he sold his property in Parker and moved to South Africa. In 1994, he formed The Ginger Baker Trio with bassist Charlie Haden and guitarist Bill Frisell . On 3 May 2005, Baker reunited with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce for
1173-523: The United Kingdom and comprising British musicians. Robinson can be heard on the albums MF Horn 2 and Alive and Well in London , an album on which he and Alan Skidmore share the (uncredited) saxophone solos. During the late 2000s, former Ferguson manager and sideman Ernie Garside authorised the release of two volumes of previously unissued Ferguson recordings dating from the 1970s, on which Robinson
1224-842: The Who ), Neil Peart ( Rush ), Buddy Rich , Gene Krupa , Tony Williams , Elvin Jones , Sheila E , Brian Blade , Jack DeJohnette , Tim "Herb" Alexander ( Primus ), Phil Rudd ( AC/DC ), Roger Taylor ( Queen ), Charlie Watts ( the Rolling Stones ), Nick Mason ( Pink Floyd ), Bill Ward ( Black Sabbath ), Chad Smith ( Red Hot Chili Peppers ), Travis Barker ( Blink-182 ), Phil Collins ( Genesis ), Rick Allen ( Def Leppard ), Alex Van Halen ( Van Halen ), Tré Cool ( Green Day ), Dave Grohl ( Nirvana ), Joey Jordison ( Slipknot ), Lars Ulrich ( Metallica ), Tommy Lee ( Mötley Crüe ), James “The Rev” Sullivan ( Avenged Sevenfold ) and Cesar Zuiderwijk ( Golden Earring ). As well as
1275-620: The Who , Baker also frequently employed a much more restrained and straightforward performance style influenced by the British jazz groups he heard during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although he is usually categorised as having been a "rock drummer", Baker himself preferred to be viewed as a jazz drummer, or as just "a drummer". Along with Moon, Baker was credited as one of the early pioneers of double bass drumming in rock . He recollected that in 1966 he began to adopt two bass drums in his setup after he and Moon watched drummer Sam Woodyard at
1326-409: The archetypal rock drum solo, with the best known example being the five-minute-long instrumental " Toad " from Cream's debut album Fresh Cream (1966). Baker was one of the first drummers to move his left foot between his left bass drum pedal and hi-hat pedal to create various combinations. Somewhat atypically, Baker mounted all of the tom-toms on his drum kit in a vertical fashion, with the shells of
1377-480: The band released four albums in a little over two years before breaking up in 1968. Baker then joined the short-lived "supergroup" Blind Faith , comprising Eric Clapton, bassist Ric Grech from Family , and Steve Winwood from Traffic on keyboards and vocals. They released only one album, Blind Faith , before breaking up. In 1970 Baker formed, toured and recorded two albums with fusion rock group Ginger Baker's Air Force . Following Air Force, Baker created
1428-590: The bass drum. Before motorized transport became widespread, drummers played a key role in military conflicts. Military drummers provided drum cadences that set a steady marching pace and elevated troop morale on the battlefield. In some armies drums also assisted in combat by keeping cadence for firing and loading drills with muzzle loading guns. Military drummers were also employed on the parade field, when troops passed in review, and in various ceremonies including ominous drum rolls accompanying disciplinary punishments. Children also served as drummer boys well into
1479-407: The compilation Do What You Like (1998). Baker formed Baker Gurvitz Army with brothers Paul and Adrian Gurvitz in 1974 (encouraged by manager Bill Fehilly). The band recorded three albums, Baker Gurvitz Army (1974), Elysian Encounter (1975) and Hearts on Fire (1976), and the band toured through England and Europe in 1975. The band broke up in 1976, not long after the death of Fehilly in
1530-525: The drug in the 1960s while a jazz drummer in London clubs. Each time he travelled to Africa, he would get sober temporarily only to relapse. He estimated that he stopped using the drug around 29 times during his life, but was only able to quit permanently after moving to a small Italian village in 1981 where he took up olive farming. In February 2013, Baker said he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from years of heavy smoking, and chronic back pain from degenerative osteoarthritis . In February 2016, Baker
1581-761: The drums perpendicular to the floor, as opposed to the more common practice of angling the rack toms toward the player. Baker's most recent kit was made by Drum Workshop . He used Ludwig Drums until the late 1990s. All of his cymbals were made by Zildjian ; the 22-inch rivet ride cymbal and the 14-inch hi-hats he used were the same ones he used during the last two Cream tours in 1968. Baker's style influenced many drummers, including John Bonham , Peter Criss , Neil Peart , Stewart Copeland , Ian Paice , Terry Bozzio , Dave Lombardo , Tommy Aldridge , Bill Bruford , Alex Van Halen , Danny Seraphine and Nick Mason . Modern Drummer magazine described him as "one of classic rock's first influential drumming superstars of
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1632-483: The drums. In larger ensembles, the drummer may be part of a rhythm section with other percussionists playing. These musicians provide the timing and rhythmic foundation which allow the players of melodic instruments, including voices, to coordinate their musical performance. Some famous drummers include: Max Roach , Ringo Starr ( the Beatles ), John Bonham ( Led Zeppelin ), Ginger Baker ( Cream ), Keith Moon (
1683-521: The field). It included various percussion instruments, often adopted in European military music (as 'Janissary music'). The pitched bass drum is still known in some languages as the Turkish Drum. Military drumming is the origin of Traditional grip as opposed to Matched grip of drumsticks. The drumline is a type of marching ensemble descended from military drummers, and can be arranged as
1734-518: The flute, clarinet, alto and soprano saxes. Robinson was also regarded as an authority on saxophone mouthpieces, in particular in adapting and altering their internal dimensions to suit a particular player's style and requirements. The US stars he toured with include King Curtis , Aretha Franklin , Dizzy Gillespie , Andy Williams and Tony Bennett . In 1987, he toured the United States with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts ’ Orchestra, in
1785-662: The hard rock group Masters of Reality with bassist Googe and singer/guitarist Chris Goss on the album Sunrise on the Sufferbus . BBM (Bruce Baker Moore) formed in 1993. The short-lived power trio with the line-up of Baker, Jack Bruce and Irish blues rock guitarist Gary Moore recorded the album Around the Next Dream , released 1994. Baker lived in Parker, Colorado between 1993 and 1999, in part due to his passion for polo . Baker not only participated in polo events at
1836-415: The money was a gift after she and Baker became lovers. Baker replied, "I've a scar that only a woman who had a thing with me would know. It's there and she doesn't know it's there." Noko pleaded not guilty but was convicted of fraud. In October 2010 she was sentenced to three years of "correctional supervision", a type of community service. Baker called the sentence "a travesty". His autobiography Hellraiser
1887-874: The most promising new British tenor saxophonists to have emerged during the late 1950s. Robinson would work with Hayes in several different line-ups and was present on the final public appearance of Hayes's big band at Ronnie Scott's club in February 1973. During 1960-61, Robinson was a member of the third incarnation of the Jazzmakers, co-led by drummer Allan Ganley and trombonist Keith Christie which also included pianist Colin Purbrook and bassist Arthur Watts. This group recorded an as yet unissued album at IBC Studios in London in December 1960, which had it been released would have marked Robinson's debut recording. During
1938-456: The nineteenth century, though less commonly than is popularly assumed; due to the nature of the job, experienced older men were preferred. In modern times, drummers are not employed in battle, but their ceremonial duties continue. Typically buglers and drummers mass under a sergeant-drummer and during marches alternately perform with the regiment or battalion ensembles. Military-based musical percussion traditions were not limited exclusively to
1989-653: The primary rhythmic function, in some musical styles, such as world, jazz, classical, and electronica, the drummer is called upon to provide solo and lead performances, at times when the main feature of the music is the rhythmic development. Drummers tend to possess considerable stamina and hands-eyes-legs coordination . There are many tools that a drummer can use for either timekeeping or soloing. These include cymbals (china, crash, ride, splash, hi-hats, etc.), snare, toms, auxiliary percussion (bells, Latin drums, cowbells, temple blocks) and many others. There are also single, double, and triple bass pedals that drummers may use for
2040-603: The short-lived "Ginger Baker Drum Choir", which released a sole single on Atco Records (and Polydor in Germany) in 1971. The 45 RPM record featured a three-piece drum ensemble and " call and response " vocals, with the song "Atunde! (We are here)" and "Atunde! (part 2)" on its A and B sides . In November 1971, Baker decided to set up a recording studio in Lagos , then the capital of Nigeria . He decided that it would be an interesting experience to travel to Nigeria overland across
2091-596: The short-lived band Blind Faith and leading Ginger Baker's Air Force , Baker spent several years in the 1970s living and recording in Africa , often with Fela Kuti , in pursuit of his long-time interest in African music . Among Baker's other collaborations are his work with Gary Moore , Masters of Reality , Public Image Ltd , Hawkwind , Atomic Rooster , Bill Laswell , jazz bassist Charlie Haden , jazz guitarist Bill Frisell , and Ginger Baker's Energy. Baker's drumming
Ginger Baker - Misplaced Pages Continue
2142-538: The song " Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me) " for Band on the Run at the studio, with Baker playing a tin can full of gravel. Baker sat in for Fela Kuti during recording sessions in 1971 released by Regal Zonophone as Live! Fela also appeared with Baker on Stratavarious (1972) alongside Bobby Gass, a pseudonym for Bobby Tench from the Jeff Beck Group . Stratavarious was later re-issued as part of
2193-685: The western world. When Emir Osman I was appointed commander of the Turkish army on the Byzantine border in the late 13th century, he was symbolically installed via a handover of musical instruments by the Seldjuk sultan. In the Ottoman Empire , the size of a military band reflected the rank of its commander in chief: the largest band was reserved for the Sultan (viz. his Grand Vizier when taking
2244-522: Was an English jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist . Robinson started playing professionally at Manchester's Club 43 before travelling to London and appearing at Ronnie Scott's Club in the early 1960s, often in a quartet featuring the young drummer Peter "Ginger" Baker . In an article in Jazz News magazine in September 1960, Tubby Hayes was cited as saying that he believed Robinson to be among
2295-604: Was critically ill in hospital, and asked fans to keep him in their prayers. Baker died on 6 October 2019 at the age of 80, at a hospital in Canterbury from complications of COPD . On 23 October 2019, a private funeral service was held in Canterbury, Kent, with close family and friends. Sources: Drummer A drummer is a percussionist who creates music using drums . Most contemporary western bands that play rock , pop , jazz , or R&B music include
2346-485: Was diagnosed with "serious heart issues" and cancelled all future gigs. Writing on his blog, he said, "Just seen doctor ... big shock ... no more gigs for this old drummer ... everything is off ... of all things I never thought it would be my heart ..." In late March 2016, it was revealed that Baker was set for pioneering treatment. "There are two options for surgery and, depending on how strong my old lungs are, they may do both." He added, "Cardiologist
2397-401: Was generally considered a pupil of Seamen, Baker stated that he was largely self-taught and he only played some exercises with Seamen. Baker's early performance attracted attention for both his musicality and showmanship. While he became famous during his time with Cream for his wild, unpredictable, and flamboyant performances that were often viewed in a vein similar to that of Keith Moon from
2448-554: Was married four times and fathered three children. Baker and his first wife, Liz Finch, had their first child, Ginette Karen, on 20 December 1960. Baker's second daughter, Leda, was born 20 February 1968. Baker's son, Kofi Streatfield Baker, was born in March 1969 and named after Baker's friend, Ghanaian drummer Kofi Ghanaba . Kofi himself is also a drummer, notably playing with Uli Jon Roth and Glenn Hughes . Baker struggled with heroin addiction throughout his life, having begun using
2499-483: Was published in 2009. Throughout 2013 and 2014, he toured with the Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion, a quartet comprising Baker, saxophonist Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis , bassist Alec Dankworth , and percussionist Abass Dodoo. In 2014 Baker signed with Motéma Music to release the album Why? Ginger Baker in Africa (1971) documents Baker's drive by Range Rover , from Algeria to Nigeria , across
2550-456: Was revolutionary – extrovert, primal and inventive. He set the bar for what rock drumming could be. [...] Every rock drummer since has been influenced in some way by Ginger – even if they don't know it". Baker was infamous for his irascible personality and violent temper, as well as for confrontations with musicians and fans. Rolling Stone reporter David Fricke wrote in 2012 that even in old age, "you get close to Baker at your peril." Baker
2601-420: Was thinking of asking him to move. He's still a bit too close". In 2008 a bank clerk, Lindiwe Noko, was charged with defrauding Baker of almost R 500,000 ($ 60,000). Baker said he had hired Noko as a personal assistant, paying her £7 per day (about R100) for performing various errands, and alleged she used this position to uncover his private banking information and make unauthorized withdrawals. Noko claimed that
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