Search - Ginger Baker :: Do What You Like

An Essential Compilation of Masterful Musicianship.

ricalasno@hempseed.com | Atlanta, GA | 09/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ginger Baker's Do What You Like is a new compilation and release of material recorded and released in the years between 1969 and 1972. A 2 disc set, it pulls together 4 long playing vinyl records, released originally in 3 separate albums. The first disc is Ginger Baker's Airforce. This 2 record set has been released on compact disc previously but has been long out of print in this format and much sought after by collectors. Captured live at the Royal Albert Hall in January of 1970, Airforce was Baker's REALLY BIG band he formed after the short-lived Blind Faith. He essentially took Blind Faith, sans the little-known guitarist Eric Clapton, and added some of the most talented musicians to ever come up through the English music scene. From Blind Faith came Steve Winwood and Rick Grech. From Traffic (along with Winwood) came Chris Wood. Denny Laine, who later joined Wings, takes over the guitar chores. Names like Graham Bond, Harold McNair, Phil Seamen add wonderful depth and capability. The whole mix just steams and chugs along, driven by the incredible drumming of Baker and Remi Kabaka. It is also perhaps the first mix of traditional African music into the rock and roll format--World Music before there ever was such a thing. The second disc is also a most pleasant listen. It takes Airforce, adds a few people, takes away a few people (notably Winwood and Wood) and attempts to do in the studio what the previous incarnation had done so remarkably on stage. There are some amazing cuts here--Let Me Ride and 12 Gates of the City being revelations to these ears--and others that do not stand the test of time quite as well. It is hard, however, not to just crank up the volume so that you can hear EVERYTHING that is going on with this combo--the music is so dense. Nice versions of Cream's Sweet Wine and Sunshine of Your Love (the latter never-before seeing the light of day until this release). The remainder of the disc is Baker's 1972 release Stratavarious. Wow!! Heavy African influences, with absolutely amazing drumming. This is the huge surprise of this set. I thought I knew Ginger Baker but this is just such a treat. This entire set is essential if you are a fan of Cream or Blind Faith or just enjoy the wonderful freedom that music had to explore in those halycon days of yore before tightly-formatted playlists took over FM just they way they had AM before that."

Just buy it - super mega excellent

ricalasno@hempseed.com | 08/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without long explanation, I do recommend this unique 3 album set with historic performance including Graham Bond. Some people waited 30 years for release of some great songs. If you like rock, jazz, blues or Jimi Hendrix - just buy it - 100% satisfaction guaranteed"

Hard Hitting African-Blues Rock!

ricalasno@hempseed.com | 02/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The long awaited Ginger Baker early 70's recordings are finally released in this double disc compilation. All-Star lineup featuring Baker on double bass drums, Winwood on keyboards & vocals and Graham Bond on sax & vocals, this cd really rocks loud and hard with African and English blues rock. This recording is way ahead of it's time, long before the days of big band horn and percussion groups."