Drum Teacher Reaction: GINGER BAKER | Cream - 'White Room'
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- Опубліковано 7 лис 2022
- OG Video | • White Room
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#drumteacher #reaction #gingerbaker
Ginger is amazing and always considered himself to be a jazz drummer.
The best kind of drummers out there, and my favorite. Seems like all the greats came from some kind of jazz background
Yes but unfortunately nobody else agreed with him
A lot of his music comes from the time he spent in Africa studying drums.
I think the African thing was after Cream.
I once heard Jack Bruce say he and Ginger were doing Jazz, but they didn't let Eric know. He was being cheeky I suspect, but maybe there is more to it.
Ginger was really a jazz drummer who plays in rock bands. And “fiery” is just his personality. (See the film “Beware of Mr. Baker”.) He and Jack Bruce, although they often didn’t get along, were one of the best rhythm sections in the history of rock. (Jack was one of the best bassists of his generation, and also came out of a jazz and blues background.) You should really check out more of Ginger Baker’s work, with Cream, with Blind Faith, with Baker, Bruce & Moore, and his solo stuff. Maybe some of his drum battles (against many great jazz drummers, including Alvin Jones).
Yes so he said but I don't hear it at all, o never.once heard him playing real jazz
Yeah your right, check out him in blind Faith at Hyde Park doing can't find my way home, he puts on a clinic!
@@kippsguitar6539 I felt the same way about Baker's jazz claims until I did more research and a look at the background he had. I feel he had a great deal of influence to rock and roll drumming, however his claim seemed to say he was a jazz drummer and did not see himself as a rock and roll drummer. Check out some of the jazz artists he played with and some of the groups he was involved in. I would say his style melded jazz and African rhythms and pioneered both jazz fusion that was unique. No doubt Ginger Baker was a "different drummer" that choose to write the book rather than read the book on drumming. I feel he had a great amount of passion and talent. I believe his influence on Rock an Roll and Jazz drumming is recognizable. The first time I saw him play live was with his band in the 60's. Chicago Amphitheater, Drum off Ginger Baker VS. Buddy Miles. It was an impressive performance by both, I enjoyed the concert. Unfortunately I was too young and ignorant to appreciate how great the talent was as much as I do today.
You left out Ginger Bakers Air force with his old bandmate and Heroin addict, Graham bond' Also his band the Baker Gurvitz Army and Alexis Korners Blues Incorporated
There is also a video "Ginger Baker in Africa".
It's difficult to ignore Jack's vocals on that track. At the time, and still one of the finest in the 20th century.
Watch the documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker" on his life. He wasn't the nicest of people, but one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time.
Ridiculous, he couldn't cut it with a third rate proper jazz drummer
It's a great doco! Watched it twice and might just have to watch it again now...
“ He sounds like someone a little bit on the edge” “ …a little bit reckless “ Haha. PERFECT! The best description of Ginger Baker I’ve ever heard especially from someone fairly unfamiliar with him. Every time I’ve seen him he always seems to be a heart beat away from just losing his sh*t. What a character
Many characters in this game. Unconventional and on a different way of thinking
@@AndrewRooneyDrums agreed and I love it!
He was famous for throwing his drumsticks at Jack Bruce the bassist during gigs, they often came to blows.
@@alantattersall3190 yuck
agree 100%
Ginger had tuition (or practiced) with Phil Seamen in his early days. He was also a great admirer of Elvin Jones. He played at least one "drum battle" against Elvin Jones, back when rock fans used to be unrealistically obsessed with who was the best X or Y or Z. I remember Ginger in at least one interview where he was talking about Cream, he said "we all had the gift of Time". He meant their sense of musical timing, and ability to play around with timing but never lose it. Ginger has said, Cream were a jazz band that played some rock. Jack and I never told Eric that, we let him think that he was in a Rock band". Clapton has said several times (paraphrasing, because I cannot find the quote just now): Ginger used to emphasise the 1 and 3 in a 4-4 time, whereas most drummers were on the 2 and 4. When I first heard him I thought he was playing things wrong".
Andrew: I would recommend you to listen (and maybe react to) the Cream track "We're Going Wrong", either from the Disraeli Gears" album, or from the DVD reelase of the 2005 Albert Hall reunion concerts. I can't find that you have already covered it. I think it is a great example of Ginger's musicality, and also has great performances from Bruce and Clapton. It is one of my all-time favourite Cream tracks.
If you want to hear more examples of Ginger doing different things, check out the eponymous 1st album "Baker Gurvitz Army" released in 1974. Especially tracks #1"Help Me", #2 "Love is" , #3"Memory Lane" (complete with solo), o even track #4"Inside of Me" is well-worth a listen. "Help Me" STILL sends shivers up my 66 year old spine, as it did when i first heard on my parents' "stereo" on my 16th birthday. I remember that there was a live concert broadcast on the BBC around the time, basically of this of this album. Sadly the tape seems to have been lost or wiped.
My elderly Mother had gone to a local record store and asked them if there were any new album releases suitable for a Cream fan (she had been looking at the posters on my bedroom walls 😎 ) . . . luckily the guy serving new exactly who Cream were , and that Ginger had a new band who had just released an album and recommended BGA.
2 years later, she mixed up something that she had only half heard, and instead of T-Bone Walker, she bought me "New England" by Wishbone Ash, for my 18th birthday. It is STILL one of my favourite albums of the time.😄
You definitely nailed the tension and friction in the band. They were all super competitive with each other, each trying to outplay the others. It was like a sport to them. That they were able to hold it together for a couple years, putting out a few great albums, is a testament to their musicianship and their professionalism. They were a supergroup of sorts, not from a standpoint of being super famous, but for being known in the London music scene as THE BEST at their instruments. They knew it ("Clapton is God" was already out there from the fanbase), they weren't afraid to show it, and they were intent on proving it.
For context, Cream were a few years ahead of Led Zeppelin, who were themselves a year ahead of Black Sabbath. Cream were among the very first successful loud, heavy rock bands, with distorted guitars and screaming solos. They hit just before Jimi Hendrix exploded onto the scene, and their time in the late 60s overlapped more with The Beatles than it did with Led Zeppelin. They BROKE UP in 1968, before Black Sabbath even adopted that name, and a full year before their first album was recorded.
Cream set the stage for all of hard rock in the 70s.
Professionalism? I thought they were 3rd rate musicians but made great songs
Yeah, I wasn't happy with that word choice, but I couldn't think of an alternative. I meant professionalism as in their commitment to making great songs and great records. They all wanted to be *THE* star, but none of them would ever cross a line that would hurt the overall product. It was egotistical and corrosive, but they were professionals who delivered.
@@GregMcNeish I feel that Jack Bruce was constantly challenging Ginger Baker. I think Eric had a "natural" position. He was a friend to both and mediator for the most part. Baker did not like to be "pushed" by Jack, they both were very talented with large egos and different views.
@@GregMcNeish How about passion? They were definitely passionate about the music, and in general.
i played sax with ginger from 96-99 in the denver area. he considered himself a jazz drummer who happened to play in a couple rock bands. he wore out the phrase "if it aint got that swing it dont mean a thing" when asked about rock drummers. he spoke poorly of john bohnam as a drummer, and keith moon, and most rock players, but he was complimentary towards charlie watts of the rolling stones. he ended every show with "sunshine of your love" by cream, (because he knew the crowd wanted it) but he avoided questions about cream. eric did get them together for 1 last payday in royal albert hall 2005 and i highly recommend watching that show to see how they all just picked it back up like it hadnt been 35 years since they performed together. "toad" is gingers feature piece with cream.
Very cool! Did he speak well of anyone, ever? Do you play a Dukoff D8?
Actually they did not "just pick it up", they rehearsed intensively for at least 2 weeks befoe the 2005 concerts, it might even have been for 3 weeks I forget now. The played through the songs and just made sure they all knew where the cues were. At the time they all said that they were determined to be remembered for good performances in 2005 and not only nostalgic memories from 66-68, but some feelings of disappoinment. The DVDs of those reunion performances at the Albert Hall are superb.
Anyone else ever wonder why there isn’t (or at least not a wildly popular) heavy metal Cream cover band named Heavy Cream?
Cream... no sugar
Aborted Cream
Cream were the sum of three parts all three of them at the very top of their game.
such a unique time in music history- Baker's a straight jazz drummer, likewise Bruce on bass; Clapton's blues...but you know what? It's 1967-'68, so they're stretching and rocking in this soup, creating a totally new sound. So cool.
Yes Sam!
This song might be considered the genesis of Prog Rock. BTW, Baker is playing Timpani with mallets. Again, surprised you never heard heard this song before. Cream were the first Rock supergroup. White Room is their second biggest hit.
Anyone interested in Ginger Baker should check out the documentary, “Beware Of Mr. Baker.” He was not only an amazing percussionist, but also a fascinating character, unencumbered by modesty. This film introduced me to his collaboration in Africa with Fela Kuti.
"Unencumbered by modesty" is the most polite way of calling someone a complete douchebag.
Reportedly, Ginger Baker was suggested to Tony Iommi as a replacement for Bill Ward during one of the Black Sabbath reunions. Tony is said to have replied, "I think we have enough problems already."
Terrific drummer, though.
Suggested by the producer of the 13 album Rick Rubin. I wish Ginger would have done the studio sessions and Tony could have set him on fire like he used to do Bill Ward lol. Bill is lucky to be alive after some of the things Tony did the him!
Ginger is my all time favorite drummer. An absolute beast behind the kit and a beast of a human being. You need to check his work with fela kuti when he was in Africa. Specifically "Black Man's Cry"
Really, it's a miracle he managed to survive his own life as long as he did. Few people would attempt half the shit Ginger did, much less survive.
Jack Bruce wrote the 4/4 melody for White Room, but needed an intro and turnaround. Ginger added those in a 5/4. Ginger had been a professional jazz drummer for several years prior to Cream, as had Bruce. Also, Ginger began studying African drum rhythms around 1960, and began weaving those patterns into the rudiment.
To really appreciate Cream you need to listen to their live sets, as that was where their jazz improv really stood out.
Oh yeah, they are a completely different animal live. I love their live versions of Spoonful.
Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon , and Ginger Baker have always been in that same school of rock drumming in my mind/ear. Really adds something to the whole groups sound for sure. Thanks for reacting @Andrew Rooney Drums
This song is one of the greatest ever!!
Jack Bruce made the music with Pete Brown who wrote the lyrics while he
was living in a white room and gave up all drugs and alcohol at that time in 1967. the lyrics featured throughout the song are widely interpreted as being about the singer’s on-again/off-again relationship with druggs.
Eric Clapton used a wah-wah pedal on his guitar. He got the idea from Jimi Hendrix 'Woo-doo Child'. Ginger played rightly what served the song.
Love this song!! Love the meaning behind it, it's so easy to sing to n vibe with but knowing what he's singing about makes it that much better
Great song average drummer
Cream was a collection of superstars. Each one great and special!!!! To call this classic is too weak of a word. I am so honored to have grown up in this time period. So many wonderful groups and artists. They set standards for other artists for decades to come. Ginger was a monster of a drummer. Monster! Andrew I must thank you Sir for this. Wow. Late is better than never. Hall of Fame stuff.
Thanks Mike.
I feel this Ginger rabbit hole is a deep and complex one.
There was a certain freedom and creativity in the classic rock world which closer aligns to jazz for me than modern rock
@@AndrewRooneyDrums you’ve gotta check out The Toad. The album version is shorter and more contained while the live version from wheels of fire is a 16 minute pilgrimage through his mind
nowhere near Zeppelin's calibre or success !!!!
This is the first time I've video a video incorporating drumeo. I found it fascinating. Being a Cream fan, and a White Room fan ( I've played bass to this song), i loved your analysis. Ginger Baker always viewed himself as a jazz drummer, so spot on. Jack Bruce was a fabulous bass player and White Room one of my favorites to play. Thank you.
His "duels" with jazz drummers would be an interesting listen. It was very important for him to be taken seriously in that realm at a certain point in time.
It's laughable and these great jazz drummers are humouring him
@@kippsguitar6539 Having read his autobiography, I believe in his passion for the art and the respect he had of the jazz greats. He seems to be coming from a place of truth, which is perhaps the best anyone can offer. I hope it was met at the time with respect and genuine interest. But things have changed so much. Factor in Ginger's ego and the way he carried himself and it can be hard to have empathy for him. I found the performances interesting and his playing generally better than what I thought. (Took me a while to be able to appreciate much of the "rock" made pre 80's on account of the differences in recording quality, tone and feel)
I would be going into that a little bit worried. But indeed I should check it out.
I think it's Tympani in the 5/4 sections. Ginger played tympani and these parts sounded very tuned and malket to me. Ginger came up with the 5/4 idea on these parts. I don't know for sure but it sort of falls into place . Maybe someone else knows?
Peace and love brother 👍❤️
On the edit. I'd agree
Love the "and then" reference.. that movie is a guilty pleasure of mine. Love to see Ginger Baker make an appearance
HAHA!
Finally :) we knew you’d get to Ginger! The documentary is legendary.
Legitimately one of my favorite songs ever. Cream is great. This song takes it's time and just works so well
He also reminded me of Bill Ward, in approach. Definitely had different tuning and stuff but just the constant hitting and following as opposed to planning out every hit to perfection
Yes but getting back to ginger bakers technique, overrated
Good to hear Anthony!
The giveaway for Ginger Baker's kit sounding like a jazz kit is that Baker was really into Jazz and African rhythms, and brought a lot of fusion between the two into his rock drumming... put together with jack Bruce, a hugely influential bassist and Eric Clapton, an amazing guitarist, and you're bound to find greatness. The band was filled with tension, as Baker and Bruce clashed a lot, eventually causing the band to split after a relatively short time together. While they were together, though, they really shone brightly! Cream's live version of Crossroads that they released on their Wheels of Fire album is worth checking out. It's a musical explosion.
Andrew, thanks for doing this one on Ginger, who has been one of my favorite drummers to listen to since around '78; when I discovered him. Loved listening to your analysis, impressions, and reflections.
"Firery..." Yes, yes, yes; I am going to guess Ginger would have loved that.
Thanks for watching and the good feedback!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums SUBSCRIBED!
Ginger and Jack Bruce came from the jazz side and Eric Clapton from the blues. Ginger was one of the first drummers to feature the toms in his playing and also the first to use double bass drums. I would watch Sunshine of your Love from the reunion concert at the Albert Hall. Ginger was definitely fiery and not adverse to punching people. Ginger was also really into African drumming and rhythms. You never knew when a track would end because of the improvisation. This is the RAH recording ua-cam.com/video/vyftaay-pFA/v-deo.html
Jazz my arse
Never heard of Louis bellson then
@@craigoliver3709 Sorry not into jazz, so never heard of him but do know of his wife Pearl Bailey
@@keithgotch1546 Louie Belson who was married to Pearl Bailey is credited to being the first drummer to use the double bass set up back in 1946.
The 5/4 intro beat is pretty similar to Mars from Holst’s The Planets, which was a pretty big influence on a number of rock songs. Other notable Mars influenced songs include Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” and King Crimson’s “Devils Triangle” (which was a replacement for the fact that KC used to literally do Mars live but couldnt get the rights to record it).
And of course the main riff in Black Sabbath on Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath was inspired by it as well.
Sabbath also got the idea for the main riff of their self-titled song "Black Sabbath" from Mars
Oh wow. Cheers for the info!
Baker would chew you out bringing Bonham into any drumming conversation. Haha!
I bet Lisa!! LOL
Andrew... the new 200K UA-cam plaque is looking good! Definetly an upgrade from the hand drawn one. 😂
Oh I love my son's homemade plaques!
I have played drums since I was ten, Andrew. My high school group did Sunshine of your love, and when I was in college, I had the great honor and privilege of seeing Cream live on their Good Bye Tour. I had second row seats right in front of Ginger's drum riser and I spent the entire concert with my mouth open. If you think this is something, listen to the 16 minute live version of Spoonful off of their Wheels of Fire double album. It starts off as a great blues riff, then Baker and Jack Bruce the bassist take it off into outer space. Ginger was not the nicest person, but he was an awesome drummer! Fully enjoyed this.
Some of Ginger Baker's best drumming can be heard on the 1980 Hawkwind album Levitation. He lasted one album and tour with them before being kicked out for drinking 2 bottles of bacardi a day and letting his dog bite people! Definitely worth checking out the title track and Space Chase even if not in a reaction.
What a guy! HAHA
The Lion King of rock drumming 🧡🧡🧡
🙌
You need to see a live video or listen to some of their live concert jams! Another one who is really cool, but underappreciated is Mitch Mitchell from Jimi Hendrix bands. Bill Ward would be a student of Cream.
No he doesn't need to, baker was a con man
Hey Andrew, Ginger grew up listening to Big Band drumming. I believe one can hear that influence all over his drumming. His playing style reflected his personality. As you said "on the edge." Definitely "fiery." He had a wicked temper from what I've read. At any rate, he played rock music with a jazz temperament.
This band basically went on stage to play a jam session many times. They had LONG jams in the middle or end of the gigs. They were that old school band who lived to play together and feeding from each others. Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce basically hated each other even before the band, but they had played together and Clapton only agreed to join the band if both were in. But on the other hand everybody agreed they had great musical chemistry. They of course wanted Clapton because Clapton was the star name at the time, basically it was a star lineup with the three. And they proved it was the right assumption. As far as I read on the biography and other sources, Clapton himself was shy and humble and sort of disliked being in the spotlight, but let his guitar rip when it was his spot to stand out (he would play in the corner back to the audience many times). There should be footage of long drum solos and bass solos and all that stuff, they just loved jamming out. And they played a lot, they played all the time everywhere, rehearsal place if not on gigs or entering random jams individually. Not wonder they were so tight and welded together.
Personally for me (as a guitarist as well), despite Clapton often getting a lot of focus in this band for his guitar playing, Ginger Baker is what makes this so interesting and forces me to move to the beat, and makes it really fun and groovy to play along. With a click track and modern drumming it was such a shocking reveal to listen to Cream and go "oh THIS is how live music is played". Live as not only on gigs but music that has life in it. It was somewhat equal to really listening to Van Halen brothers for the first time and go "oh god this is why you practice and play together for years and don't use a click track" and still be seamless, the difference being so much groove that it's hard not to move with the music. I know in my personal life two drummers like that who have something similar than Baker in terms of their drumming makes me move and want to play with them (not similar people as drummers as Baker, but have that thing). I don't think he's the best technical drummer or such ever, but he's one of the best when it comes to music I want to listen to and play along with.
“On the edge … a little bit reckless” - you nailed it. The style fits the man perfectly! Watch the documentary, “Beware Mr. Baker”!
I wouldn't say he was _on_ the edge, I'd say he plunged over it naked and on fire. 🤣 Ginger was a great person...to watch from a distance. I love how _Beware of Mr Baker_ starts, it really sets the scene for what's coming.
"We were always a jazz band, we just never told Eric." - Ginger Baker
I wish I had it down pat, the secret to those drum roll breaks in White Room. You can emulate it with cadence with the sticks, or left double, right single, for that Buddle-dah-duddle, sound. Which isn't easy, and does not come naturally.
They were the original super group .The best bass player in the country , the best drummer in the country and the best guitarist in the country in the best band in the country .No alpha Male in the band because they were all alpha males .They came from blues and jazz backgrounds and they played incredible rock .
Love it David!!!
Wouldn’t you like to hear “Toad”? (1968 version).
Have you heard of Phil Seaman? Baker got much of his approach from Phil.
✌️
Ginger Baker was a remarkable jazz drummer. He had an enormous influence on Roc & Roll percussion. On of the first concerts I attended was a "drum off" between him and Buddy Miles. It would be great if you push bit further. I would be glad to send you some links. (you will not regret
An interviewer once said something to jack bruce about ginger baker saying that jack never had good time. That was like throwing ALL the gasoline on a fire. It was pretty hilarious
Ginger Baker prided himself on being a jazz drummer. Remember, when he was a kid, all he had to listen to were jazz drummers.
Ginger also uses symbals with little high hats mounted on them
Ginger baker is so good! Check out Ginger baker's air force - toady or da da man. Best thing he ever did!
It's definitively worth while listening to "Do What You Like" by "Blind Faith". Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and Rick Grech were in the band - a huge amount of talent! The song "Do What You Like" is in 5/4, around 15 minutes long and moves towards an epic drum solo at the end. It's imho also the most "listenable" drum solo that I ever heard.
Wow thanks Stefan!
Steve Winwood!!! Love his solo stuff. I had no idea he was involved in any of this
ginger was a classic bad ass. if he was still alive and saw your video he would say who the f#%k is this guy and who gives a sh%t what he thinks. he was great !!
Ginger was making very interesting open-hi-hat choices here. It was very helpful to have the transcription up as the song was played in order to see exactly when he opened up the hi-hat on certain beats. I like that he repeats the same fills (and overall drum rhythms) throughout the song. The fills are like rhythmic motifs that become a signature part of the song.
What is missing from that transcription is the nuanced accents on the hi hat during the chorus. Killer.
In addition to a huge Jazz influence he also if I remember correctly. he was a big fan of Swing and commented about the lack of those two skills or influences in many other rock drummers of the day.
You have got to react to Toad. I saw Kofi Baker perform Toad live, and it very literally took my breath away. I was so into it, I was literally holding my breath. Incidentally, the group currently touring as Music of Cream includes Ginger Baker's son Kofi, Eric Clapton's nephew Will Johns, and is the next best thing to seeing to the original band live, which is sadly no longer possible as Jack Bruce passed away in 2014 and Ginger Baker in 2019.
Thanks for doing Cream, love Ginger, a wild character on and off stage. Hell of a rhythm section with Ginger and Jack Bruce coming from a jazz background and really pushed the blues guy Eric Clapton to do some of his best work. Their live recordings are crazy good. Wish they lasted longer, but strong personalities and over-touring and ear-splitting sound levels wore thin.
Check out the Cream reunion video from Royal Albert Hall, Ginger has a lengthy drum solo towards the end of the concert. ua-cam.com/video/UJefbp-s9LA/v-deo.html
Excellent. Thank you Allen
Since you're doing the top 5 drummers add Billy Cobham and try some snare on - Stratus (1973) plus you get to hear Tommy Bolin on Guitar 🎸
How can this guy not already know this song?
I love how Ginger didn't need to overuse cymbals 😊
Ginger Baker's solo albums created with Bill Laswell like Horses & Trees (1983) or Middle Passage (1990) have much more jazz/eclectic timing percussion
This made me realize Ten Years After, live album Undead, would be nice. Year 1968. At the Woodchoppers ball, or I'm going home - KILLER version on this album.
Want to hear some more, I'd say check out Crossrads or Those were the days. Another cool one is Stepping Out from the BBC sessions... When the whole band gets off the hinge it's crazy!! If you want to go further, I think Baker Gurvitz Army is his best playing... He cleaned up his playing a lot by that time, it's way sharper but with the same tribal energy from his Cream days. Memory Lane has a cool drum solo, and Freedom, a Hendrix cover has him playing some funky stuff I never heard him play before or even after!! Definitely check it out!!
listen to creams live jams to really understand the band and the interplay between the three of them. baker goes ham in live songs like NSU, Sunshine of your love, tales of brave ulysses, spoonful, etc
Yes! I cannot wait to hear more
Hi Andrew, interesting comment you made regarding Baker's basically doing improv during the final solo. He absolutely loved Clapton's playing as his timing in Cream was impeccable allowing Baker to weave around him. I'd suggest having a listen to Baker in the live track "Stepping Out" from Live Cream volume 2 (here: ua-cam.com/video/OWTJVNPu_r4/v-deo.html). OK it's 13 minutes and change in length but after the initial 4 minutes or so, it's just Clapton wringing every trick out of the guitarist's source book while the bass players goes off for a break and Baker is accompanying Clapton almost telepathically. Really, it's incredible...
Cheers
Malc
If this sounds like a jazz piece, Ginger would have been happy: He wanted to take Cream into more jazzy territory. I am a huge Cream fan and Ginger is my favourite drummer. Beware Mr.Baker!
Improv, yes, as one might expect from a trained jazz drummer in an experimental 60's way. Baker was always his own guy with a singular style- in that way similar to Moon (sans the jazz), who had incredible feel.
Jack and Ginger started out in a band where the "entrance exam" so to speak, was basically to jam with the band and try to keep up when they change the timing on you. Apparently, Jack pissed off some of the band beforehand, so they were specifically trying to make him fail, but he kept timing with them non-the-less. Which is a long-winded way of saying that they were both very good at keeping time with each other on the fly.
Have a listen to Sunrise on the Sufferbus by The Masters of Reality from the early 90s. Gingers drumming was really excellent and very interesting on that album
Thanks for the tip Richard! 👌
@@AndrewRooneyDrums you're welcome 🤘
@@AndrewRooneyDrums ua-cam.com/play/PL2C0Tir5-NOJXPBA-ZC1GewgivZgsddeU.html
“The best rock bands all have jazz drummers”
If you want to see something absolutely incredible then you have to go and watch this guy Daniel Potts!!! Dude plays the drum's with his feet because he was born armless and the man is absolutely amazing
There's now a lot of "bootleg" live Cream recordings on UA-cam. What's interesting to me is that, unlike other "jam" bands, Cream really did improvise. The versions of "Spoonful," for instance - that I've heard - are all unique. They really seem improvised.
IMO, the live versions of "Spoonful" ("Wheels of Fire") and "N.S.U." ("Live Cream Vol 1") are some of the best showcases of not only Ginger's drumming, but also the incredible interplay of the band in a live setting. If you're unfamiliar with Ginger Baker and/or Cream, start there.
The indomitable Mr Baker always sneered at other rock drummers not being able to swing....(in his opinion).... I didn't used to like Ginger's drumming, but when I learned how he developed his style and his influences, it suddenly clicked and I got him and it was worth the effort....
Because he was jealous of superior drummers
Check out "Toad" live from 1968 for extended solo by the mighty Ginger.
Good reaction. Two comments: 1. The comparison to Elvin Jones is apt. Similar tuning, also very tom-forward, and the kick feel. 2. The hi hat in the choruses is fantastic and I wish you'd commented on that. His rhythms are more or less following the vocal melody, with embellishments. Thumbs up!
Excellent David.
Yup it's a comping style in the vein of the jazz greats and people like Bill Ward.
It's an ongoing band dialogue happening in real time
@@AndrewRooneyDrums For a really live band dialog, check out Cream's live version of "Crossroads"-- lots of interesting drum work. In the initial vocal verses, a simple but creative take on how to comp the blues; and then, the feel opens up. With stomping double bass drums!
This song and the whole Disreali Gears record are the pinnacle of Baker, Bruce, and Clapton's life's work!
one of the best songs ever
I a great 3 piece band all instruments have to be on point. No place to hide.
Back then, you visualized the band members just PLAYING, and hopefully it was well-recorded. These days, so much of popular music sounds pre-programmed, digitally tweaked, and it's missing the human element that keeps the music fresh all these decades later.
I bet you would love Ginger Baker's Airforce! And pretty much everything he did live, especially with Cream and Blind Faith 🤟👹❤
Maybe you could look through my little tribute playlist for him:)
You must check out all his drumming he broke all the rules and he was a icon that ginger Baker jack Bruce Eric Clapton my top cd
Ginger is like the red-headed stepchild (he was a real red head as well.) He had a solo track called “Toad” and did lead vocals on two songs “Pressed Rat & Warthog” and “Blue Condition”. Cream only lasted a couple of years before the continued clashing of egos drove them apart.
@rkschoithe He also had that album called "Ginger Bakers' Airforce" that had that cool looking left handed opening cover.
cream were fantastic!
Definitely a major band in the scheme of things
@@AndrewRooneyDrums i know almost nothing about music especially compared to you but baker always felt like a jazz drummer to me and it worked fantastic with jack and eric next to him, 1 of the best 3 piece bands ever, up there with rush and jimmy hendrix imo
Over here in the states, I was wondering if you could review TOAD from a Cream
You need to watch, I think it is called, "Beware of Mr. Baker" Drumming genius, other than that absolutely bonkers
Don’t forget that when Eric Clapton was asked to let the then unheard of Hendrix do a cameo with an early Cream gig, Clapton reluctantly agreed but Ginger insisted Clapton stay on stage ......
If Clapton left the stage , then Ginger refused to play.
Ginger demanded Clapton be there to save the show if Hendrix couldn’t play.
It is history that Hendrix made his entrance playing Crossroads with just one hand, the other hand waving at the audience.
Clapton shit himself and left the stage in a panic, but Ginger played on and didn’t want to stop.
Clapton admitted he couldn’t play Crossroads with both hands and the band had been trying to put a version together but decided a palatable arrangement was not possible.
Until Hendrix......and Ginger going off in drummers heaven. lol
The song was killing floor at Regent Street Polytechnic London 1966. Eric Clapton remained on stage until the middle of the song when he went backstage and lit a cigarette telling Jimi hendrix's manager you didn't tell me how good he was. Jimi Hendrix was embarrassed because Clapton was one of his Heroes and they remained good friends after that historic performance. Clapton's performance of the song Crossroads live at winterland 1968 is still considered one of the greatest live solos of all time!
@@richardhincemon9423 Thank you. That is now the 5 th version I have read , but all the others loosely follow my version and not this new one.
Yours might the only true and correct version.
That I will never know.
I do know that all historical facts get blown up, altered and even reversed and accurate truth is as rare as an honest politician, lawyer or cardinal.
The biography about Hendrix written by an associate of his does state it was crossroads and Cream had tried to cover it but given up.
It also states that Clapton left the stage as quickly as possible and was shaking like a leaf having trouble lighting his cigerette.
@@Rassskle Killing Floor is a blues song recorded in 1964 by Howling Wolf. C h a s Chandler manager of Jimi Hendrix and friend of Eric Clapton made a request to Eric if it would be okay for Hendrix to join them on stage for a jam of that particular song. That was the song that Hendrix had already been playing in his band Jimmy James and the blue flames in 1966. Killing Floor became Jimi hendrix's opening number at concerts and was the first song that he ever played as the Jimi Hendrix experience in the US at the Monterey Pop Festival June 18th 1967. Crossroad Blues was a song recorded in 1936 by legendary Blues musician Robert Johnson. Crossroads was made famous by Cream when they recorded it live at winterland March 10th 1968 and released on the double album wheels of Fire June 14th 1968.
@@richardhincemon9423 No one doubts that Cream did a version , but only after Clapton was introduced to Hendrix playing it with one hand on the frets and neck and the other hand waiving to the audience. lol
@@Rassskle the point is that neither Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix played Crossroads written by Robert Johnson that night in 1966. Hendrix was also playing Killing Floor behind his back and with his teeth that night. It wasn't until Hendrix started playing the guitar on his knees when Eric left the stage. No one had ever done that in London in 1966 lol. Ginger Baker was totally embarrassed by hendrix's stage performance that night and proclaimed he would never play with him again haha!
GINGER WAS CLASSICALLY TRAINED , HIS WORDS, AND WAS UNIMPRESSED WITH MOST MODERN DAY DRUMMERS ….THIS WAS AN INTERVIEW FROM AROUND 2000.
6:42 Ginger's rolls on that track are very unique, and hard to emulate, any tips would be appreciated. You can simulate it with stick cadence, but he's doing a lot more, I suspect.
Do crossroads! Great live Crean track and tons of ginger improv
Sounds good!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums been obsessing over your channel. The Neil peart videos pulled me in but now I’m here to stay
@@ericdudemanofthedudes 🙏
Andrew you should check out TOAD by Cream, TOAD is short for Theme On A Drum, good 5 minute jam, and if you like Moby Dick by Led Zep you'll love this one that came out a few years earlier
Great band!!!! Excelent 😍👌🤎🍦🥁
Agree!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums 😉
I was 7 years old when this came out... My older brother loved the Beatles, and I liked them too, but when I heard this song, It Ignited my love for heavy music! No other band sounded like them, and they laid the template of Heavy Metal (I hate that term) Ginger was holding back his real jazz chops, as you will find out should you decide to venture further into his career.
I'm surprised that a professional drummer who evaluates various drummers didn't know that Ginger was playing tuned timpani in the 5/4 sections of this song. Tom-toms with cloth on their batter heads? Really!
😮
Ginger and Bill Ward had both come from jazz roots, so the mention of style makes sense.
I played the Trumpet in 6th and 7th grade, never paid much attention to the snare drummer as this was a school marching band. I had to quit after 7th grade because I knew I had reached my level of incompetence. Probably already at it in 7th grade. Just because a trumpet has only 3 valves does not make it easy to play well. Your explanation was excellent on the drummer. I had always thought they played what they felt with or without repetition. Thanks.
If you think Ginger is good on this early stuff, listen to him play on Hawkwind's 1980 album Levitation.
Vinnie Appice is kind of like Ginger Baker in that he drags the beat a lot and it feels like he's about to fall off, but somehow he always reels it back in.
I think you will love the drum solo from Ginger on the song Toad .
Cream reunited in 2005 for 4 gigs on the same stage they did their last gig in 1968 ... Royal Albert Hall. Amazing performance even in his later years .
ua-cam.com/video/4Gze0PxDKgQ/v-deo.html
Btw, since you obviously enjoy discovering Black Sabbath lately, you'll maybe be interested to know that Geezer "the glue" Butler has been inspired by Jack Bruce.
Who cares, 2 average bass players, great songs though
ginger was heavily influenced by jazz drummers check out his solo jazz band work he did in his later years just phenomenal
Still dying to watch you react to Satyr. Attrition is a great drum groove
He knows his stuff and politely said baker is overrated
@@kippsguitar6539 ?
The “mallet “ sections are timpani.
❤ ❤ ❤