Ginger Baker released Why? in 2014, his last album to date, and his first since Coward of the County in 1999. Dedicated to his late first wife and artist Liz Baker, the album continues Baker’s journey in jazz that began in his pre-Cream rock days and has taken on various forms since the 1970s.
He revisits some of his older material along with Wayne Shorter’s Footprints and Sonny Rollins’ St. Thomas. There is a strong and clear percussive foundation throughout the album with Baker’s steady drumming and Abass Dodoo’s work on percussion. The African rhythm influences keep this album intriguing even though it is certainly a more restrained jazz approach than it could have been. Pee Wee Ellis is on Sax and Alee Dankworth is on Bass. Both are accomplished and seasoned musicians.
The hi-hat keeps the rhythm throughout the whole record, something that you might enjoy, or possibly find a bit annoying. Either way, this is a good addition to Baker’s catalogue and can be enjoyed by jazzers and rockers alike.
*Note: Ginger Baker died on October 6, 2019, in Canterbury, Kent, England
Track listing
- “Ginger Spice” – 6:08
- “12+ More Blues” – 7:25
- “Cyril Davis” – 6:44
- “Footprints” – 6:56
- “Aïn Témouchent” – 6:46
- “St. Thomas” – 6:04
- “Aiko Biaye” – 7:28
- “Why?” – 4:45
Personnel
Ginger Baker – drums; Pee Wee Ellis – saxophone; Alec Dankworth – bass; Abass Dodoo – percussion
Released: 27 May 2014
Genre: Jazz
Length: 52:27
Label: Motema Music
Producer: Ginger Baker