Ginger Baker's Air Force
Ginger Baker's Air Force was a jazz-rock fusion supergroup led by drummer Ginger Baker.
History
The band formed in late 1969 upon the disbandment of Blind Faith. The original lineup consisted of Ginger Baker on drums, Steve Winwood on organ and vocals, Ric Grech on violin and bass, Jeanette Jacobs on vocals, Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, Phil Seamen on drums, Alan White on drums, Chris Wood on tenor sax and flute, Graham Bond on alto sax, Harold McNair on tenor sax and flute, and Remi Kabaka on percussion. Their first live shows, at Birmingham Town Hall in 1969 and the Royal Albert Hall, in 1970, also included Eleanor Barooshian.The band released two albums, both in 1970: Ginger Baker's Air Force and Ginger Baker's Air Force 2. The second album involved substantially different personnel from the first, with Ginger Baker and Graham Bond being the primary constants between albums.
Ginger Baker's Air Force also played a set at Wembley Stadium on 19 April 1970, during the start of the World Cup Rally, which went from London to Mexico City. They also played at the Hollywood Music Festival held at Leycett, on 24 May 1970.
In late 2015 Baker announced he would be touring in 2016 with a new version of Ginger Baker's Air Force. The band booked a world tour under the name Ginger Baker's Air Force 3. Baker's blog said the band would be "showcasing new talent and collaborating with old friends." The band played one show in London on 26 January 2015; the performance was shortened and Baker had to take many breaks due to an injury he had previously sustained. In late February 2016 the entire tour was cancelled due to doctors having diagnosed Baker with "serious heart problems". Baker died in October 2019.
Band members
Members
- Ginger Baker – drums, percussion, vocals
- Denny Laine – guitar, piano, vocals
- Ric Grech – bass, violin
- Harold McNair – saxophone, flute
- Chris Wood – saxophone, flute
- Graham Bond – saxophone, organ, piano, vocals
- Phil Seamen – drums, percussion
- Steve Winwood – organ, bass, vocals
- Jeanette Jacobs – vocals
- Remi Kabaka – percussion, drums
- Alan White – drums, piano
- Colin Gibson – bass, saxophone, guitar
- Diane Stewart – vocals
- Eleanor Barooshian – vocals
- Rocky Dzidzornu – percussion, congas
- Catherine James – vocals
- Ken Craddock – guitar, organ, piano, vocals
- Steve Gregory – saxophone, flute
- Bud Beadle – saxophone
- Aliki Ashman – vocals
- Neemoi "Speedy" Acquaye – congas, percussion, drums
- Gasper Lawal – congas
- Johnny Haastrup – vocals
Discography
Albums
- Ginger Baker's Air Force LP X 2 Polydor – 2662 001
- Ginger Baker's Air Force 2 LP X 1 Polydor – 2383 029
- Live in Offenbach, Germany 1970 CD X 2 Voiceprint – VPTMQ055CD
- Do What You Like on 1 February 1971 and live at the City Hall, Sheffield CD X 1 ITM Archives ITM 920016
Compilations
- Free Kings LP x1 Karussell – 2499 018
- Once Upon A Time LP X 2 RSO – 2658 138
- Pop Giants LP X 1 Brunswick – 2911 522
- Pop History LP X 2 Polydor – 2478 016/2478 017
Single
- Man of Constant Sorrow / Doin' It Polydor – 56380
DVD
- Live 1970 DVD x 1, Stereo, NTSC, Gonzo Multimedia – HST035DVD