Ginger Baker's Air Force
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Ginger Baker |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Ginger Baker's Air Force was a prominent jazz-rock fusion ensemble spearheaded by drummer Ginger Baker.
History
Established in late 1969 following the dissolution of Blind Faith, the initial roster included Ginger Baker on drums, Steve Winwood handling organ and vocals, Ric Grech playing violin and bass, Jeanette Jacobs as a vocalist, Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, alongside Phil Seamen, Alan White on drums, Chris Wood performing tenor saxophone and flute, Graham Bond on alto saxophone, Harold McNair covering tenor saxophone and flute, and Remi Kabaka on percussion. Early concerts took place at venues such as Birmingham Town Hall in 1969 and the Royal Albert Hall in 1970, featuring Eleanor Barooshian, who, like Jacobs, had previously been part of the girl group The Cake.
In 1970, the band issued two albums: Ginger Baker's Air Force and Ginger Baker's Air Force 2. The latter album showcased a largely revised lineup with Baker and Bond remaining as the primary consistent members.
Among their significant live appearances were a performance at Wembley Stadium on 19 April 1970 during the launch of the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, as well as participation in the Hollywood Music Festival near Newcastle-under-Lyme on 24 May 1970.
Towards the end of 2015, Baker revealed intentions to embark on a global tour in 2016 under the moniker Ginger Baker's Air Force 3, intending to blend emerging artists with familiar collaborators. Due to an injury sustained by Baker, the group managed a single abbreviated concert in London on 26 January 2015. Ultimately, the full tour was called off in February 2016 following Baker’s diagnosis with severe cardiac issues. He passed away in October 2019.
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 – saxophone, bass
- 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
Albums
- Ginger Baker's Air Force (Recorded live at The Royal Albert Hall in London during 1970) Double LP Polydor – 2662 001 (1970) (UK)
- Ginger Baker's Air Force 2 (Captured at Trident and Olympic Studios in London, 1970) Single LP Polydor – 2383 029 (1970) (Released in UK, USA, Italy; with varying tracklists across Germany, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand)
- Live in Offenbach, Germany 1970 (Live recording from Stadthalle Offenbach) Double CD Voiceprint – VPTMQ055CD (2010) (UK)
- Do What You Like (Compilation of live performances at Lyceum and City Hall Sheffield plus studio outtakes from 1970) Single CD ITM Archives ITM 920016 (2015) (UK)
Compilations
- Free Kings LP, 1 disc, Karussell – 2499 018 (1971) (Germany)
- Once Upon A Time LP, double album, RSO – 2658 138 (1972) (Germany)
- Pop Giants LP, single disc, Brunswick – 2911 522 (1973) (Germany)
- Pop History LP, double album, Polydor – 2478 016/2478 017 (1974) (Germany)
Single
- Man of Constant Sorrow / Doin' It Polydor – 56380 (1970) (UK)
DVD
- Live 1970 DVD, recorded for German television, Gonzo Multimedia – HST035DVD (2010) (UK)