The fascinating story Ginger Baker; the world’s greatest drummer, though a complex human being....
- Director-Screenwriter Jay Bulger
- Producer Jay Bulger, Andrew S Karsch, Fisher Stevens, Erik H Gordon
- USA-South Africa 2012
- 92 mins
- Sales Steven C Beer
Frequently acknowledged as the world’s greatest drummer, Ginger Baker began his career and drug habits in the jazz clubs of pre-rock’n’roll London. He went on to unprecedented success with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in Cream, where his flamboyant and unconventional style would prove hugely influential. Collaborations with acts as diverse as Hawkwind and Public Image Ltd followed, though jaunts to Africa to play with Fela Kuti proved most significant. Rolling Stone journalist Jay Bulger tracked Baker, now 73-years-old, to his ranch in South Africa, discovering a bitter, friendless, contrary, polo-playing morphine addict who alienated most of the people he worked or had relationships with. Noteworthy talking heads line up to label Baker an impossible human being, though all acknowledge his genius on a drum stool. Baker is clearly uncomfortable with the filmmaking process, and Bulger acknowledges that tension to create a fascinating film that flouts rock doc conventions. Beware of Mr. Baker was declared the best documentary at SXSW this year.
Michael Hayden
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