Right at the beginning of Beware of Mr. Baker, the film’s director, Jay Bulger, is attacked by drummer Ginger Baker, physically, with a metal cane that draws blood when applied to the bridge of the filmmaker’s nose. Mr. Baker, whom we will subsequently encounter in less agitated moods, is upset about the direction of Mr. Bulger’s project. I strongly suggest that all humans run out and see the resulting movie (it’s currently playing in LA) for the most insane, over the top, crazy, and utterly amazing drummer to currently be walking the planet – his comments about other drummers (John Bonham) are so bitter, you just gotta laugh, but perhaps most surprisingly, is the humble and down to earth interviews with Eric Clapton, his current music might be terrible, but damn, he’s got a big heart. Jack Bruce is also incredibly gracious despite Ginger attacking him with a knife. In the trailer below, you get some idea of a movie that outdoes Spinal Tap! Oh, and there’s some tasty early footage of Graham Bond! Baker makes guys like Van Morrison, Lou Reed, and John Martyn seem downright pleasant to talk to.
– Pat Thomas is the author of the recently released work, Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975. The companion disc for the book has been named one of the ten best CDs of 2012 by Time magazine.
