Ginger arrived in the UK on a cold and wintry day in December 2011. Leaving behind him his beautiful ranch and horses in the Western Cape of South Africa. Making yet another journey into the unknown. Well not quite, a journey back to his English roots more like. Back to Kent and the seaside town of Whitstable. On my last visit I found his humble bungalow 2 minutes walk away from the sea. There I found Whistable harbour while walking his Dalmatian, and brought back oysters and crab with me which he ate before setting off for the London Palladium to accept a Lifetime Achievement award. He told me the real achievement was to reach 72!
Ginger has a new band project: Jazz Confusion. They just played at Ronnie Scot’s in London (April 27 and 28). The line-up, saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, bassist Alec Dankworth, and percussionist Abass Dodoo.
Ginger told me he was playing really well and that the band was amazing – blew everyone away. He had a jazz crowd on their feet and dancing! Here’s an excerpt from the gig taken from someone’s phone by the looks (so not the best of quality I’m afraid): http://youtu.be/UAib5aahjaw
I’ve asked Ginger if any one filmed it. If they have I’ll post it.
Next dates for Jazz Confusion are in July at the Glasgow Int. Jazz Festival, he then plays Stockton, Manchester and Coventry and finishes on July 21 at Munich Summer Club Festival, Bayrische Hof. As soon as I get the dates from Ginger, I’ll post them on Facebook.
Until soon…
Dear Mr Baker
Did you ever play with Joe Zawinul? He was a great composer and like you he was deepley into african music.
I would to know your opinion of his work.
please get well soon
Sincerely
Dale Senchak USA