Catch up with Ginger Baker at the Rose Theatre , June 5th 2013 !!

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http://youtu.be/NJaxn45cED8 http://youtu.be/qvhlfAx7Lcs

 

I caught Ginger Baker last night at the Rose Theatre, in Kingston, SW London. It was an incredible evening, I found myself tapping to the drumming and percussion, in various 6/8, 2/4, 4/4 and 3-2 son clave patterns. Excellent percussion and drum solos, from Ginger and Abbass Dodoo, these guys are speaking in unison.

 

Of course Ginger's famous shuffle-triplets in between drum breaks left his signature trail. Tight arrangements and drum breaks, impressive for an un-rehearsed band.

Abass Dodoo, is full of spiritual energy; he shakes away unwanted negative energies that may be in the atmosphere. Check out his supporting constant rhythms, example;

12/8 version “Kakilambe”, a western version of a common African rhythm.

A) Playing with a "rolling" feel.

B)  Playing a mixture of open and closed slap tones, in between the center and the rim of the conga drums, adds a distinctive sound.

C) Be sure to have fun!

Jazz Confusion are; Abass Dodoo on Percussion, Alex Dankworth on Bass and Pee Wee Ellis on Sax.

I went away feeling uplifted. I can't help admiring Ginger's courage, facing his many ups and downs, these he shares in his new book 'Hell Raiser'; we all have a journey to take, and various obstacles to overcome, yet it’s the strength that is established by our wounds, during our positive moments, that makes us who we are; this is the driving force that enables us to appreciate inner happiness; well earned.

Accepting life’s toughest challenges brings forth the skill and strength to deliver such a mighty performance.

Joanne Ruocco "Jojo"