Search - Ginger Baker: In Africa on DVD

Though not for everybody, this DVD has irresistible charm

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 03/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Considering that this film documents a 1971 event, it's amazing that it took so long for "Ginger Baker In Africa" to be released to the public. In the early 1970's, Ginger Baker was one of the first westerners to appreciate West Africa as the rhythmic capitol of the world. This film documents Ginger Baker's road trip from Algeria to Nigeria. To the percussionist, this is a holy pilgrimage of rhythm. Baker's tribulations in the desert are well documented. Animation makes up for the lack of film. Baker's expressive stoner poetry narrates the drive across the Sahara Desert. Once the Land Rover drives into Nigeria, the music begins. Most of Ginger Baker's playing consists of avant-garde Afrobeat. In other words, Ginger Baker plays free form improvisational jams with musicians well versed in the Afrobeat school of music. The real gem in this consists of watching none other than Fela himself playing live with his group. We actually get to witness Fela's legendary group play during their glorious heyday! If you adore vintage African music as much as this reviewer, the Fela scenes pay for the price of admission ten fold. Traditional African drumming is also well represented. At one point Ginger Baker describes the dynamics of the talking drum. While this DVD has much going for it, there are drawbacks. For starters, the audio is mediocre. Ginger Baker's narrations are awful in terms of the audio quality. With this movie, asking for 5.1 surround sound would be absurd. The original video work is decent and Tony Palmer's editing is good. This is one of those films that you will either love or hate. If you approach this as a Cream fan, you'll hate it. If you grew up with the "Fela-Ransome-Kuti and the Africa 70 with Ginger Baker" CD, you'll love seeing a video version. This experience will better appeal to the Afrofiles and ethnomusicologists long before it resonates with those from the Classic Rock camp. While dated, "Ginger Baker In Africa" has irresistible charm."

Ginger Bakin

Keeper | new york | 03/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is the coooolest. You put Baker in Africa and it immediately turns into a pyschedelic African adventure. Trek thru the Sahara--- narrated the whole time by Baker's far out poetry--- to arrive in Nigeria where he experiences the traditional and participates the rawest of jam sessions that are nothing short of an African style Bitches Brew--- it's 1971! This is not a professional film production... it is Baker and a video camera, and considering this, I think the film/sound quality is great. Can't believe it took me so long to find out about this film. Classic."

Come on, it's only 10 bucks!

Philip Kavan | Western Massachusetts | 01/09/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, it's not the best quality recording, and its sort of meandering (which is actually part of its charm), but it's worth the 10 bucks just to see Fela doing Je'n Wi Temi."