Ginger Baker is regarded as “rock’s first superstar drummer”. Although best known for founding the band Cream in the 60’s, he is not only arguably one of the greatest drummers to ever grace the instrument, but also one of the rock world’s craziest, most problematic musicians off the stage.
His amazing influential percussive talent along with his violent, dyspeptic mood swings are on full display in Jay Bulger’s award-winning documentary, Beware Mr Baker, which is currently one of the most popular streamed videos on Netflix.
On June 24th, 2014 Baker released his first new album in 16 years – titled Why? The album features Saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, Bassist Alec Dankworth , African Percussionist Abass Dodoo and was mixed by Chris Kimsey.
In regards to why Chris thinks he was chosen to mix the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inductee’s log awaited album, Kimsey says:
“I was pretty much the only person who could:
- work with him
- do the gig
- mix it in one session
- understand what he was looking for.”
According to a raving review on Seattle P-I some of the records success is “Due to superlative mixing, all four players can be heard distinctly through all the compositions. All have space to be spotlighted and have their solos…”
Kimsey mixed the album in 14 hours, despite not hearing any of the music until Ginger arrived in the studio with the hard drive!
The album debuted at #4 on Billboards Jazz album charts.
Chris has really conjured some magic!! I’m genuinely blown away by what he’s brought to the table … what a top top producer brings to the party !! 
