Meta Description: Explore how Ginger Baker’s influence on drumming inspired legends like Nick Mason and Alex Van Halen. Discover Baker’s unique style and its impact on rock music.
How Ginger Baker’s Influence Shaped the World of Drumming
Nick Mason once claimed that Ginger Baker of Cream taught him everything he knew about drumming. Despite not being traditionally seen as a top rock and roll drummer, Baker’s passion was unmatched. Mason reflected, “Without Ginger, I wouldn’t be here right now. ‘That is drumming,’ I thought as the curtains closed. I would like to do that.”
Alex Van Halen and Ginger Baker’s Influence
While Alex Van Halen’s drumming prowess may have been overshadowed by his brother Eddie Van Halen’s guitar skills, Alex’s technique remains noteworthy. Similar to Baker, Halen played from the heart and soul, creating powerful rhythms that earned him a spot among the all-time great drummers. Each track was approached differently, never using the same trick twice.
Eddie Van Halen admired his brother’s drumming so much that he wanted his guitar to emulate Alex’s snare. Describing Alex’s style as “brown,” Eddie sought to replicate his brother’s dynamic and majestic sound. This synergy between the Van Halen brothers was influenced significantly by Baker’s innovative drumming.
Ginger Baker’s Unique Style
Ginger Baker’s influence on drumming extended to many virtuosos like Billy Cobham, Keith Moon, and John Bonham. Baker demonstrated that drumming could transcend its traditional role, becoming larger than life and perfectly complementing Eddie’s lightning-fast guitar playing. Baker introduced Halen to the concept of true nuance, combining straightforward and intricate elements that felt remarkably good.
Halen admired Baker’s ability to treat drums as a musical instrument, emphasizing nuances, dynamics, and colors. Baker’s use of double bass as a distinct musical part, with patterns varying throughout his performances, set him apart from other percussionists. His fluid and rolling style was unprecedented.
Baker’s Impact on Music and Musicians
Ginger Baker’s ability to weave a distinctive tapestry with his drumming, bringing his jazz background into a psychedelic setting, was revolutionary. This approach rivaled Eric Clapton’s guitar playing and upended conventional musical structures. Many musicians were influenced by Baker’s skill, but as Bonham noted, there was no point in trying to imitate his unique style. Bonham appreciated authenticity, saying, “The thing about Ginger Baker is that he is authentic. Therefore, attempting to emulate him is pointless.”
For Alex Van Halen, embodying the dynamic drumming style meant understanding the instrument’s potential and power, a realization brought to him through Baker’s method. Halen ensured that his technique of releasing energy seamlessly integrated with every other aspect
of Van Halen’s music.
