Ginger Baker at the Jazz Cafe

[Spence]

I went to go and watch Ginger Baker last night; something I was very much looking forward to. Especially as the gig was billed to include "very special guests from throughout Ginger's career". So, on that basis I just about justified paying the £60 it cost for the gig. However:

Firstly, only one “very special guest” turned up; Steve Windwood – not bad I suppose but what about the rest of the guests. Secondly, and to be totally honest, as much as I don't want to criticise a bit of a legend, Ginger's playing was poor, the band were totally unrehearsed and the versions of Cream, Blind Faith and Air Force songs were not good at all. Apparently Ginger can only play for a short amount of time before he has to stop. This was apparent when after less than an hour (only about 6 or 7 songs were played) the show was over. Fair enough if he can't play for very long, but for £60 I expect a better show.

Something should have been organised to offer fans better value for money i.e. at least get your son to play drums for a bit or something and bring out the very special guests as promised. I’ve paid less money to see people put on a proper show, that’s what I expect for this sort of money. For example, I paid £50 and saw return to forever play for almost 3 hours or something – and those guys looked like they cared about what they were doing.

The few hundred people in there last night that paid £60 ALL (from what I saw) felt totally ripped-off. People were angry. I went in a slight Ginger Baker fan and left thinking I've just been conned. Rip-off!

Anyone else had a similar experience? Maybe you were there?

[BlackCrowe]

Spence, I was there last night and completely agree with everything you write. The special guestS thing was a joke too.

In fact I'd already sent a mail to the Jazz Cafe (who have responded saying they have past my mail onto the promoters).

My mail:

I just wanted to let you know that I am a very dissatisfied customer.

Having travelled some considerable distance to and from the Jazz Cafe last night and spent £132 on two tickets to see Ginger Baker, I think that seeing a mere 45 minutes of live music is a shocking return, bordering on utter disdain, for the customer.

I appreciate that Ginger Baker is senior in years, but either a) the rest of the band or a supporting band should entertain the audience for some additional length of time, b) the ticket price is substantially reduced or c) you warn the customer at time of booking that this will only be a brief appearance.

It does not reflect well either on the performers or on Jazz Cafe and has left a pretty bitter feeling of being ripped off.

[Spence]

Haha, what a coincidence. I sent a remarkably similar email to the management at the Jazz Cafe this morning. I've not received any sort or reply though.

Here's my letter:

I am a fan of Ginger and of the Jazz Cafe generally, but the show last night was most certainly below par and at the price of £60 for an hour it was a bit of a joke. I understand Ginger is ill but something should have been done to put on more of a show. Almost everyone in there after the show was angered by not only the quality of the performance but specifically about its length.

I've never paid so much for a show which is so short. I know there are many factors which are taken into account when arranging the pricing for a show such as this, but there are none in my mind which can justify that price for the show we received.

Whilst you may only have limited responiblity with regard to the pricing and the content of the show, as a venue with a reputation to uphold you should ensure than the acts are of sufficient quality. Shows such as the one last night will put people off going to the Jazz Cafe and put people off the artist. I for one will certainly think twice about spending money on either, which somewhat saddens me as a music fan.

It is a shame I feel compelled to write this letter but I feel that my thoughts (along with all the people I went with and spoke to after the show) should be known.

[Gretsch09]

Wow! That's really too bad! I'm a huge fan of Ginger and I feel he has had a signifigant influence on my playing. It's a shame that a legend of his caliber would consider booking a show when he was in bad health or perhaps just so out of shape. Talk about a let down!

[olelundan]

I was there Wednesday night, along with 12 other friends from Denmark!
When the concert stopped we thought it was the end of the first set. I mean the band could at least have said, thank you for coming and goodnight.
I understand if Bakers health is not the best, but as BlackCrowe & Spence writes, Jazz Cafe could have organised something to give people some value for their money, an additional band or the band could have continued on their own minus Baker. The Jazz Cafe knew that the concert wouldn’t last any longer, cause the set-list which we saw wasn't any longer!
I liked the concert very much, especially Windwoods two songs (although it was a rough not very well rehearsed concert). Of course we had all hoped for more when Jazz Cafe says special guests, but these things are hard to predict.
I totally agree with your 3 points BlackCrowe, and I will also complain to The Jazz Café.
We would not have come had we known, and probably won’t ever again…

[Michael McDanial]

Wow, what a shame. Ginger is one of my favorite drummers, but I would certainly feel ripped off it I had paid that much money for a ticket for a show that was as disappointing as everyone has described. My friend Ryan and I went and saw Herbie Hancock in concert about three years ago. Our tickets were $37 apiece and we sat about 15 rows back from the stage. The concert was amazing and they played for 2 and a half hours. Then they came back out and did a 30 minute encore of Herbie's song "Chameleon" which was absolutely killer. Best concert I've ever seen.