Who were Baker Gurvitz Army?
Legendary drummer Ginger Baker was looking for a new project following his time with Cream, Blind Faith and Ginger Baker’s Air Force. At the same time, brothers Adrian Gurvitz and Paul Gurvitz were seeking a fresh direction after their work with The Gun and Three Man Army. The partnership proved inspired, blending Baker’s jazz-influenced drumming with Adrian Gurvitz’s melodic songwriting and guitar virtuosity, supported by Paul Gurvitz’s solid bass playing and vocal contributions.
The Baker Gurvitz Army – Album Review
The album was recorded with a core lineup of Ginger Baker, Adrian Gurvitz, Paul Gurvitz and keyboard player John Mitchell. Additional vocal support came from respected session singers including Madeline Bell and Rosetta Hightower.
From the opening track, “Help Me,” the band’s chemistry is immediately apparent. Adrian Gurvitz delivers a blistering guitar performance while Baker’s distinctive drumming gives the song a unique rhythmic drive. It is hard rock with sophistication, combining power and technical skill without sacrificing accessibility. “Memory Lane” follows as one of the album’s highlights, showcasing the band’s ability to balance melody with instrumental excellence. The song’s rich arrangement and emotional depth make it one of the standout tracks in the group’s catalogue.
Perhaps the album’s most celebrated piece is the epic “Mad Jack.” Running nearly eight minutes, it perfectly demonstrates what made Baker Gurvitz Army special. The track moves effortlessly between hard rock, progressive rock and jazz influences, with Baker’s dynamic drumming providing the foundation for Adrian Gurvitz’s inspired guitar work. Many fans and critics regard it as the defining track of the album and one of the finest recordings any of the musicians ever produced.
Other highlights include the soulful “Inside of Me,” the energetic “I Wanna Live Again,” and the beautiful closing track “Since Beginning,” which ends the album on an emotional and reflective note. Throughout the record, the musicians demonstrate remarkable versatility, moving seamlessly between heavy riffs, melodic passages and intricate instrumental sections.
The band went on to release two further albums, Elysian Encounter (1975) and Hearts on Fire (1976), expanding their sound with the addition of vocalist Mr. Snips and keyboardist Peter Lemer. While both albums contained excellent material, the band never achieved the wider commercial breakthrough many felt they deserved. Following the death of their manager and increasing difficulties in maintaining momentum, the group disbanded in 1976 after just three studio albums.
In retrospect, Baker Gurvitz Army deserves recognition as one of the great overlooked albums of the decade. It captures three exceptional musicians creating music that is adventurous, powerful and deeply enjoyable. For anyone interested in classic hard rock with progressive and jazz influences, this debut remains an essential listen and a reminder that some of the finest albums of the 1970s never received the recognition they truly deserved.
The Vinyl Review
Picked up very recently from Rough Trade in Nottingham for £7 there is not much wrong with this album. The cover is in excellent condition as is the lyric sheet, save for a few marks. The vinyl itself plays perfectly making this an excellent purchase. I’ll pick up their other two albums as well when I see them, especially for this price.
Donnie’s Rating: 9/10
