The cream of the many astoundingly great supergroups formed in the 1960s

Ginger Baker’s Airforce

While Clapton moved on to Delaney, Bonnie, Derek, and Layla, Baker was busy recruiting. He set up Ginger Baker’s Air Force in 1969 after Blind Faith, with Grech and Winwood signing up too. Denny Laine from the Moody Blues was a notable addition before he later joined up with Paul McCartney and Wings. This was more jazz-rock than blues as signaled by the lengthy list of other musicians and singers joining the ranks. They included Graham Bond on saxophone, Baker played in Bond’s band before forming Cream.

Although formed in 1969 their success and main output was in 1970 with two albums: Ginger Baker's Air Force and Ginger Baker's Air Force 2. In what seems a brave move their first album released in March 1970 was a live recording of just their second gig. That was at the Royal Albert Hall in January 1970.

The album had a mixed reception. Some praised the sound quality and the fusion of styles. Others felt the sound was poor and bemoaned the number of instrument solos, drums in particular. Well, it was a jazz-rock and a touch of blues band led by a drummer, so that's only to be expected and was probably fine on the night. A telling critique described it as a must-own for jazz-rock, Afro-fusion, blues-rock, or percussion fans.

The second album Ginger Baker's Air Force 2 came out in December 1970 after studio recordings in May and October. The lineup had changed slightly but was still extensive. Winwood had moved on to record a solo album followed by reforming Traffic. Laine and Grech were featured on the album but listed as ‘additional personnel’ rather than with the band.

By the time that album came out the tide had turned for Baker and his Airforce. The link between Cream and Blind Faith was more distant, the music had moved on to new styles and formats and fans decided they'd spend their money elsewhere. A planned tour fell apart and was cut short as tickets just weren't selling. The costs of an extensive band like this, without income from albums, singles, and tours are prohibitive. That was the end for this venture from Baker, although he did reform the Airforce briefly in 2015. 

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