Fred Thelonious Baker (born 4 June 1960) is an English guitarist and jazz bass guitarist from Tibshelf, Derbyshire. He is known for playing in Phil Miller's Canterbury scene band In Cahoots.

Baker played the guitar until his mid-teens, at which point he began to take an interest in the bass as well. He played in The John Etheridge/Ric Sanders Group in the early 1980s. He has also worked with his own group, the Fred Thelonious Baker Group who recorded a self-titled album in 1984. Baker has recorded several albums with Harry Beckett. They have also made a concert tour in Europe together. Baker accompanied Beckett's band on a Charles Mingus tribute tour in the UK. Other artists Baker has worked with include Horace Parlan, Vikki Clayton and Elton Dean.

Baker joined In Cahoots in April 1988, replacing their bassist Hugh Hopper. He has toured and recorded six albums with them, and remains a key member of the band. He also works as a teacher at Birmingham Conservatoire and The University of Huddersfield.

Baker is the current bassist for Soft Machine, having been chosen by his predecessor Roy Babbington.

Discography YearArtistTitle1984Fred Thelonious BakerFred Thelonious Baker Group (released 1988)1987Harry BeckettBremen Concert 1987Harry BeckettLive, Vol. 21988Phil MillerSplit Seconds1989In CahootsIn Cahoots Live 86–891991Phil MillerDigging In1991Harry BeckettAll Four One1992Phil Miller & Fred BakerDouble Up1993In CahootsIn Cahoots Live in Japan1993various artistsA Moon of Roses1993Harry BeckettLes Jardins Du Casino1994In CahootsRecent Discoveries1994Fred Thelonious BakerMissing Link1996In CahootsParallel1998Pip Pyle7 Year Itch1999Fred Thelonious BakerBasically Speaking2001In CahootsOut of the Blue2003In CahootsAll That2004Pip Pyle's Bash!Belle Illusion 2004Pete SabertonRich Core 2007In CahootsConspiracy Theories2010Joe Sachse, John Marshall & Fred T. BakerOne Take2010Joe Sachse, John Marshall & Fred T. Baker18. Chemnitzer Jazzfest (DVD of above, released 2013)2011Phil Miller In CahootsMind Over Matter2014Fred Thelonious BakerLife Suite2023Soft MachineOther Doors

References

Double Up . philmiller-incahoots.co.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2010.

External links Calyx profile 1999 Interview with Baker from Calyx