Robben Ford has long been a subject of fevered discussion among musical circles. From rock to pop, blues to jazz, Ford has spent years genre-jumping, proving himself time and time again as a guitar force worth of close attention. Whether it be his choice of gear, stylistic approach, or technical expertise, Ford has maintained a dramatic presence in the music world, holding firm as one of the greats; a musician worthy of careful examination. With a fluid mixture of flash and sweetness rarely found in today’s pop-oriented MTV culture, he has continually broken down the walls of genre. Bridging soulful playing with heartfelt vocals across myriad styles, Ford has proved himself as a musician’s musician, a man who plays for the love of music.
From early childhood, Ford has been enthralled with the musical world. Born into a family of musicians, he began playing saxophone at the age of 10. By 13, he found love with the guitar, starting his first band with his brothers, on drums and harp. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and playing local clubs with a small blues band, Ford found his first break, being hired by Charlie Musselwhite. Shortly thereafter, legendary blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon picked up Ford and his band, and they saw the musical world open up before them. The following years found Ford backing such greats as Joni Mitchell and George Harrison, but it wasn’t long before he felt the need to go out on his own.
The release of his first solo album, ‘The Inside Story,’ showed a jazzier side to Robben Ford. The influence of interests such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Wayne Shorter began to show themselves, as well as Ford’s feeling for timing and phrasing as associated with the sax. Subsequent releases such as ‘Talk to your Daughter’ and ‘Robben Ford’ and ‘The Blue Line’ clearly showed that blues was still a driving force behind Ford’s music, but the lines seemed less distinct. Influences of classical, classic jazz, and fusion all rear their heads within a given album, sometimes beautifully blended within the same composition. Ford’s guitar playing is often magical, and his reworking of classic tunes shows his incredible insight into arranging.
In his more recent albums, the more personal side of Robben Ford has shown through. With 1999’s ‘Supernatural,’ Ford took a true leap into the songwriting world, and the progression through ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Keep on Running’ shows his maturity as a songwriter and vocalist. The red-hot guitar playing and fluid arrangements Ford fans have come to love are all present, only now they are coupled with an emotional sincerity sometimes lacking in his previous work. One thing is certain: if you’re a fan of jazz and blues, Ford is certainly worthy of your attention. Whether you are a longtime fan, or are just now being introduced to his works, you’re likely to find yourself enthralled and moved; a true sign of great music.
Check out Robben Ford and the Ford Brothers Blues Band on Sunday, February 18, at 9 p.m. at the Crystal Bay Club, $20 advance/ $25 day of show.
~ Rob Zimmerman is the lead guitarist/vocalist for local rock band, The Last Levee.
