Search - Larry Carlton :: Live in Tokyo With Special Guest Robben Ford

Its ok.

Coronet Blue | California | 05/12/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, this is really Robben Ford and Larry Carlton--not the other way around. And with all due respect to those who think Larry Carlton is some kind of mellow jazz god, Robben is the better player (singer, too).



The good news is that Steve Lukather is not on this so there's no "bull in the china shop". The bad news is, these guys pretty much coast through the whole thing. As always, Robben is gutsier, blusier and knocks off some sensational jazz licks. Larry has that nice tone and the volume swells but when he tries to play fast its just a jumble of good, bad and sloppy notes. He's like your friend who's a great guy, but wasn't born funny, trying to tell a joke. The strain is obvious.



Of course, if you're not a guitar player you won't notice any of this. And when the chords are simple, as with Talk To Your Daughter, Larry does fine. In fact, its the best track on the disc. But before you spend the money on this one, why not get On Solid Ground (Larry's last great album) and any Robben Ford and the Blue Line disc."

Energy abounds!

Robert Putignano | Mount Vernon, NY USA | 07/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Larry Carlton with special guest Robben Ford `Live in Tokyo'

What a great concept; pairing these two guitar legends, (Carlton and Ford,) together for a live album. Not to mention that between the two of them, their writing and recording credits (solo, and as sidemen) are proverbially incredible. Was there ever a doubt that this would be a great recording? No! As both of these graying guitarists sound as fresh and as sparkling as they did when they first hit the music scene back in the seventies. It's also interesting to note that while Robben has been more of a bluesman over the last few years, it's equally interesting to note how Carlton has gravitated to the blues on recent recordings; (seek out Larry's 2004 `Sapphire Blue;' which is an extremely fine blues instrumental recording.)



The operative word for this album is `energy,' very high and creative energy. All in all there are eight tracks included, four authored by Carlton, two by Ford, a Gabriel Ford track, and the JB Lenoir & Alexis Atkins tune that Robben made famous all over again back in the nineties; `Talk to Your Daughter.' Both guitarists are on every track, and Robben sings on the two closing tunes.



Highlights include; the opening track `That Road' authored by Ford, which is a funky instrumental that simmers and boils, and allows the two gifted ones to work out perfectly trading leads to orgasmic delights, and it's immediately apparent that this is going to be one heck of a night, and recording, and they were just getting started! Carlton's `Rio Samba' opens showcasing Travis Carton's funky bass, (Travis is Carlton's son,) so the apple did not fall far from the tree, and again features Ford's and Carlton's trading leads; which is a true marvel to listen to. `Two Bad' is a slow blues that builds to high intensity, and I was amazed how well they finished each other's guitar phrases. The last two tracks on this extremely fine recording, are sung by Robben, that being `Talk to your Daughter' which is a slick romp through the blues, with tons of energy coming from Carlton and Ford's guitars plus strong vocals from Robben. The closing track `Too Much' is appropriately titled, and once again shows off Robben's vocal depth, and the two guitarist bump and grind to a dirty-filthy (but clean) climax!



`Live in Tokyo' clocks in at over sixty-nine minutes, which is pretty chunky; but given the quality of the performance, and the clean recorded sound, I could have died and gone to heaven had this been a double CD set. That being said, Robben told me that there will be DVD of this performance, plus another Carlton/Ford collaboration (recorded in Pairs) forthcoming. I can't wait!



Musicians: Larry Carlton (guitar), Robben Ford (guitar and vocals), Jeff Babko (keyboards), Toss Panos (drums), Travis Carlton (bass)



Tracks: That Road, Burnable, Cold Gold, Rio Samba, Derrick's Blues, Two Bad, Talk To Your Daughter, Too Much



Artist's Website: http://www.larrycarlton.com http://www.robbenford.com



Bob Putignano www.SoundsofBlue.com

"

Excellent - but

Robert Williams | Gold Coast, Qld Australia | 05/01/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great showcase of Larry and Robben and I love the drumming as well. BUT.. Buy it through 335 records and you get it with the promotional dvd and this is much better to watch/listen than just listen."