Search - Robben Ford :: Keep on Running

This Ford's an absolute winner

Mr. R. B. Ager | Nottingham, UK | 01/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robben Ford is all but unknown in the UK and, having searched through the Billboard listings in vain, I think he appears to suffer a similar fate in the US, despite this being the most commercial release yet in his long career. This is a crying shame because he is one heck of a hot blues guitar player, with a white-hot backing band pumping out some serious jazz/rock/funk blues.The title track, a Jackie Edwards song which was a UK No 1 hit single in the 60s for the Spencer Davis Group, grabs the attention with its trademark bass and percussion opening line. Ford's guitar doesn't actually chime in until 1.50 into the track and then it takes over, a wonderfully liquid and aristocratic sound. Three of the following four songs are also cover versions (Otis Rush's "Homework", Eric Clapton's "Badge" and Nick Lowe's (for Elvis Costello) "Peace Love & Understanding"; the workings are quite faithful to the originals and actually show up the one weakness - the vocals. His voice is not the strongest, actually sounding quite immature, unusual for a bluesman of 30-odd years experience. Fortunately he has Siedah Garrett and Mavis Staples on hand to assist here and there.The album really kicks on from track 6, highlights being his own compositions "Canonball Shuffle" and "Lifetime Thing", and a smokin' "For The Love Of Money" (vocal help again, from Terry Evans). We are treated to some rocking blues of the highest calibre and guitar playing every bit as good as such immortals as Clapton himself or Carlos Santana. The backing band is of the highest calibre, featuring Jimmy Earl on bass, Steve Potts or Toss Panos on drums, and to give the album that Muscle Shoals soul sound Bob Malach on tenor sax and Dan Fornero on trumpet. Guesting are the likes of Edgar Winter on sax and John Mayall. Sound production is spot on as well.This has been a regular on my CD player since I discovered it last November. I gave it full recommendation on Amazon's UK site and and am glad to do the same here."

Very Good Album From A Veteran Guitarist.

D. C. Wilks | Oregon | 02/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album quite rapidly followed "Blue Moon" and is noticeably better. Half of the "Blue Moon" album employs fake-sounding drum programming, which really had me scratching my head; this album thankfully abandons that approach. Ford's musical style is reminiscent of what Clapton has been doing since about 1981. The production is very tight, with much overdubbing. The songs are rooted in the blues, soul, and rock-with overtones of funk. However, it all sounds rather "white" (which is what it is), but it still manages to realistically tackle emotionally poignant ideas. If you like this album you should also enjoy Ford's "Supernatural" and Clapton's "Money and Cigarettes.""

Ignore David Mazza's review, he should give up drugs!

Grant Miller | Denver, CO USA | 10/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What do you know about soul, David Mazza? Obviously very little if you think Johnny Lang has more soul than Robben Ford. And just because Mr. Lang has a raspy, gravelly voice doesn't mean it's better, likely it just better fits your thinking of what a bluesman's voice should be. Ford's tenor is refined, tasty, he annunciates much more clearly than Mr. Lang, and his songwriting is FAR superior (e.g. Nothing to Nobody, Supernatural, Tired of Talkin', Top of The Hill, Hey Brother, to name a few great songs penned by Mr. Ford). Secondly, you're so far off on your comments on Robben's live playing it's laughable! You probably think MMW and Soulive are more compelling performers because of all that Connecticut kind bud you smoked prior to their sub-par performances. I can picture it now: through your irie-eyed, slack-jawed stare, visions of Robben Ford would have been welcome relief compared to the rambling "trippy" musings of Medeski Martin and Wood or the jazzy *snicker* attempts by Soulive!I've seen live all of the groups you mentioned (except the Yellowjackets), and there's just no comparison. Especially if being "compelling" or soulful are the criteria on which you are focusing your critique. Which brings to my mind the old adage about opinions and a-holes...Next time, leave your spite and ridicule at the door, and write a critique that addresses the material on the album being reviewed."