Robben Ford has a reputation as being one of the most tasteful
blues/jazz guitar players out there, and this CD doesn't change that in
the slightest. This CD has Robben and a slew of guest musicians, who
work their way through eight original songs, three remakes of songs
written by Little Walter Jacobs, Willie Dixon, and Big Maceo along with
a 12th remix track of 'Don't Deny Your Love'. The styles range from
swing blues, traditional 12 bar blues, funky blues, smoky blues club
laid back blues, rocking blues, and jazzy blues thrown in for good
measure. There's quite a diverse range on this CD, so if you can't find
a song you like, then you just don't like music.
The CD opens up with swinging blues number, 'Up the Line' written by
Little Walter Jacobs. This song has a rock feel to it even though there
are plenty of horns and piano mixed in. 'Hard To Please' goes straight
to more traditional blues with a 12 bar feel to it. 'Don't Deny Your
Love' shows up twice on the CD, once as a jazzy blues number and as a
remix with a little different percussion mix and more reverb on the
vocals. 'Make Me Your Only One' harkens back to the 50's blues/jazz
clubs with a laid back vocal, with guitar fills and piano
backing. 'Sometime Love' reminds me a bit of the Butterfield Blues Band.
I know that Robben was influenced by the Butterfield Blues Band and it
shows up clearly on this track. 'Good To Love' reminds me a bit of that
old standard 'The Fever' with it's vocal inflections, laid back feel and
minor musical key. This is one of my favorites on the CD.
Bottom Line: Robben continues his tradition of tasty jazz influenced
blues music. Excellent release with all the standard Robben Ford guitar
playing that his fans have come to love. If your a Robben Ford fan, then
you should like this release. It certainly gives an excellent
introduction to Robben Ford, and his guitar stylings, if your not
familiar with his work. I give it 3 stars out of 4.
Robben Ford - Guitar, Vocal, electric piano, piano
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums
Tom Brechtlein - Drums
Rosco Beck - Bass
Jimmy Earl - Bass
Neil Larson - organ, piano
David Woodford - Baratone Sax
Lee R. Thornburg - Trumpet, Trombone
Web sites:
www.robbenford.com
www.concordrecords.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Robert T. Murphy, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
For permission to use this review please email Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
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