March 2003 Cover Story

Robben Ford

by Tony Engelhart

3/25 & 3/26 @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, 8pm; 3/27 @ Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR, 8pm; 3/28 @ Wild Duck Music Hall, Eugene, OR, 9pm; 3/29 @ Rogue Theatre, Grants Pass, OR, 8pm.

It was after hearing the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, most notably Mike Bloomfield, that the blues bug bit Robben Ford. However, like newcomer Derek Trucks, Ford stretches his musical muscle into limitless genres. From jazz, R&B, and heavy fusion-as well as blues-this guitar virtuoso has an eclectic fountain of styles from which he draws.

Robben Ford comes from a musical family. His father, Charles Ford, was a guitar player in a local band called Rocky Ford and the Tennesseeans. Originally a sax player, Robben picked up the guitar at age 13. Charles showed Robben his first chords and from there the youngster taught himself to play. Initially influenced by Mike Bloomfield's flowing solos and innovative technique, Ford also borrowed from other greats, such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, to create a distinct and individual sound. Shortly after high school, Ford and brother Patrick formed a band and began playing in and around the bay area. While opening for Charlie Musselwhite, Patrick was asked if he could step in for the recently fired Musselwhite drummer. Brother Robben was soon to follow, playing both sax and guitar. After the stint with Charlie, the brothers returned home and formed a jazz band with younger brother, Mark. Dubbing themselves the Charles Ford band, after their father, the band recorded their debut for Arhoolie in 1972. Even though Robben would eventually leave to follow solo aspirations, the brothers have continued to play and record under the name The Fords Blues Band-releasing 7 albums from 1990 to 2002 (their most recent A Tribute To Paul Butterfield). In 1992 he formed Robben Ford & The Blue Line and the band released their debut, Mystic Mile, followed by 1995's Handful Of Blues. Even though the group received two Grammy nominations, Ford was already seeking a change of direction. He returned to a style more akin to jazz-fusion on his next two projects, Tiger Walk and Supernatural.

As a solo performer, Robben Ford has played with a diverse group of musicians including Joni Mitchell, Little Feat, David Sanborn, and Miles Davis. After working with such an array of gifted players, it is no wonder Ford's range is so wide reaching. In 1988, Robben Ford was known as a jazz guitarist. This would change with the release of Talk To Your Daughter, a sophisticated blues-rock album that incorporated Ford's passion for jazz and fusion. This recording was nominated for a Grammy but, perhaps even more importantly, it established Ford as a blues guitarist.

Ford's most recent release, Blue Moon (also his debut for Concord Records), brings the guitarist/vocalist/songwriter back to the blues after two studio records that were closer to fusion with only snippets of blues textures. While Blue Moon has a more contemporary and mainstream radio-friendly sound, Ford continues to blur boundaries. This album incorporates some 21st century studio trickery by the use of programmed drum loops on two tracks, "Don't Deny Your Love" and "Sometime Love". Ford pays homage to two blues legends on this disc, recording Little Walter's "Up The Line" and Willie Dixon's "It Don't Make Sense". The remaining ten tracks are all Ford original compositions. Blue Moon may not be as adventurous as previous recordings but it showcases Robben Ford's fluid guitar playing and ability to grow as an artist without compromising his convictions to stay true to himself and his audience.

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