Robben Ford is one of the world’s greatest guitar players still touring and recording today, and across a carreer of close to five decades. Ask almost any guitarist about Mr Ford and they will probably cite him as an influence and most definitely you he is an amazing player.
His blues and jazz licks have graced gigs and recording sessions with the likes of Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Larry Carlton, George Harrison, Mavis Staples, Yellowjackets and Brad Paisley among a veritable who’s who of musical stars.
His latest album, “Night In The City”, was recorded live in Nashville at the City Winery in 2021 after lockdown, released by earMUSIC on 1st December 2023 as CD-digipak, 180g black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve and via digital sites. Deservedly attracting a four star review from this magazine. Read more below the video…
* This video is track two of the eight on the new live album:
Robben has made 20+ solo albums, dozens of appearances guesting on recordings with star collaborators, five Grammy nominations and picked up a bunch of awards over the years.
On “Night In The City” he is joined by the horns of Jeff Coffin on sax’ and bass clarinet, Jovan Quallo on sax’, Anton Nesbit on bass and Nate Smith on drums. Robben of course, on guitar and vocals. Eight tracks on the CD and seven on the vinyl LP – A mix of new and old stuff. Six instrumentals and two cuts with vocals.
Robben Ford’s “Track Record”…
1. First song you recall hearing as a child?
I think it must be “Happy Birthday”.
2. First single you owned?
“Day Tripper” by The Beatles. Also got my first electric guitar that day, as it was Christmas.
3. First LP/album you owned?
It was a surf album with a collection of songs from different artists. I don’t remember the title.
4. First CD you owned?
“Miles Smiles” by Miles Davis.
5. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download)?
I download from iTunes. I think the last recording was Ram Narayan: “Sarangee Wadan”. [Ram Nayran has made 33 albums since 1955. The Indian legend was the first internationally successful sarangi player who popularised the bowed instrument as a solo concert instrument in Hindustani classical music. ]
6. Which album would you be happy to receive as a gift?
John Coltrane: “A Love Supreme”.
7. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
Archie Shepp:”The Way Ahead”. [1968 album on Impulse! Records].
8. Best record ever made (can be single/album/EP – and choose more than one if need be)?
It would be either “Sgt. Pepper’s Loney Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles, or “Kind Of Blue” from Miles Davis. [Released August 1959 on the Columbia label. A classic that has influenced bands and artist far beyond the jazz genre.]
9. Guilty secret (or anything unusual or perhaps unexpected) in your music collection?
“Philosophy Of The World” by The Shaggs. [A cult album – the only studio album by the American band the Shaggs – which was released in 1969. Recorded in Revere, Massachusetts, by the trio of three sisters, and released in limited quantities by a local record label. It received no attention and the Shaggs disbanded in 1975. It has been described as one of the worst records ever made AND a work of accidental genius. Fans include Frank Zappa and Kurt Cobain.]
10. What does music mean to you and how does it make you feel?
Music is joy; and it does make me feel a lot of things, but mainly Joy.
11. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
“Stoned Soul Picnic” written by Laura Nyro and recorded by The Fifth Dimension.
12. Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
Wayne Shorter’s “Juju”. [ His fifth album, which was released on Blue Note in 1965].
13. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
Miles Davis: “In A Silent Way”. [Released July 1969 on Columbia].
14. Best song or album for a romantic moment?
Paul Desmond’s “Desmond Blue”. [1962 – his first LP for RCA Victor].
15. Which song was played for the “First Dance” at your wedding (if you are married) or which song would you choose if you did get married?
“Stoned Soul Picnic” by The Fifth Dimension. [1968].
16. Your choice of song to sing at karaoke?
“Jealous Guy” by John Lennon.
17. Which song takes you back to your childhood – and to which specific memory/memories?
“California Girls” by the Beach Boys. I used to sit listening to the radio for hours and I love the memory.
18. Favourite band (or bands)?
The first Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Miles Davis’ band in the 60’s, Keith Jarrett’s band with Charlie Haden, Paul Motian and Dewey Redman. Also, Coltrane with Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Garrison.
19. Favourite singer (or singers)?
Aretha Franklin.
20. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
“El Gaucho” by Wayne Shorter. [First recorded and released by Wayne Shorter on his 1966 LP “Adam’s Apple.” The track featured Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Reginald Workman and Joe Chambers.
- Read our four star review of Robben’s new live album, here:
Robben Ford, Night In The City (earMUSIC), 1st December 2023
3 x Robben Ford photos : Mashca Thompson
