GRENADE: OK, i get Robben Ford's tone (cuts like a knife), his chops, his skill...

[chunkomatic]

all that good stuff. what i don't get is that syrupy, pop-blues music he peddles. it's horrible and i can't listen to more than a few minutes of any given track before wanting to fall face first into a pitchfork.

does (did) he ever do anything more depressing, edgy or darker? i'd like to hear more of his guitar work without feeling like i'm in a room full of over-tanned, fifty-something skanks wearing high-waisted acid wash jeans and shimmying like their retirement depends on it.
:barf

the man has a KILLER lead tone and chops out the ass, but his voice and general choice in happy keys and tempo are deal breakers for me.

for reference, i'm not a huge blues fan, but i am a fan of warren haynes/gov't mule, hendrix's little wing, etc. the moody, sad, beautiful and depressing shit.

[daddyo]

I used to be down on RF for the same reasons but now I dig him for being RF.
While I agree he is no blues guy in the traditional sense of the word, he does have a style that is pleasing if you accept it for what it really is - smooth blues. Same as his sometimes partner Larry Carlton. It's a happy mix of easy funk and smooth jazz but not to much straying away from the I-IV-V and other funk/rock progressions. The vocals are competant but not to emotional. The lyrics reflect the angst that many of us white, middle class males feel as we navigate through our mostly privledged lives. Maybe RF never had to slip out an upper story window because his women's number 1 man was coming up the stairs, but he surely had to sit through a couples relationship encounter weekend wishing he could have sex before the "date night."

[defcrew]

Is there anything worse than faux despair? While I like Gov't Mule sometimes Haynes' never ending gun to the head subject matter gets a bit redundant, don't you think? I get it, Warren, you got da blooze.

[Blindspot]

all that good stuff. what i don't get is that syrupy, pop-blues music he peddles. it's horrible and i can't listen to more than a few minutes of any given track before wanting to fall face first into a pitchfork.



I'm not certain that Robben's tunes make me want to faceplant into Andre the Giants cutlery, but I kinda agree with your sentiment. I love Robben's playing, and have seen him live on several occasions, and been kinda....nonplussed with the material....:eeks

[yeahyeahyeah]

You know, that's exactly how I feel, I've just never been able to put that feeling into words. Thanks.

Tone: :drool

Playing: :drool

Music: :barf



I gave up on trying to listen to him a while ago. I just don't dig the muzak so its not enjoyable for me.

[shakeshakeshake]

This kind of music gives me the creeps

[A440]

Peace on My Mind off Truth is a cool minor key tune.

For all out guitar, try the Jing Chi stuff. Tiger Walk is all instrumental.

you might be able to sample some of this material online before you buy. As an album, I like Truth a lot. Also enjoying the latest live album. he stretches out quite a bit.

I hear you...there are some albums that are more on the pop side of things, but that's all part of RF.

Can't wait for the new band CD with Landau!!

[JoeB63]

Yes, Robben's audience is full of middle-aged guitar players, and middle-aged, middle-class white blues fans with their high-waisted, tapered-leg, acid washed 1987-era jeans, but...

The last time I saw him live, about 3 years ago, it wasn't just a "hey, that guy can really play well!!" guitar-geek fest. There was an emotional level too -- like what music is supposed to create. Hard to explain because I'm not a touchy-feely emotiony, soul and mojo type of guy. Let me put it another way: my wife, who hates Robben's singing voice, and isn't a fan of long or loud guitar solos, loved the show.

(And for the record, I don't wear high-waisted, tapered-leg acid-wash jeans).

[bopplayer]

Where are all you guys playing this weekend?

[RIMRAK]

Robben is a good player, and he has that whole "outside" thing going on that's really cool, But; there is a reason he plays the club scene (except for festivals and guest appearances). Reduntant song writing. If it wasn't for for guitar geeks, he wouldn't even be able to fill seats.

[Carltone]

I know this might shock some of youse guys... but maybe Robben is a wee bit more of a musician than you... Some tunes require finesse and restraint (a little thing most guitarists can't seem to fathom).
Robben plays for all of us who appreciate not getting banged over the head on every beat of the song and who only need a shuffle beat once a set.

Of course, I'm being silly here, so don't take offense if youse are one of "dem guys" who don't get it. I personally don't get a lot of music out there, but I live ok and get over it.

Enjoy what you enjoy, but remember tastes change... you may eat the words you said about a player and a style of music one day...BUT, it's a sweet taste, when you finally do "get it."

a few from my own experience... Allan Holdsworth - hated, but now loved. John Zorn - despised, now cherished. Pharoh Saunders - what the?!??!, now Ahhhhh! and Robben Ford- meh, now YES!!!!

[Kalalau Hiker]

I used to be down on RF for the same reasons but now I dig him for being RF.
While I agree he is no blues guy in the traditional sense of the word, he does have a style that is pleasing if you accept it for what it really is - smooth blues. Same as his sometimes partner Larry Carlton. It's a happy mix of easy funk and smooth jazz but not to much straying away from the I-IV-V and other funk/rock progressions. The vocals are competant but not to emotional. The lyrics reflect the angst that many of us white, middle class males feel as we navigate through our mostly privledged lives. Maybe RF never had to slip out an upper story window because his women's number 1 man was coming up the stairs, but he surely had to sit through a couples relationship encounter weekend wishing he could have sex before the "date night."

that's about the most balanced, honest, kind but not pandering explanation of RF music I think I''ve heard in TGP!

congrats and thank you - that's pretty much how I feel.

along with that, I am hoping that, as a 56 year old guy, that my fellow mid lifers are not ...failing to be able to climax. That smooth blooze he plays never does. When I went to see Robben I noticed he NEVER climaxes a solo, just gets to a certain point of emotional involvement, and lets it tricle down mellow and of course very tastefully. I felt I didn't get my money's worth as I expected more peaks in the solos than on the CDs.
other wise - very tasteful suburban smooth blues. My lady was bored and never wants to go again.

She likes Santana better. Says he gest her in the mood.
(and he ducks under the table)

[mertzy]

/\ then Santana it is!

[JCM 800]

I walked out halfway through RF at the HOB in Chicago once. Not sure that I have listened to any of his stuff since. Just not my thing.

[Turbo Gerbil]

go find the CD where RF plays behind Jimmy Witherspoon.

[funkycam]

then instrumental robben ford it is:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://popup.lala.com/popup/432627073616646624&ei=9VVnS8eZC5SoswPc1KD4BA&sa=X&oi=music_play_track&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=2&ved=0CAgQ0wQoADAA&usg=AFQjCNHeQaokbsZIPEs4PJmtyBn13Ie6Ew

[chunkomatic]

Is there anything worse than faux despair? While I like Gov't Mule sometimes Haynes' never ending gun to the head subject matter gets a bit redundant, don't you think? I get it, Warren, you got da blooze.

i should have qualified that with the fact that i like sad music and don't necessarily care about lyrical content. i like warren's explosive nature at times when his guitar is fifty-feet tall, firing rockets and laser beams.

[Kalalau Hiker]

/\ then Santana it is!

but problem is - Carlos cost me $120 for the two of us.
Robben was only $30.

I'll stick with Robben! ;):rotflmao

[dkaplowitz]

I felt the same way, but his stuff's grown on me. The more I study jazz/blues harmony, the more I hear how rich and nice his harmonies/chord progressions are. I start hearing the chords in my head and craving that kind of rich harmony in everything I hear. Couple that with his amazing tone and playing with the changes on many tracks and there's a lot to focus on beside the fact that it's not hitting you over the head with blazing runs/licks. I don't love everything he does, but I've been listening to/appreciating a lot more of him lately than I ever used to. So I guess, like jazz was for me, it's an acquired taste -- one that I had to stick with for a while before I really started to "get it".

Or I'm just getting f*ckin' old as dirt.

[chunkomatic]

then instrumental robben ford it is:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://popup.lala.com/popup/432627073616646624&ei=9VVnS8eZC5SoswPc1KD4BA&sa=X&oi=music_play_track&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=2&ved=0CAgQ0wQoADAA&usg=AFQjCNHeQaokbsZIPEs4PJmtyBn13Ie6Ew

thanks. fine, fine tone there, but i think i figured out what's missing for me. he's not "dangerous" at all. very low-key, "take your grandma to the show!" type music. just not my thing, i guess. :dunno

[90wreck]

Where are all you guys playing this weekend?
I always liked this one....
It's quick and straight to the point and doesn't really require a whole lot of thought.

[Kalalau Hiker]

I felt the same way, but his stuff's grown on me. The more I study jazz/blues harmony, the more I hear how rich and nice his harmonies/chord progressions are. I start hearing the chords in my head and craving that kind of rich harmony in everything I hear. Couple that with his amazing tone on many tracks and there's a lot to focus on beside the fact that it's not hitting you over the head with blazing runs/licks. I don't love everything he does, but I've been listening to/appreciating a lot more of him lately than I ever used to. So I guess, like jazz was for me, it's an acquired taste -- one that I had to stick with for a while before I really started to "get it".

Or I'm just getting f*ckin' old as dirt.

I agree with this - I'm pretty busy (and Effin OLD) to be learning new stuff - but can hear a lot of sophistication in his playing.
He's great.
Just wish he'd occasionally peak out a solo when live.

Way rather see Robben than McLaughlin, who is just TOO going for broke to stay young sounding and hiring young immature chops fest players to sound current.

[sanhozay]

......

What kind of blues do you play?

[jimfog]

So?

Sounds like your issue, not his.

Simple. Don't listen.

Next?

[Trandy]

Where are all you guys playing this weekend?

Exactly.

And if they ever stood on a stage with Robben...they'd sh*t their pants.

[robelinda2]

Love Robben's playing and tone, if only he had the songwriting of Robert Cray.

Bad Influence, Right Next Door, Dont Be Afraid Of The Dark, love it.

[sanhozay]

And...having checked out your tunes I'd say blues music is simply not on your radar for influences. Why hate on musicians? Really why? Gain what? Want to be a unique human being and real musician? Then be gracious and learn to appreciate others. Nice gear, btw.

[RichardB]

You guys are taking the OP's post too seriously. He just doesn't like certain things w/ RF. Big deal.
I see some folks are implying that the OP is a "hater" or "poser". Talk about over reacting to a pretty harmless typical internet type post....

[JoeB63]

but problem is - Carlos cost me $120 for the two of us.
Robben was only $30.

I'll stick with Robben! ;):rotflmao

Last time I saw Robben, the tickets were $30 each; but I've got tickets to see him (3rd row I believe) in April in a small theater 3 miles down the road from my house -- those tickets cost $65 each. Ouch!

Then again, I wouldn't pay $30 to see Santana today.

[jimfog]

I don't like Cilantro much.

Never ONCE crossed my mind to start a thread talking about how much I hate it and prefer Basil.

Why would anyone care?

:dunno

[dkaplowitz]

I don't like Cilantro much.

Never ONCE crossed my mind to start a thread talking about how much I hate it and prefer Basil.
Wasn't there a thread about that in the pub a week or two ago?


:D

[jimfog]

Wasn't there a thread about that in the pub a week or two ago?

Title:

Poll: ZOMG!! Cilantro!! - Hate it or Loathe It?!????!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?

[dets1]

this thread reminds me of the time i saw scott henderson with tribal tech. me and about 20 of the 22 other people at the show bailed. it was the most boring thing i ever paid for. my buddy and i kept looking at each other wondering when he was gonna melt us. he never did. don't know where the fire was that night, but it wasn't coming off scott hendersons fingers. and for the record, i love his playing. (robbens too)

[sanhozay]

Talk about over reacting to a pretty harmless typical internet type post....

Yeah, just kids having fun. Let them insult the fans, the listener, the genre, the player. Harmless.

And tactless.

[jimfog]

....Talk about over reacting to a pretty typical RichardB type post....

Fix'd!

:roll:roll:roll

[winstabull]

Fans of Robben Ford in this thread, Taylor Swift needs your help 3 posts down. She is also the victim of a great internet injustice.:bong

[Tone_Terrific]

What's a guy to listen to?
If you saw the Grammy's you got a cross-section of what is happening in the commercial music world...hmmm.
Other stuff:
Death metal growling...not goin' there.
The screamo kids.....not for me.
The chug of nu-metal...uh..uh
Oh so artsy fartsy pop...that sells??....somewhere
Punk...if it is still alive it should have died
Have Celine or Shania put out anything recently?

...and still you complain about RF?!?!?
You prefer rap?:bonk

[aeolian]

Robben has been trying to meld a few different things for awhile now, starting with Supernatural. Blues, jazz and a kind of old school R&P/Pop. To me, Truth is very similar in concept to John Mayer's Continum. Mostly guitar driven, bit of old school keyboards like electric pianos and Hammond, some horns. Very little synth or other modern pop production techniques. Classic song writing forms, ABABCBAB, etc. Slightly interesting progressions and chord substitutions, enough to sound a bit different but not so different as to sound dissonant to an unsophisticated ear.

Takes some skill to pull that off. It's harder than it sounds to make something new but still familiar and comfortable.

[Blindspot]

Where are all you guys playing this weekend?

Me? Here:

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7329/mygig.jpg

How about you?:eeks

[Blindspot]

go find the CD where RF plays behind Jimmy Witherspoon.

I was gonna say that as the example of when I like Robben best.

[Blindspot]

I don't like Cilantro much.

Never ONCE crossed my mind to start a thread talking about how much I hate it and prefer Basil.

Why would anyone care?

:dunno

The only thing I find less interesting than a thread that doesn't interest me is people who post repeatedly in a thread that doesn't interest them; but then I don't like ketchup on hot dogs cause I think it belongs on hamburgers so clearly I have some mysterious and confusing preferences.

[Jamie_Mitchell]

I don't like Cilantro much.

Never ONCE crossed my mind to start a thread talking about how much I hate it and prefer Basil.

Why would anyone care?

:dunno

The OP states that he digs RF's playing, tone, etc. but doesn't understand the musical setting in which he presents it (light, not 'dangerous'). I think that's pretty understandable, it's pretty much exactly how I feel about another guitar god that is constantly discussed here.
He asked for suggestions of RF's playing that might be more up his alley. I'd welcome those suggestions because that's what I'd like to hear as well. If it's out there, I'll buy it.

[cg]

I agree - love his playing - don't like his songs/arrangements.

Give that man a Tele and a tweed deluxe!

[chunkomatic]

wow. shitstorm. LOL.

robben ford is a GREAT guitarist. robben ford has GREAT tone. robben ford is this. robben ford is that. i was simply curious as to how some of you get past the hokey songs and hear the player. i can't seem to do that for an extended period of time.

i'm not a blues player or even a blues fan per se, but ford seems to be the second coming for the dumble clone set around here and i was just curious as to why he's all that and did some quick research before posting this thread. i think ford is a great player capable of much more invigorating and dangerous music than he's currently putting out. i certainly wouldn't dick around with the geriatric festival scene if i had his chops.

[chunkomatic]

The OP states that he digs RF's playing, tone, etc. but doesn't understand the musical setting in which he presents it (light, not 'dangerous'). I think that's pretty understandable, it's pretty much exactly how I feel about another guitar god that is constantly discussed here.
He asked for suggestions of RF's playing that might be more up his alley. I'd welcome those suggestions because that's what I'd like to hear as well. If it's out there, I'll buy it.

thanks for "getting" it. :aok

[sanhozay]

wow. shitstorm. LOL.


Mission Accomplished.

;)

[shoelace]

I like the whole package. I've seen RF a few times and it was always a great show and when I saw him with LC it was off the charts.
If it doesnt grab you, move on

[kimock]

I don't like Cilantro much.

Never ONCE crossed my mind to start a thread talking about how much I hate it and prefer Basil.

Why would anyone care?

:dunno

Some of us just come here because people are funny.
There's some funny people here.

:munch

Anyway, I've been keeping an eye on this for quite some time, and so far it's safe to say that nobody doesn't like Sara Lee and Everybody Digs Bill Evans, but that's about it.

[Structo]

YOU MEAN YOU DON'T LIKE POLITICIAN?

Oh Tag!?

[dets1]

Some of us just come here because people are funny.
There's some funny people here.

:munch

Anyway, I've been keeping an eye on this for quite some time, and so far it's safe to say that nobody doesn't like Sara Lee and Everybody Digs Bill Evans, but that's about it.

well, that depends. bill evans the pianist, or bill evans the saxophonist?

[RichardB]

Fix'd!

:roll:roll:roll


good one !!! (w/ a caveat):

my posts tend to be well substantiated and well argued, which is why my detractors reserve a special kind of vitriol for me. They can't out argue or play me, so they get tetchy!!!!

[mnjordan]

wow. shitstorm. LOL.

robben ford is a GREAT guitarist. robben ford has GREAT tone. robben ford is this. robben ford is that. i was simply curious as to how some of you get past the hokey songs and hear the player. i can't seem to do that for an extended period of time.

i'm not a blues player or even a blues fan per se, but ford seems to be the second coming for the dumble clone set around here and i was just curious as to why he's all that and did some quick research before posting this thread. i think ford is a great player capable of much more invigorating and dangerous music than he's currently putting out. i certainly wouldn't dick around with the geriatric festival scene if i had his chops.

I'm right there with you man.

If I ever met RF, I would be stoked, try to get a photo with him, etc. He is an absolutely insane guitar player, and I am envious, awed, and appreciative of his massive talent.

But the songs are horrible to me.

[jimfog]

good one !!! (w/ a caveat):

my posts tend to be well substantiated and well argued, which is why my detractors reserve a special kind of vitriol for me. They can't out argue or play me, so they get tetchy!!!!

...and no one has your humility, either.

:facepalm

[RichardB]

...and no one has your humility, either.

:facepalm

yeah, you're right. I forgot to include that, amongst the many attributes....Should I edit the previous post to include?...probably not, but otoh for honesty's sake....nahh, folks can already sense that stuff from my 'net persona...

[kimock]

well, that depends. bill evans the pianist, or bill evans the saxophonist?

As long as you dig at most one of them I'm safe, but I think you know who I'm talking about. . .:D

[frdagaa]

OK, some of RF's songs are mishy-mash pansy poo. (Though I pretty much like 'em all).

Here are the ones the OP might like (ok, probably not, but...), because they have a bit more edge, a more rockin' solo, or whatever:

The Brother, Politician, Strong will to Live, The Miller's Son, Rugged Road, Too Much, Moonchild Blues,
How Deep in the Blues do you want to go LIVE (from soul on Ten)

anything on Tiger Walk

most things on The Authorized Bootleg (the songs and sounds aren't edgy ... it's acoustic ... but to me the playing is. My favorite album of his)

Most everything on Sunrise (mostly straight up blues)(ESPECIALLY Eighty one, where he plays a rippin, edgy tenor sax)

[Zero G]

I like the whole package.

Me too. I have to be in the mood for it though. I just discovered his music a few months ago and at first I wasn't a huge fan of it, but it is really starting to grow on me. I just bought my first Les Paul because of Robben, Joe Bonamassa, and Jimmy Page.

[Melodic Dreamer]

I love Ford. I also like happy music, sad music and everything in between. If your want depressing you can always listen to Linkin Park. :P

[medrawt]

I don't really care for the notion of starting threads like this; since nobody on this board knows who I am, I know nobody here cares about my unsolicited opinion of their favorite musical artist, and if it happens to be negative, I'm not contributing anything positive to the world.

I do have two thoughts on this thread, which are that:

(1) I get the "what have you done lately" response to certain kinds of critical commentary about pro musicians, and think it serves a purpose. But as a kneejerk to any sort of criticism, I don't think it makes any sense, and isn't helpful. If one of your significant others (of canonical "I took my wife/gf to the [whomever] show and she loved it/hated it/fell asleep" fame) said the same thing as the original poster, would your response be to ask where her last gig was? Of course not. I'm a guy with a day job who dicks around on a Mexican telecaster in my bedroom at night; if I try and offer some detailed criticism of Robben Ford, I'm not stepping to him as a guitar player, I'm offering my opinion as a music lover, and my opinion in that regard is just as valid as that of any of the thousands of music lovers who've derived enjoyment from Robben Ford (or any of the millions who haven't).

(2) The "maybe it's too advanced/subtle for your ears" thing can't help but come off as condescending, IMO. Maybe it's because somebody once tried to suggest that I wasn't advanced enough to understand Eric Johnson*, but if it happens to be true it's probably not going to be understood, and if it's not true it just adds to the bad vibe.

* I don't remember my reply, but I'm afraid it might've been uncomfortably close to the reply I wanted to give, which would've been something like: "Really? I'm taking courses in classical composition in college, I studied jazz piano in high school, I've been listening to Stravinsky and Coltrane since I was 14, but my ears just aren't hip enough to tell me whether or not I like "Cliffs of Dover"?"

[smilefan]

Go to I-Tunes now and download the song "Indianola" off
Robbens "Blue Moon" album. That should explain everything.
Why we all freak out over RF on this Forum. The tones, boths
the cleans and the leads, are as good as it gets. His playing and
phrasing also seems to me perfect, not one note too little or too
many.

I like him better when he doesn't sing. I agree he should get heavier and edgier with his material

[chunkomatic]

ford's tone is RAZOR sharp and kills in worried life blues:

yGJafrBw5UA

his picking dynamics, phrasing, note choice, it's all spot on and superb, but i greatly dislike his voice. it's james taylor singing the blues. still doesn't work for me. no worries though, you gents keep enjoying mr. ford. i'll go back to simple, dumbed down music like reinhardt, protest the hero and opeth.

:bong

[kimock]

no worries though, you gents keep enjoying mr. ford. i'll go back to simple, dumbed down music like reinhardt, protest the hero and opeth.

:bong

C'mon now don't be so hard on yourself, it might be simple, and it's definitely dumbed down, but it's not music. . .

:rimshot

[White Cluster]

I agree about his vocal abilities.Hendrix wasn't much of a singer either IMO.But his playing says it all for me.Listen to the last solo in "Riley B. King" off of Truth.If you don't get it then,you never will.Everything about that solo is so unbelievably right that I'll forever wish that I had played it first.

[jimfog]

As long as you dig......

What don't you understand about the word EVERYONE?!?!?!?!

There are no exceptions!!!

:horse

[sanhozay]

james taylor singing the blues.

Indeed, he can. And odds are he'd steamroll all over you. Oh yeah, demolition derby. Kick it, James.

[BigViolin]

Go to I-Tunes now and download the song "Indianola" off
Robbens "Blue Moon" album. That should explain everything.
Why we all freak out over RF on this Forum. The tones, boths
the cleans and the leads, are as good as it gets. His playing and
phrasing also seems to me perfect, not one note too little or too
many.

I like him better when he doesn't sing. I agree he should get heavier and edgier with his material

I think guitarists have a really hard time following a sax solo. Robben does in "Indianola" about as good as can be done. Man.....those first few phrases...wow, the whole solo really.

[smilefan]

I think guitarists have a really hard time following a sax solo. Robben does in "Indianola" about as good as can be done. Man.....those first few phrases...wow, the whole solo really.

That clean toned figure that opens the song, just kills me!

[kimock]

What don't you understand about the word EVERYONE?!?!?!?!

There are no exceptions!!!

:horse
What part of what don't I understand don't you understand?

[BigViolin]

That clean toned figure that opens the song, just kills me!

Agreed! I really dig his clean tones as well. They always fit the parts well.

[Jimmy James]

RF is where you go to learn harmonic sophistication in your blues. "Prison of Love" is a great tune. Not everything has to be Buddy Guy.

That 70's live with Jimmy Witherspoon record was a whole other Robben Ford. It you want earthy that's the one to get.

[iamdavea]

this thread reminds me of the time i saw scott henderson with tribal tech. me and about 20 of the 22 other people at the show bailed. it was the most boring thing i ever paid for. my buddy and i kept looking at each other wondering when he was gonna melt us. he never did. don't know where the fire was that night, but it wasn't coming off scott hendersons fingers. and for the record, i love his playing. (robbens too)

Wow, I thought it was just me. I went to see him, with great excitement, around 1989, in a small club. Scott Henderson! Walked out after 20 minutes, thinking, "If you want your guitar to sound like a xylophone, maybe you should just play a xylophone!"

[neastguy]

please !!! everyone !!! keep !! your !! opinions !! to yourself !! stop posting immediately

[TNJ]

I get it.
You like the player's tone and chops.
You dislike his music and voice.
Kinda puts you in a quandary, doesnt it?

I had issues with Robben's voice early on.
I got over it after I saw him live.
I got even more over it after I saw him live with Larry Carlton.

Alot of folks have the same problems with Eric Johnson.
Not everybody can be Clapton, Hendrix or SRV...i.e., vocals to match the guitar skillset.

Get his instrumental work...Jing Chi, Tiger Walk. I also dig Talk to your Daughter, and Handful of Blues.

S.
j

[Richeray]

I think everything he does is amazing!

[harryjmic]

Listen to the Charles Ford blues band, this was Robben as a kid. Back then he just let it fly.

Lots of the studio guys are just too polished, Lee Ritenour is an awesome guitar player but every recording is too perfect, I can't stand it. It's like looking at endless models that are air brushed, after a while it just isn't real any more.

[JoeB63]

Wow, I thought it was just me. I went to see him, with great excitement, around 1989, in a small club. Scott Henderson! Walked out after 20 minutes, thinking, "If you want your guitar to sound like a xylophone, maybe you should just play a xylophone!"

I used to think pretty much the same thing about Eric Johnson --- all that effort to make your guitar sound like a violin? If I wanted to hear violin, I'd go see a string orchestra.

[Bluzeboy]

Where are all you guys playing this weekend?


Apparently I'm playing the same place Robben is according to his web site. At my house.

[OldSchool]

Apparently I'm playing the same place Robben is according to his web site. At my house.


But do you have a dumble at your house? :rotflmao:bonk

[dets1]

Listen to the Charles Ford blues band, this was Robben as a kid. Back then he just let it fly.

Lots of the studio guys are just too polished, Lee Ritenour is an awesome guitar player but every recording is too perfect, I can't stand it. It's like looking at endless models that are air brushed, after a while it just isn't real any more.

you're not dissing the bikini thread are you????? :mob

[PierreL]

Love Robben's playing and tone, if only he had the songwriting of Robert Cray.

Bad Influence, Right Next Door, Dont Be Afraid Of The Dark, love it.

God forbid ! That would be a good way of stopping me from buying his records !

[harryjmic]

you're not dissing the bikini thread are you????? :mob

I've never even checked that one out yet. :hide

[robelinda2]

God forbid ! That would be a good way of stopping me from buying his records !

:) Love Mr Cray!

[cbell2112]

Damn, I have 16 Robben Ford albums and none of them have really done anything for me since Mystic Mile and his self titled Thin Blue Line album. Some of those songs kick some ass in my opinion but since then, nothing really gave me that jaw dropping feeling.

At the same time, I know that Robben is a top notch player and only wish that I could play have as well as him.

[azgolfer]

Robben puts originals on his records to make a living. IMO, he writes about one good song a record. Most of his good songs were on Talk To My Daughter and The Blue Line. NSJF 90 Bootleg is his best 'record' IMO. I think he does great arrangements of classic blues, like 'You Put a Spell On Me', but he doesn't put them on his records. His singing has always been marginal to me, not sure why he never wanted to work with a singer. I have some boots of him with Boz Scaggs that are awesome, now that would be a great tour. Jimmy Witherspoon live at Notodden is a great record, but Jimmy is clearly past his prime.