Bman's Blues Report

Robben Ford performed more than ninety minutes of non-stop craftsmanship to a very appreciative desert town crowd at The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, Arizona . The set list contained a pleasing baker’s dozen plus one encore of songs both from his current release, ‘Into the Sun’ ( Mascot Label Group, NY, NY USA) and a potpourri selection from his vast catalog of work. Perhaps the show was extra spirited as it was the last stop on his current 2015 tour prior to departing for a few shows in France. None-the-less, the sound mix and tone was amazing partly due to vintage amp and obvious journeyman chops from Robben and the others. Each member of the group more than held their own when given featured solos and as a unit throughout the performance. The set kicked into high gear with ‘ Just Like It Is ’ from the 1997 Tiger Walk release followed up with ‘ Howling At the Moon ’ from the new CD. Ford dove into an extensive bridge solo more than demonstrating his talent and command of his ros...

I just received the newest release (March 31, 2015), Into The Sun , by Robben Ford and I really like it! Opening with Rose Of Sharon a smooth bluesy track with a very clean melody, Ford strokes a well articulated solo making very use of single and double time for emphasis. Day Of the Planets actually has an garage rock feel but but delivered on a polished silver platter. Howlin' At The Moon hits the road with a funky staggered rhythm. Brian Allen on bass lays down a nice funky groove with Wes Little on drums and Ford plays off the funk delivering a solo that rides the rumble. Very cool! Rainbow Cover is a straight up rocker with organ highlights and clean guitar riff adornment. Juttified features guests Keb Mo' on vocal and Robert Randolph on pedal slide. An easy blues swing with rolling piano and stylized fiddle set a super floor for Ford to highlight his nicely stylized solo. Breath Of Me featured ZZ Hill on lead vocals for possibly my favorite track on the release. H...

  GUITAR LEGEND ROBBEN FORD’S NEW ALBUM INTO THE SUN   CAPTURES HIS CONTEMPORARY SONGWRITING MASTERY To Be Released Via Mascot Label Group On March 31 st   Guest Appearances By Blues Icon Keb’ Mo’, Vocalist ZZ Ward,   And Fellow Guitar Heroes Warren Haynes, Sonny Landreth,   Robert Randolph and Tyler Bryant  February 5, 2015 - Guitar virtuoso Robben Ford’s forthcoming new album Into The Sun (Mascot Label Group) shines a bright light on his artful, contemporary songwriting and the stunning playing that’s made him a favorite foil of Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison and other legends. The five-time Grammy nominee describes the 11-song set as “one of the top recordings I’ve ever done” — a staggering observation considering his extensive discography, which embraces more than 35 albums under his own name and with his various bands. There’s also Ford’s session and sideman work, which includes hundreds of ...