Customer Reviews

Handful of Blues

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There probably are only a handful of guitarists that can truly be considered great. Robben is definitely on my short list of those guitarists. Creator of the Yellowjackets back in the late seventies, he's also toured as the guitarist for Miles Davis, Michael McDonald, and even Kiss (for twice scale). Robben has done a lot of studio work for other musicians as well.

"Handful of Blues" is a great album that displays his blues chops. Great foot-taping rhythms with complex soloing makes this album a must have. "Rugged Road" opens the album with a hard driving rhythm that sets the stage for the fifty minutes of music. Most of the songs are Robben originals with three covers, and one song written by Roscoe Beck. The only weakness to be found is in Robben's voice. It's not the deep, gravely voice one expects of the blues, but it doesn't distract from his music.

Robben is not the only musician of incredible talent on this album. He is backed by Roscoe Beck on bass and Tom Brechtlein on drums. His own brother, Mark Ford appears on several songs belting out notes on harmonica. If you like harmonica, check out "Running Out On Me". "The Miller's Son" is an instrumental where Robben and brother Mark pass the soloing off to one another. And don't miss the Willie Dixon cover of "I Just Want to Make Love to You."

If you love guitar, especially the blues, this is definitely a must have for your collection.

I don't love all of Robben Ford's work, but this album is excellent. The creativity and talent of Ford's playing constantly amazes me, and every time I listen to it I hear something new. His version of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is one of the best covers I've heard.

(And if you like Ford, don't miss Ronnie Earl!)

I've heard all of his music, seen him live, etc. and this is his best

One of the FEW,(Yes everyone you heard me right) blues based guitarists with the ability to play around chord changes, this disc is a dynamic, harmonious venture from this versatile guitarist. Lets face it. Any WHITE musician that unpacks with Miles Davis has got to be a quality musician. Robben is no exception as this disc proves. Great awareness, great writing, and great playing grace this disc from start to finish. Highlights include: "Rugged Road", a brilliant interpretation of The Animals classic, "Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood", "Think Twice", "Strong Will To Live", "Top Of The Hill"(listen to how well he handles the chord changes in this track.....SRV eat your heart out!!) "Good Thing" in which his solo in this particular tune has got to be almost perfect. You can almost hear the crowd applauding after the solo closes.

Roscoe Beck, and Tom Brechtlein make a huge contribution to this disc as well, as does Pat Ford, Ricky Peterson and The Yellowjackets Russell Ferrante.

All in all the whole disc is a gas. Blues listeners should check out this disc and the rest of his discography. He is at the top of the blues genre.

Also recommend: The Charles Ford Band: "The Charles Ford Band"

A great collection, one that shows a mature /focused sound;Robben's playing is so warm, and always distinctive.An abundance of tight jams- with a simpatico feel.This cd is highly valued!!!

Sure does make you feel the pain of heartbreak up close and personal...

As many others have noted, and I concur, this is Robben Ford's best CD to date. The mix of blues styles exemplifies his artistry, giving him a great showcase for his virtuosity.

A lot of reviewers have criticized Ford's vocal talent as not being on par with his guitar work, but I dissent and assert that Ford can put as much emotion in his vocals as he can with his guitar. Check out the samples on the page here under this CD and you'll get a great idea of what I mean.

Often you wonder if a guitarist is up to the challenge of tackling vocals, or if he or she should just stick to doing instrumentals or having someone else belt out the songs. This is probably Ford's best album that his singing and playing reach the summit together.

Grab this lil Handful of Blues and stick it in your pocket CD player. You won't be disappointed.

Peace Out

Every time I hear him playing his guitar I am overwhelmed by his sensibility and his control of his emotions.This time the balance is so good.This is called SING LIKE TALKING.His guitar talks louder than words.This is it !This legendary guitarist can talk with his guitar more eloquently than anyone else!

His best and most cohesive release , his playing on this is phenomenal. Basing it on what he's released to date (and I own most), if you don't own any Robben Ford this is a great place to start. Can't go wrong with any of his albums with the Blue Line, but this is the best of the lot. I believe to date he peaked with this one. Definitely worth buying, and a classic that'll stand up twenty years from now. Although some may say Discovering the Blues is better, I think this has the edge, although the former is more a straight blues album then this one. I say buy both.

Forget hyperbole. This album has so many great tracks, but track number nine is one of those that your muso friends will refer to often when discussing all-time great solos/compositions, even if they forget the name of the track (as I have!). Beautiful!

I play guitar and appreciate most kinds of music. This CD is a tremendous blend of blues, jazz and rock. Most of it is blues. The cover of Misunderstood is outstanding-a fitting cover that Eric Burden would appreciate. Ford makes everything his own. His bandmates (and brother) make this a tight CD. Great disk.