Customer Reviews

Keep on Running

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Robben Ford is all but unknown in the UK and, having searched through the Billboard listings in vain, I think he appears to suffer a similar fate in the US, despite this being the most commercial release yet in his long career. This is a crying shame because he is one heck of a hot blues guitar player, with a white-hot backing band pumping out some serious jazz/rock/funk blues.

The title track, a Jackie Edwards song which was a UK No 1 hit single in the 60s for the Spencer Davis Group, grabs the attention with its trademark bass and percussion opening line. Ford's guitar doesn't actually chime in until 1.50 into the track and then it takes over, a wonderfully liquid and aristocratic sound. Three of the following four songs are also cover versions (Otis Rush's "Homework", Eric Clapton's "Badge" and Nick Lowe's (for Elvis Costello) "Peace Love & Understanding"; the workings are quite faithful to the originals and actually show up the one weakness - the vocals. His voice is not the strongest, actually sounding quite immature, unusual for a bluesman of 30-odd years experience. Fortunately he has Siedah Garrett and Mavis Staples on hand to assist here and there.

The album really kicks on from track 6, highlights being his own compositions "Canonball Shuffle" and "Lifetime Thing", and a smokin' "For The Love Of Money" (vocal help again, from Terry Evans). We are treated to some rocking blues of the highest calibre and guitar playing every bit as good as such immortals as Clapton himself or Carlos Santana.

The backing band is of the highest calibre, featuring Jimmy Earl on bass, Steve Potts or Toss Panos on drums, and to give the album that Muscle Shoals soul sound Bob Malach on tenor sax and Dan Fornero on trumpet. Guesting are the likes of Edgar Winter on sax and John Mayall. Sound production is spot on as well.

This has been a regular on my CD player since I discovered it last November. I gave it full recommendation on Amazon's UK site and and am glad to do the same here.

This album quite rapidly followed "Blue Moon" and is noticeably better. Half of the "Blue Moon" album employs fake-sounding drum programming, which really had me scratching my head; this album thankfully abandons that approach. Ford's musical style is reminiscent of what Clapton has been doing since about 1981. The production is very tight, with much overdubbing. The songs are rooted in the blues, soul, and rock-with overtones of funk. However, it all sounds rather "white" (which is what it is), but it still manages to realistically tackle emotionally poignant ideas. If you like this album you should also enjoy Ford's "Supernatural" and Clapton's "Money and Cigarettes."

I've followed Robben off-and-on for years, and didn't expect much from this latest offering except more of his signature jazz-inflected blues licks. What a surprise package! The first five cuts are nice -mainly remakes in his own fashion- but tracks 6 & 7 just jump out of the speakers, and from there on the album takes a phenomenal leap forward with some of the most amazing guitar tones ever heard on CD. Track 6's "Cannonball Shuffle" is a lot like Clapton's "Hideaway" from The Bluesbreakers album, and #7, "Lifetime Thing", reminds me of the old Ray Charles's "Night Time is the Right Time" with just some burning guitar tones. Robben can't sing like Ray, tho', and that's the only drawback to an otherwise outstanding offer by this guitar master. Nonetheless, Robben finally proves he deserves a place alongside Clapton, Beck and Page, as this CD will show. If you want to hear great tone, it's all in there. This one should be a classic.

I agree with the others - good - sometimes great disc but not the end all be all album that we all believe he has in him...as a fan of robben ford I couldn't imagine not buying this....would love to hear robben put it all together in one cohesive sounding album.....is it me or do certain tracks sound different (mix/production values) than others??

What do you know about soul, David Mazza? Obviously very little if you think Johnny Lang has more soul than Robben Ford. And just because Mr. Lang has a raspy, gravelly voice doesn't mean it's better, likely it just better fits your thinking of what a bluesman's voice should be. Ford's tenor is refined, tasty, he annunciates much more clearly than Mr. Lang, and his songwriting is FAR superior (e.g. Nothing to Nobody, Supernatural, Tired of Talkin', Top of The Hill, Hey Brother, to name a few great songs penned by Mr. Ford).

Secondly, you're so far off on your comments on Robben's live playing it's laughable! You probably think MMW and Soulive are more compelling performers because of all that Connecticut kind bud you smoked prior to their sub-par performances. I can picture it now: through your irie-eyed, slack-jawed stare, visions of Robben Ford would have been welcome relief compared to the rambling "trippy" musings of Medeski Martin and Wood or the jazzy *snicker* attempts by Soulive!

I've seen live all of the groups you mentioned (except the Yellowjackets), and there's just no comparison. Especially if being "compelling" or soulful are the criteria on which you are focusing your critique. Which brings to my mind the old adage about opinions and a-holes...

Next time, leave your spite and ridicule at the door, and write a critique that addresses the material on the album being reviewed.

Taste Tone Timing Technique
Man this guy just continues to deliver; his lead guitar tone throughout is pure sweetnes. Listen to the way he totally funks out with the wah wah pedal on his rhythm parts.
"Homework" and "Life time Thing" make me wanna howl like a dawg! Freddy himself would surely have approved of "Cannonball Shuffle".
"Over My Head", "Me and my woman"....blues smokers!
"Bonnie" is a totally infectious groove. Throw in a coupla killer covers by Cream and Elvis C. and end it all up with "Hand in Hand with the Blues" Whew!...good stuff!

I have been an avid listener of Robben Ford's music for decades.
In fact, I would place him among my top 10 favorite guitarists.
Having seen him in concert recently,my expectations may have been a bit too high for this CD, however.
I like most of the blues material he has done since (and including) "Talk To Your Daughter," but this one doesn't seem to hit me immediately like the others.
His guitar playing is rarely less than jaw-dropping, but the overall vibe doesn't seem as cohesive on this outting.
Contrary to some, I do usually enjoy Robben's interpretations of other people's tunes.
In fact, I enjoyed his version of "For the Love of Money" much more than the other tunes on this album.
His cover of "Badge" on the other hand made me want to go back and listen to the original recording (same goes for "Peace, Love, and Understanding").
I'm sure I'll enjoy this album more with repeated listenings.
And, yes, I'll likely be among the first to buy his next CD.

Robben Ford is still the man.

This is one smokin' Robben Ford album! As usual, some high caliber guest artists appear including John Mayall, the harmonica-playing veteran of the blues.

Starting with Robben's own composition, "Keep On Running", this album ROCKS throughout. Being a longtime Cream fan, I was especially fond of Robben's soaring rendition of "Badge". Contrary to other reviewers, his vocals are not weak, instead it seems to me they are recorded at a slightly lower level than the other instruments... I don't know why this would be, but I've noticed that this is not uncommon on Robben's albums.

As usual, Robben Ford has delivered an oustanding blues/rock album that, while being different from his previous releases, maintains the phenomenal guitar playing, great selection of tunes - both original and covers, - and sound-quality to which Robben Ford fans have become accustomed.

I love this CD. I can't stop listening to it. The more I listen too it the more I love it. Great guitar licks through out!

Robben puts a different twist on some older standards and plays fresh, interesting guitar with a sweet tone. Tastefully done.