Customer Reviews

Soul on Ten

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a big fan of Robben Ford, but didn't find anything on this CD that made me say "wow." Actually, considering all his other albums, the thought crept into my mind that this one is a bit boring. Nothing you haven't already heard in his playing before - no new ground. Just good, typical Robben Ford playing.

I'm a big fan, so I'd get it anyway. But if you're not, there's probably other CD's that are a better representation of his work.

I've seen Robben live any number of times, and this disk is a great example of the high points he can achieve. The addition of Neil Evans on B3 adds a dimension I haven't heard since the last time I saw him at the Bottom Line in NYC. On certain numbers, the band absolutely cooks - Nothing To Nobody, Spoonful, Please Set a Date, and How Deep In the Blues Do You Want to Go. The album title is apt, as Robben "leaves it all on the stage". Yeah, he's a white guy but this is the BLUES with innovation like only Robben can deliver.

Robben Ford is a true gem. Absolute soul, fire ,originality, monster writing and improvising skills, all while standing very firmly in the mud and dirt and the roots of it all. The greatest guitar tone on the Planet ? The greatest rhythm guitarist you've ever heard ? One of the most intense and imaginative soloist to ever play ? A great singer/songwriter with insightful and soulful lyrics ? YES, YES, YES, YES This is perfect c.d. for long time fans or brand new listeners. Buy IT NOW !!!

OK, in reviewing a live record I always expect shoddy sound quality and inferior production. Not so here. This is a superb recording of a great band and Robben Ford at his best. Great songs, great engineering and fabulous playing. The only disappoinment with this record is it had to end....

I have been a very big fan of Robben Ford for many years and have had the pleasure of seeing him perform live many times. He never ceases to amaze me with his tastefullness and playing ability. He has been a great inspiration to me and I would highly recommend to anyone.

I've been looking forward to this "live" release for weeks now. Robben is outstanding on every track and the sound quality is superb for a live recording. A previous reviewer said Robben's playing was a "little uninspired" but I found just the opposite to be true. This is a guitar master playing for people who want to hear great music played on guitar. The B3 compliments nicely but I'm interested in Robben's playing first and foremost. If you play guitar or just love to hear perfect tone and execution, this is a great CD to add to your collection. If you've never seen him perform you will certainly want to after listening to this.

i love everything by mr.ford and one day hope to see him live.fantastic guitar skills.

Superb album - hard to believe it's live. Robben is in fine form on all fronts and his rhythm playing is especially good. Travis Carlton's bass playing is spectacular - he's now one of my favorite bassist and the drummer is top notch. Buying the CD new gets you three additional tunes to download from Robben's web site - I'm glad I got those as well. If you're a fan, this is a breath of fresh air. After a month or so the album is still close to the top of my playlist.

Having seen Robben Ford many times, in the past six years, I can honestly rate this 5 STARS ! The band is cookin', groovin' , and playing with enthusiasm . Plus, the addition of a 'B-3' ( Neal Evans & Larry Goldings ) gives 'Soul on Ten' a funky, gritty edge . The rhythmn section of Travis Carlton , and Toss Panos are so 'locked-in,' their 'road-worthiness' is obvious !!!

It's hard to believe, but guitarist Robben Ford is marking his 40th year as a working musician, having moved to San Francisco to form his first band in 1969. Stints with Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Tom Scott's L.A. Express eventually led to the founding of the Yellowjackets and a solo career. Ford's early work in the blues gave way to jazz sets with Miles Davis and the forging of a progressive sound that melds blues, jazz and rock. This latest release features eight tracks taped live at San Francisco's Independent, and two more recorded live in the studio.

Ford and his backing trio of bass, drums and B-3 organ work through severa; catalog favorites, including the roaring guitar instrumental "Indianola" on which Toss Panos' drums drive as Ford brilliantly intertwines rock and blues leads with jazz chordings. Ford's guitar shows plenty of muscle on Willie Dixon's "Spoonful," and the straight blues medley of Elmore James' "Please Set a Date" and Jimmy Reed's "You Don't Have to Go" give both Ford and organist Neal Evans a chance to show off their licks.

Ford revisits "Nothing to Nobody" here for a third time; originally released on 1999's Supernatural, and played live on 2004's Center Stage, this eleven-minute take makes room for some funky solos by Ford, Evans and bassist Travis Carlton. Ford recalls the rock-soul sounds of San Francisco's ballrooms with wah-wah pedal workouts on "Supernatural" and "There'll Never Be Another You." The two studio tracks that close the CD sound out of place, and could have better been replaced by more tracks from the gig. As it is, the titles only reach back to 1999, though the blues covers give a feel for Ford's earlier roots. 3-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2009 hyperbolium dot com]