Truth

Robben Ford | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 7, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B000RPSVQ8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,053 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Not to be confused with Jeff Beck's identically titled 1968 album of crackling blues-rock fusion, this disc incorporates Robben Ford's unique blend of blues and jazz, but not rock. His first studio outing in four years shoehorns his traditionally biting, incisive-yet-clean guitar licks into songs that can't easily be pigeonholed. The opening easygoing Chicago shuffle of "Lateral Climb" is about as bluesy as it gets. The tune kick-starts the proceedings with a blazing solo that will have guitar fans salivating that this is finally the release where Ford opens up on his instrument. But the set shifts into a distinctive blend of R&B, jazz, smooth blues, and pop that displays the multitalented musician's strengths as a supple, subtle, and inviting vocalist as well as an intermittently skillful songwriter. A taut cover of Otis Redding's "Nobody's Fault but Mine" finds Ford mining a Memphis groove, as does the gospel-tinted "You're Gonna Need a Friend," cowritten with his wife. "Too Much" features an ominous plodding beat that never quite connects until the slashing solo, and the less said about the clichéd B.B. King tribute "Riley B. King" (cowritten with Keb' Mo') the better. But a rousing version of Paul Simon's "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor" with Susan Tedeschi hits the soulful sweet spot Ford occasionally misses with the sporadically bland, yet agreeably jazzy fare that dominates this eclectic project's final third. --Hal Horowitz

Product Description

On his latest release, guitar legend Robben Ford speaks the truth...not just with the sound of his guitar, but with the vision behind his music as he ventures deep into the blues with aggressive licks, direct and honest vocals and an uncharacteristic, yet appealing, rough edge. The CD also features Susan Tedeschi on the song One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor. Robben will be on tour throughout the Month of August 2007.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling., April 26, 2008

By 

Micki Zackary (Bombay, India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truth (Audio CD)

Blues guitarist, Robben Ford (Yellowjackets), has a new album on Concord Records titled "Truth".

The blues will never die is an axiom proven over and over again, but it does change shape.

Robben Ford's latest release presents blues as they are today: in a powerful setting only a master veteran like Ford could envision.

"The blues have always been socio-political", says Ford.

In the opening song "Lateral Climb", he addresses the 9 to 5 grind, credit card debt, and the political frustrations we all experience.

"Peace on My Mind" was inspired by Willie Dixon's "It Don't Make Sense, You Can't Make Peace", which Ford describes as an anti-war song without being too preachy.

"If you're pointing the finger, no one wants to hear it. It's a portrait rather than a sermon. The truths I describe are self evident"

In this set, Ford also incorporates playful tunes, like "You're Gonna Need a Friend", co-written by his wife and singer Anne Kerry Ford.

In it, Ford subverts blues clichés, such as the evil lady who bedevils her victim.

Other tracks on the album include a funky cover of Paul Simon's "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor", which features guest vocals by Susan Tedeschi, as well as loyal version of Otis Redding's early B-Side, "Nobody's Fault But Mine".

This is an album from a jazz electric guitarist that has a splash of soul, a pinch of R & B and a dash of jazz.

All of these genres mixed together form a musical brew that will enthrall listeners, and Ford's emotive lyrics will put the poignant feeling over the top.

My favoutite tracks are : "Riley B. King", which has bluesier guitar work with a slow pace, "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man Floor" (on which Susan Tedeschi, with her soulful voice literally saves a cover of Paul Simon's song ) and "River Of Soul".

I'm loving it.

You will like it for sure!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hey, it ain't Zeppelin, but..., November 2, 2007

By 

Ear Candy Junkie (out there) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truth (Audio CD)

I gave this record 4 stars, because it isn't quite the tour-de-force that you find on "Tiger Walk"(instrumental with the "Expensive Winos") or "Blue Moon" (return to roots-my current favorite).

The fact is that Robben has a diverse set of influences, (as do I). Miles didn't hire the man for no reason.

"Truth" is exactly what I expected. The soulful playing, top-notch recording, and back-up musicians don't wane, and he has consistently been able to look forward, driving progressive blues, and still tip his hat to those that inspire him, with choice covers ("Badge" and "Money" from "Keep on Running", Otis Redding and Paul Simon here). His homage to BB King here is absolutely heart-felt.

I firmly believe that Robben Ford is as good a "traditional" guitarist as there is in the marketplace today, and he makes the effort on his solo projects to keep himself reliable, fresh, and entertaining for his followers, while working to expand and revive the blues, and, further, open the ears of all that choose to harken. He incessantly eschews chops for a melody and a theme, but his note choice at any moment will make your head turn.

If you care to hear him get down deeper, check out Jing Chi, with Vinnie Colaiuta (Zappa, Sting, Holdsworth) and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets). Three feet required.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, August 10, 2007

By 

Tony Carlson (Dalton, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truth (Audio CD)

I have never written a review before - until now. Handful of Blues first introduced me to Robben Ford, and I never thought anything would ever surpass it. Truth just did. It is honest, smooth, and fluid. A most mature and at ease performance. Thanks Robben.