Customer Reviews

Truth

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

Robben has all kinds of different influences and unlike some other "fusion" players, he really does know how to play real jazz. The result is distinctive. Can you think of anyone else who sounds like Robben Ford? And when you see him, he never plays the same solo twice. He doesn't have to.

I'm not sure he will ever top his performances with the Blue Line or on Talk To Your Daughter but there is a lot to like on Truth. From funky Lateral Climb to the sweet Riley B. King and my favorite, River of Soul which sounds like Steely Dan with a good guitar player. He even sings well.

I own everything that Robben has released, and this set of songs just does not move me very much. It's well-performed, as always. But it's not ground breaking in any way. For me, Robben has "been there, done that" already ... and done it with more enthusiasm. I don't hate this release, but I don't love it either. I will be listening to most of his other stuff far more often than I listen to this.

This is just another amazing cd from Robben. The disc starts with Lateral Climb which has a great feel and sense of timing. The words are well crafted which is a nice way to start . Robben plays his version of Riley B King which was on Keb Mo's disc last year. They both do their own versions on their respective cd's, and despite what any critics have said, I really don't see how you can't hear the respect both artists give to B.B. if you really listen. Peace on my mind has a great groove and words. One man's ceiling features some solid vocals from Susan Tedeschi.This artist is well rounded as a player, arranger, and songwriter. These are well thought out intelligent songs that deserve to be part of any music fans collection.Robben just keeps putting out one great disc after another whether it was with the Blue Line, the Ford Brothers, or his solo work. Buy this and support real music.

Robben Ford `Truth' CD review; Concord Records
Mr. Ford is widely recognized by critics and his musical peers for his always fresh and extremely tasty guitar playing, his musical career reads like a who's who, recording and touring with a vast array of artists; Charlie Musselwhite, Joni Mitchell, Tom Scott, The Yellowjackets, Mavis Staples, Georgie Fame, Boz Scaggs, Ben Sidran, George Harrison, John Mayall, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, and many more!

For many years it has been said that the blues will never die, but it does change and needs to grow to remain fresh. Robben Ford's latest Concord Records release, "Truth" (August 7, 2007) is definitely twenty-first century modern blues; performed smart and powerfully on Robben's third recording for Concord. All but one track included are originals, with the only cover being the dynamite reading of the Otis Redding B-side "Nobody's Fault But Mine."

`Truth' starts off favorably with the opening track "Lateral Climb", as Robben discusses the working people's daily grind, and world political frustrations and failures. Other highlights include "You're Gonna Need a Friend", which is infectiously funky and was also co-written by his wife and singer Anne Kerry Ford. Robben also pays his respect to the King of the Blues- B.B. King; on `Riley B. King" which boils very sweetly for over six minutes, and never attempts to imitate or replicate B.B's guitar playing or singing, thus showing off Robben's heart-felt appreciation of B.B. The only guest on `Truth' is Susan Tedeschi where the two beautifully meld together in a duet setting.


Ford was rightfully named one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician magazine, and this new release continues to show Robben's outstanding guitar work which is up front and in your face throughout this new disk. Robben's guitar solos are always expressive and well thought out, plus the musical settings of all the musicians involved are top shelf. Robben's vocals and song-writing also continues to grow, which when you think about it, is a nice combination to offer old and new fans of this extremely talented musician.

`Truth' will be released on August 7, 2007, and Robben will also be touring in support of the release, plus he will be releasing a DVD/CD with another guitar master; that being the great Larry Carlton, and they will also be on a world-wide tour.

It's always great to have a new release from Robben Ford, and `Truth' is just another fine example of how Robben continues to evolve and expand the boundaries of the blues.

Bob Putignano [...]

This is a must have for every guitar player, or blues lover. Robben Ford playing guitar in this cd is, as ever, wonderful and soulful. He must be a very nice person to play this way. The songs are all great and the cd production is very good. I love every Robben cd, but this one is really fantastic. Make you a favor and enjoy it !

One of the best - if you're a fan you must have this album. It stands the test of time and every other test as well.

Caught Robben live a few weeks ago, what a great live show Robben & his band put on! So I looked for a record, not having any Robben yet, and chose this based on the samples and reviews (also because it is his most current release). Very happy listening to this, I know I'll be putting this in my cd player quite a bit! It's a great mix, some rockin, some soul, a guest vocal by Susan T. (A+, in my opinion).. not a bad track on the album. If you get a chance to see him live, jump on it, some fine fun jams will be in store for you.