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Robben Ford - Discovering the Blues Audio CD

A fair review of the Robben Ford "Discovering the Blues" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Robben Ford reviews here, or go back to the Robben Ford tabs.

Robben Ford Band: Robben Ford
Title: Discovering the Blues
Rating:
Release Date: 1997-04-15
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Sweet Sixteen 2: You Drive a Hard Bargain 3: It's My Own Fault 4: You Don't Know What Love Is 5: My Time After Awhile 6: Raining in My Heart 7: Blue and Lonesome

A Young Robben Plays It Slow And Simmering
Recordings were culled from performances at the Ash Grove in Hollywood, and the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach (both in California) back in 1972. This collection of old live cuts by Robben Ford is the first of two releases on Avenue Jazz's new Vault Classics label (the second is 1999's Sunrise). At the very green age of 20 or 21, Robben displays unbelievable ability on both guitar and sax. Though he would certainly improve over the years, his mastery of the guitar in particular should be painfully evident to even the most jaded listener. Tone; control; phrasing; technique; it's all there, albeit in its embryonic form.

Though there is one cut that sheds light on Robben's jazz side (You Don't Know What Love Is), the selections on this release focus almost exclusively on Robben playing the blues (thus the title!). Curiously most of the tracks chosen are slow blues. This is certainly not a horrible thing, but it does in my opinion make the pacing lag quite a bit (this is a 60 minute CD and 42 minutes are devoted to slow blues). Also, because this isn't a one off performance, but rather pieces of several performances, Robben starts two of these off with the very same lick (hey, the guy IS human)! All that aside, this is a great opportunity to hear vintage Ford playing live. I absolutely applaud Avenue Jazz for unearthing these gems and hope there're many more to come.

For those of you looking for details, the lineup Robben used was: Paul Nagle on keyboards, Stan Poplin on bass, and Jim Baum on drums. Times on the tracks are: Sweet Sixteen (12:33); You Drive A Hard Bargain (5:42); It's My Own Fault (10:28); You Don't Know What Love Is (8:49); My Time After Awhile (3:34); Raining In My Heart (10:33); and Blue & Lonesome (8:25). For some inexplicable reason, they included this last track on Sunrise as well.

Although the track selection can make this album seem slightly one dimensional at times, it is a great opportunity to hear the raw sounds of a blossoming guitar giant in his formative years. I'd say if you're largely a fan of Robben's blues style, then you'll enjoy this. If you lean more towards his jazz side, then Sunrise will sound more adventurous and varied to you due to a stronger blend of Ford's jazzy/blues mix. Of course if you're REAL smart you'll just buy both. Believe me, you won't be disappointed!.


A Quintessential Blues Album
If you like tasteful blues, this is your ticket as a listener and player. First of all, disregard pfinegan's review. I'm a huge Eric Clapton fan, and right about the time I felt I was good enough on the guitar to start tackling some of E. C. s blues tunes, my teacher told me about Robben Ford. I picked up this album and immediately shoved Clapton aside and began learning these tunes. I will admit, some of the songs get a little redundant; they're very long, he uses a lot of the same licks and changes, and just about every song is in the key of C. But these songs are perfect templates for learning the blues. He uses a lot of licks that can be somewhat easily figured out and incorporated into anyone's playing. His playing is just so smooth and tasteful and passionate, some of the songs almost bring me to tears, especially It's My Own Fault. Whether you're a player or just love to listen to the blues, a blues enthusiasts' collection surely wouldn't be complete without this album. This is definitly one of my desert island CDs.


If you had heard it back then
This guy is the most tasteful and enjoyable guitarist to listen to today. You would have seen it coming. This is basic stuff compared to his current work. However, it is still a blast to listen to. I am buying everything by Ford.


A blue guitar lecture
Having said that, in my opinion, it is indisputable that this is a fantastic CD. First of all I have to admit that I've always been a Robben Ford fan.
If you are a blues fan and you like "blue guitar" played the way it should be: intense, passionate and with great feeling; if you think that slow blues are the real deal, do not hesitate and buy this CD! It is going to be your bliss for the foreseeable future.


A blue guitar lecture
Having said that, in my opinion, it is indisputable that this is a fantastic CD. First of all I have to admit that I've always been a Robben Ford fan.
If you are a blues fan and you like "blue guitar" played the way it should be: intense, passionate and with great feeling; if you think that slow blues are the real deal, do not hesitate and buy this CD! It is going to be your bliss for the foreseeable future.


You can see a complete list of all Robben Ford discography, or go back to the Robben Ford tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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