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Robben Ford - Sunrise Audio CD

A fair review of the Robben Ford "Sunrise" 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: Sunrise
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-03-02
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Oh Gee 2: Little Red Rooster 3: Eighty-One 4: Ain't Nobody's Business - Robben Ford, Jimmy Whitherspoon 5: Sunrise 6: Blue and Lonesome 7: Miss Miss 8: Everday I Have the Blues - Robben Ford, Jimmy Whitherspoon

When Mistakes Go Right!
Usually a hassel of returns, yes? Not this one! Talk about a mistake bringing fortune. So you order one CD and then receive another. This is a great blues CD for all the reasons a blues CD should be great - titles, interpretation, musicanship, and sequence.

May mistakes for you be few and far between but if they should find you - may they find you with this CD.


A Surprise Discovery
Recorded in 1972 this work showcases a brilliant performance by a man who must have been all of 21 at the time. I have a lot of respect for Robben Ford but this CD dazzled me. Many songs in this collection are filled with jazz chords against which Ford plays a distorted guitar. There is a lot of solid Fender Rhodes work here as well and the combination gives the CD a '70s feel.

When I discovered this CD I expected the Blues that Mr. Ford does so well but instead I found out why Miles Davis hired him. He does some great work in this jazz setting. If you like Robben Ford, like jazz or even better like them both then BUY THIS CD! You'll love it.


Searing Hot Early Ford
Tracks for this CD were selected from the same 1972 performances as Discovering the Blues, as well as some from the Marquee Club in London. This is the companion piece to Avenue Jazz's 1997 release, Discovering The Blues. This collection leans quite a bit more towards Robben's jazzier side, but as always, the blues still runs deep. For my taste, the music here is more interesting and varied then on the previous release. There are slow simmering moments but there are boisterous ones as well. When playing in a more jazz-based framework, the band sounds freer and more adventurous. Ford shows great maturity in his playing that belies his young age. His beautiful tone and flawless technique are always present, but never at the expense of the song. He allows the band alot of breathing room (in particular keyboardist Paul Nagle, who adds a tremendous amount to the performances) and shines when it's his moment in the spotlight. At maybe just 21 years of age he proves to be smooth, soulful, intelligent, and electrifying in every note he plays. To showcase his Saxophone chops, Ford and the band pull off a supercharged version of Miles' Eighty One. Certainly no John Coltrane, Robben nonetheless shows he's amazingly talented, and the Coltrane influence is strongly evident.

The lineup for these gigs was: Paul Nagle on keyboards, Stan Poplin on bass, and Jim Baum on drums. Jimmy Witherspoon also contributed some guest vocals on cuts four and eight. Times on the tracks are: Oh Gee (6:31); Red Rooster (4:25); Eighty One (8:08); Ain't Nobody's Business (3:50); Sunrise (11:28); Blue & Lonesome (8:23) (also appearing on Discovering The Blues); Miss Miss (8:58); and Everyday I Have The Blues (5:26).

This is an incredible opportunity to catch a young Robben Ford stretching out and blazing away live, and I strongly recommend it. It's something every Ford fan should own. Of course, as I said above, this release has more of a jazz vibe to it, so if you're interest is primarily blues you may rate this a bit lower than I would, and I'd suggest checking out Discovering The Blues first. However, I think the energy and adventurous spirit of this music, along with the guitar mastery of Robben Ford, makes this CD a sure thing. Take a chance.


SMOKING
The opening instrumental and "Red Rooster" make me want to stop playing the guitar because i know there is no way in hell I'll ever sound like him The whole thing is a gathering of live performances from the 1970's and the music is fast, furious, original, and inspiring. Dam this guy is one talented guitar player! This whole CD burns straight through with a jazz-blues blend that flows smoother then a Michael Jordan jumpshot. An overall awesome live album.


Great Even Young
A. This album was recorded when Robben Ford was in his early twenties in a club in L. He knew what he was doing even at that young age. His guitar work is a mixture of jazz and blues that will leave you mouth gaping and drooling.

Ford starts off the album with "Oh Gee" a great piece that sets the mood for the entire album. Ford doesn't dominate the entire song, and steps back to let his piano and bass men take solos of their own. Next, he covers "Red Rooster" with a heavy blues feel. There is more to Ford than just great guitar licks. He started out playing the sax three years before he picked up the guitar. He shows us his chops on the horn on Miles Davis' "Eighty One". "Miss Miss" is another of the instrumentals on the album. A great tune. Jimmy Witherspoon jumps in to provide his bluesy voice for "Ain't Nobody's Business" and "Everyday I Have the Blues" trading vocals with Ford and getting great support from the band. .

Rhino records should be congratulated for releasing this great sample of the young Ford. If you're a fan of Ford, guitar, or the blues don't hesitate to check this one out. You won't be disappointed.


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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