Robben Ford Discussion

[mayer]

I won't belabor this as much as I could, but after seeing about 40 shows over the past 10 years or so, this was absolutely amazing.

Even through opening night tweaking and first night with a new band, simply astounding.

This band, no disrespect to anyone intended, seems to raise the bar to a whole new level for Robben's music. I'd be curious to hear what the nocal crowd reports back on this after Yoshi's next week...

Almost everything was stretched out and simply jammed on more than over the past few years.

First set partial list included (going from memory only):

over my head
oasis (~15 min jam)
cannonball
lovin cup
help the poor (another altered intro)
indianola
way you treated me
homework
deaf dumb blind

second set:

chevrolet
homework
freedom
cannonball
indianola
keep on running (great doubling runs with keys)
nothin to nobody
way you treated me
lovin cup

All 3 of the new band members were total monsters - fat, funky, soulful with tasty solos all around. Totally different sound from the roscoe/jimmy earl, etc bands, which is to be expected, I suppose. Highlights for me were the Tigerwalk tunes, where all went round the horn on an extended basis.

Sorry for the disjointed recap here, but only have 5 mins while at work to kick this out.

Looking forward to the next 2 nights!
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- Mayer

[JohnnyZ]

Great post there, mayer. Would love to read about the other shows too. Thanks.

Interesting about Robben jamming-out. Perhaps that's left-over from his GA&F tour?
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Soul on Eleven

[Pablo]

Thanks Mayer,

Just home from first two sets at Yoshi's. You said it very well as I had the same experience that you described (See my post “Magical”) The band was awesome and Greg was especially expressive, which made the performance all that much better. You nailed it perfect with your description of the songs being "stretched out." During each set tonight, there was a point where Robben brought is down real soft and worked the volume pedal and he really amazed people about what is possible on the guitar. It was totally quiet and the room was completely transfixed. I think both Hey Brother and Oasis where both at least 15 minutes long.

Great show and I had the pleasure of meeting him again. Robben came out, talked, and signed autographs. I met him for the first time at the May 28th clinic. That's a whole other experience!

I'm going on to the Sunday matinee with my wife and two sons (ages six and three). I'm still debating whether or not to take them. It is specially priced for kids, but it might be a bit intense even with earplugs.

- Pablo