Robben Ford Discussion

TJ Moore · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 9:47 am Post subject: Robben in Chicago (Elgin)

Any reviews from the Chicago show. I guess I'm not really going to leave a review, but I'll comment on the show. It was basically the show that has been described before. I didn't think much of the "bluesbreakers" except for Buddy Whittington. He was astonishing. The drummer pushed too hard and the bass player needed to be checked for a pulse. I thought that drummer affected Robben's show. It seemed slight "uncomfortable", maybe? (Anyone what to comment on that?) If felt rushed, or somehow off. They did occassionally hit the right mark, but it was always half or 3/4 of the way through the song.

It was the first time I've seen Robben play a les Paul live. It was great. He was playing a super-reverb, as described. It was a slightly different tone than usual, but it was all Robben.

I was really impressed with Eric Bibb. His set was great. I'm certainly going to be buying some of his music.

I was really impressed with John Mayall himself. He came out and talked to everyone and signed everything that anyone would bring. Robben came out and signed a couple of CDs. He was really nice. Everyone uses the work "gracious". That is very appropriate. He was very kind. I'm not sure he really enjoys things like that, but he had a kind word for everyone.

I guess this isn't much of a review. Just some comments. I'd love to hear if anyone thought anything different. Thanks.

T. J.
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T. J. Moore

JohnnyZ · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 1:18 pm Post subject:

TJ, thank for the post. Every perspective is welcomed. Sounds like you enjoyed the show overall, and that's all that matters. Keep posting!
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Soul on Eleven

Buddy · New Member Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 4

...after all, it WAS the first show back after a 3 week break, no rehearsals, late flights, missed airport pickups, CHECKED BAGGAGE guitar cases (yikes!) Hard to be interesting/ 'ON' every night! THANKS fer the flowers, tho! We continue to 'evolve'...

JackD · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject:

Hey Buddy, is it you (Buddy Whittington)? If so, thanks for chicking in! I am going to be at the show in Detroit (Macomb Center for the Performing Arts) next Saturday. I have heard some great things about your playing and I am really looking forward to seeing Robben with John, you and the whole gang. I should be a lot of fun! I hope I get the chance to see you and Robben after the show as well.

Buddy · New Member Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 4

Well Jack, I'm actually John's driver, and they let me play every now and then ;^) Maybe by the time we hit Detroit I'll have knocked all the rust off, but I wouldn't bet on it....We're working up a couple more of Robben's tunes to do in the show, cool stuff! With 3 headliners, you have to pick and choose a bit to get all of 'em showcased ( in only 2 hours) so y'all bear w/ us. OK, Back to lurkin'...what I do when I ain't workin'...

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

I was also at the show in Elgin. I posted my comments on Robben's tone over in the "Daved" section:

http://www.online-discussion.com/RobbenFord/viewtopic.php?t=1564

Basically my only complaint with Robben's tone is that not having the amp miked (at least as far as we could tell) meant that the volume level wasn't always perfectly matched to the rest of the mix.

As for the show itself, I thought it was really good. Eric Bibb was sensational--what a talent. I'll certainly be checking out his music inthe future.

Robben was up next, and his set was very enjoyable--his singing seemed particularly strong on Friday. A mostly upbeat, driving set, heavy on the Blue Moon and Keep on Running tunes. My favorites were probably "Don't Deny Your Love" and "It Don't Make Sense".

Buddy provided some really, really tasty comping behind Robben, and fired off a great solo on Cannonball Shuffle. Which was just a taste of what was to come. Buddy then kicked off the second half of the show singing one tune--Buddy, John should let you sing more than one!

John's set was a lot of fun. I'm not a huge fan of harmonica, but was really impressed with Mayall's harp work. Good tunes all around, and you have to love seeing someone that age displaying so much energy and talent.

As for Buddy's guitar playing--WOW. First time I've heard you play, and I was blown away. Simply tremendous. I think anyone on this board would absolutely love your playing.

All in all, a very fun show.

Buddy · New Member Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 4

Thanks Tom--Robben's Super Reverb is mic'ed from the back!

garyguitar1117 · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:34 am Post subject:

I would like to see (and hear) Robben and Buddy with a comparably hot rhythm section on some extended jams. As much as I enjoyed this "Mayall" concert, this would flop my mop even more. Of course, I like Cheetos and tofu and women with hairy armpits.

BlueRunner · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 10:35 am Post subject:

TJ and FatTeleTom: Thanks for the reviews! Sounds as if the RBR is still going strong.

Buddy: What late flights and missed airport pickups??? From the song "Road Dogs," I assumed that you're all driving ... packed into a 1967 Plymouth Fury station wagon ... with all the guitars and amps tied to the roof ...

For those on the Board who haven't caught the RBR show yet, don't miss it. Robben and Buddy pair off wonderfully on guitars. With John Mayall's British blues history, Eric Bibb's great traditional American heritage, and Robben's jazz sensibility (which plays really well against Buddy's amazing riffs), each brings a wonderful perspective to a show that runs the gamut from old-time acoustic blues to contemporary R&B. These guys really love this music. And in today's world of overpriced tickets, cheesy special effects and soul-less stadiums, this is a show that plays really well in the small venues on the schedule, with ticket prices that are so reasonable that you'll want to take your whole family ... and everyone from the office ... and all your neighbors...
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- BlueRunner

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

Buddy · New Member Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 4

Maybe I'll get it going. Really would like to do a fully realized project, recorded right w/ good tunes and the right guys. But as you know, it takes a lot of time and finances to get it right, and we're on the road quite a bit. Plus, I'm a dad and need to attend to that little responsibility as often as possible, for fear of the keys not fitting the lock when I finally do make it home. In the meantime I'm content to try to cop a couple of Robben's licks;^) Good work if ya can get it!
If you haven't seen the 70th Birthday Concert DVD w/ John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor and ...US (how'd THAT happen?) that's a pretty good representation of what we do (except for having all the rockstars ;^) We got rid of the Plymouth a while back, had a cracked block and needed a valve job;^) So on this trip there's a bus and two rent cars. Good thing there's room for the inconsequential little things (like AMPS) in the bus, John's microwave and swag takes up a lotta room in the trunk! Hey wait a minute--ain't this supposed to be a ROBBEN discussion? Sorry, back to lurk-mode.....

JohnnyZ · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:46 am Post subject:

Buddy, how about some commentary on your DrZ set-up. I own a MAZ Jr 2x12, and absolutely love it.

BTW, great show at the Wachusett Mtn. Blues Fest in September.

Also, tell your drummer (sorry, forget his name) that there's at least one fan from Haverhill, MA too!
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Soul on Eleven

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191