Robben Ford Discussion

[Ron S]

Thanks for all the nice comments, people.
Johnny Z: I'll keep you posted on the CD, I'm still waiting for the final copies to be sent to me

Website is here, but it doesn't relect the true nature of what we were doing in the studio (I run my band mostly as a pub/function band to get regular gigs, and I play in a duo and a solo)
www.sayermusic.co.uk

Diatonicdude:I've seen your posts on the board many times, never once noticed you were in Norfolk! I do give lessons but have a bit of a waiting list at the mo.

Sorry you can't get the downloads, come along to a gig in the near future and I'll give you a copy FOC, (seeing as your an RF board member ) the website above has our dates on them. Do you play in a band, I've been playing in my own band for a while now but perhaps you may remember 'The Spider Murphy Band' if you're local to me i.e. nr Norwich.

I'm going to upload some more stuff soon, I'll post some links then.
Again, many thanks for the positive comments
Ron S

[diatonicdude]

Hi Ron,

I do not currently play in a band, but I haVe been asked by a few to play in local blues bands. I cannot commit right now due to parental and work commitments.

I would really still be interested in a lesson or two, so I guess I better try and get along to one of your gigs and have a word with you :-). Do you ever play in the west norfolk area?

Thank you also for your kind gesture. When I finally get to hear your bands music, I will spread the word to many of my muso friends far and wide!!!

Cheer's,

DD
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Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.

[Ron S]

Thought I'd resurrect my old post to say that the finished, printed, mastered version of my CD turned up not too long ago (at last!!)

I really appreciated the comments of everyone who took the time to download the tracks I put on Megaupload.com. I check this board everyday without fail and always enjoy reading the exchanges though I don't post a huge amount myself.

If any members on this board would like a free copy of the CD, just email me an address and I'll get one in the post (until I run out of money for postage that is )

Cheers Guys

Ron Sayer

[BlueRunner]

I'm running an old coal-powered computer and couldn't download the new clips, but enjoyed the samples on your web site. Also REALLY enjoyed the photo with the loud shirt and the bicycle shorts! Whew.
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- BlueRunner

[Ron S]

OK thanks for bringing that one up!

What was I thinking? The 80's was an abyss in which to throw away all good fashion sense. Sort of reminds me of the new Backstreet Boys video.

Do you want a CD or don't you?

Ron S

[BlueRunner]

RonS: Your CD arrived today, after having crossed the big ocean in just four days. The music? Wow! It's all good, but I especially like your treatment of "The Thrill Is Gone," and your vocal on "Little Wing" is a knockout. And your own stuff, "Don't Make Me Stay" and "Bad Thing," well, you definitely saved the best for last in the cut order. Many many thanks. Be looking in your mail box for a snail-mail note back from me.

Still curious: What sort of place is the California Tavern? Perhaps a joint where Englishmen wear flip-flops and luau shirts in the dead of the English winter? Hope someday to get back to the UK for another visit (we were there in '97), and when I do I'll definitely be checking your gig schedule.

Thanks again.
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- BlueRunner

[diatonicdude]

Well what can I say, except many thanks for the CD Ron

I don't know how many of you took Ron up with his kind gesture (free CD), but if you didn't you have really missed out.

Ron's playing is as good as it gets. I have heard many covers of famous blues standards and this is right up there with them.

I too love the "the thrill is gone", with the gorgeous phrasing and tones. You have made that one your own. In fact there isn't a bad track among the 18 on the CD. There is even "lovin' cup" and "Chevrolet" for us Ford fans. Vocals are great too, and I like the subtle vocal harmonies on the two original (last numbers). Other highlight's for me are Little Wing, Lovin Cup and Don't Make Me Stay.

The one thing I really liked about this recording (apart from the great musicianship) was the raw sound Ron (not over produced like some releases today) and his three piece band gets. Through my HiFi it sounds like I have these 3 guys playing live in my living room (a big sorry to my neighbours if you are reading this!).

If you love strat tones you will be in heaven! When I emailed Ron asking about his tone providers, here's what he said;

"As far as gear goes I was using stock and pretty unremarkable amps but using them in a weird way!

Basically I was piggybacking using a 15 watt Laney valve amp driving a Fender Blues Deville.

All overdrive tones were courtesy of a stock Ts9 Re-issue (with the exception of the Santana/Peter Green track where I used a Tri-O.D)."

You are joking!!! This goes to prove that you don't need £5K amps etc, to get fabulous tone. Another piece of evidence to prove tone is also in the hands of the beholder.

All this and the guy gigs just 45 mins down the road!! Count me and a few of my buddies in as future punters!!

Keep up the great music Ron,

All the best,

DD

P.S I remember seeing Ron at Wembley when he won the UK's "Guitarist of the Year Award". I didn't realise he lived just up the road at the time. I can't believe I haven't discovered his band earlier. It's a small world, thanks to the web!
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Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.

[jconstant]

I had trouble downloading the songs at first and almost gave up. Then I gave it one last try and I'm sure glad I did. I only heard Lovin' Cup but it really blew me away! Outstanding playing, fantastic feel, great vocals! Are your CD's availalbe through your site? I looked around but didn't find anything about it?

[JohnnyZ]

I can't add much more than has already been said about what a great cd this is. What impresses me the most are Ron's improvising to familiar tunes. The bass line in The Thrill Is Gone gives it a cover like no other. And, the guitar work in Black Magic Woman had me turning up the volume to "cranked"! You know how when you hear something that you really like, and you begin to imagine that it's you playing it? Well, I found myself "playing" Ron's version of Black Magic Woman...

A couple more comments. The sound mix was right on. Every instrument, including the vocals, were perfectly levelled. I also liked the artwork- very professionally done.

Mr. Sayer, you have a winner. Nicely done!

So, when are you coming over to the Boston area for a gig?!
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Soul on Eleven

[Ron S]

AAWWWWW SHUCKS

(p.s. Your cheques are in the post! )

Ron Sayer

[edpesco]

Ron, your CD arrived today. I saw the "setlist" and thought what a boring program, most of that stuff I played as a youngster 30 years ago, but I must say you inject new life into these songs. Already on my ipod. Most of all I love your Chevrolet, this one just blew something off in my car, very dangerous :-) (To top this compliment: I don't like Robben's version)
But... son, did nobody tell you that you can get arrested for playing Hoochie Coochie Man if you are born after 1955???
Ed

[JohnnyZ]

[edpesco]

dig his version or not - it's strictly illegal

[Ron S]

[iain]

I just thought that I would add to the chorus of plaudits for Ron. I downloaded the tracks a while ago and have really enjoyed listening to them. Fantastic playing by the whole band and great versions of some familiar material; it takes real talent to bring something new to Voodoo Chile (keeping it short was a master stroke). I’ll make sure I get along to a gig, Norwich seems to be a hotbed of Robben Ford fans in the UK.