Robben Ford Discussion

[PaulG]

Since this was the first of a string of several RF shows, I thought it the right thing to do to provide a preview for those lucky souls that will be attending tonight and the remainder of the week. Sorry BlueLobster!.

The highlights of the night (music not withstanding) was the presence of a couple old friends I did not expect to see.
First, as I was entering the club, I was delighted to see our forum friend Daved. I hadn't met him before, but knew him from the various pics and avatars from this forum. Nice to see you Daved! I introduced myself quickly then let him get on with his prep work. Very nice and humble guy. He spent the rest of the show up on the stage keeping the electronics in tune.
Which brings me to the second surprise..... the Tele is back!! I've seen about 5 Robben shows in the last 2 years, all without the Tele. It was beautiful to hear it sing. In my opinion, this is Robben's signature sound. So, on with the gear report. The Dumble drove the Tele and the gold LP. I didn't see the Zendrive. Mike Landau played a late 60s Strat. Didn't catch his amp setup.
As for the music, Robben was loose and happy to be there. The sound got tuned in a few songs in and these guys were tight. Mike Landau was a great addition and often played the Strat in a sudo-'Leslie' type sound. Mike played one of his songs and took many leads on some of Robben's, inlcuding the only lead in Lovin Cup. ML is extremely versatile and accurate, but I wouldn't want to be his guitar tech. I've never seen a guitarist mess with his axe like him. He must wear out his pickup selector switch annually. Between his whammy bar and switching pickups, he keeps your attention.
Gary Novak was killer on drums, but really loud. Perhaps I was too close, but again, this guy is hard on the hardware! He also played an excellent solo and even brought out the brushes a time or two.
Andrew Ford (no relation) was also very tight. Not as dynamic as some of Robben's bass players can be, but he did get to rip off a nasty solo late in the gig.
Robben was phenominal, as expected. I won't bore you with all the explatives we've all come to associate with his playing. He was on, happy, and did not disappoint. A couple songs into the set, I began thinking that I'll never remember the setlist, but here's what I have:
Keep on Running
Cannonball Shuffle
Don't Deny Your Love
Freedom
Good Thing
Help the Poor
Top of the Hill
It Don't Make Sense
Lovin Cup
e) Supernatural

I missed a few.
Robben came out for a few minutes after the show to greet some of us geeks that were checking out his gear.
It was a great show. Those of you seeing him tomorrow night are in for a treat. I can't imagine these two guitarists along with Bonamassa on the same stage! Guess I'll wait for that report.

[rainmkr63]

Great review!! Thanks!

This is what I wanted to read this morning, I will be at Friday’s show. Landau can be fidgety I think Steve Morse has to be the king of fidget. I have a DVD of Landau at GIT and man does he move that 5 way switch. Since Mike will not be there I wonder if there will be a 4th player Friday night. Horn or keys or another guitar player. I will be happy with a trio or whatever the band configuration is.

Thanks again, I hope some other people will chime in with there impression of the shows.

Rob

[Daved]

Nice meeting you last night. Paul. When you told me you were part of the community here, I wondered if this was the same Paul. Obviously it is.

A lot of energy exploding onsatge last night. Good moods all around amongst the musicians.

You may have noticed when Mike had his pedal problem at the start of the show, all I did was hold a flashlight for him and let him suss it out. My experience is that until you've spent enough time with his gear (which I have not yet) it's best to let him deal with those very complex complexities and do his own trouble shooting. He actually seems most comfortable dealing with it himself.

As for Friday, Greg Matheison will be sitting in and playing keys that night. The next night in Mammoth Lakes will be as a trio.
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( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)

[rainmkr63]

Sounds great, thanks for the info! I guess I will be listening to ‘Jazz ministry’ on the way to CA. I am not sure what RF disks to bring, I have them all.

Later
Rob

[roadwarriorfortheblues]

Thanks Paul ! Sounds like it was a great show.
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Travelling by train of thought

[marinblues]

Nice review, Paul. thanks.

(good to hear that the Tele is back! )


Marin

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