Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:22 am Post subject: Robben Ford letdown in Portland, Oregon last night
After seeing this master roughly 5-6 times, I was really let down by this totally lacklucker performance. What the heck is up with all the playing with his back to the crowd and shying away from someone's camera phone. If you don't want your picture taken, let the audience know before the show! And what was up with the gear? First time I've seen him play with a LesPaul goldtop, no volume pedal, a Super Reverb and one footswitch. He never could dial it in. His sideman guitarist from Germany actually was getting more applause than Robben. And though I appreciate the family, the brother who plays the harp (Mark?) never showed. The drummer brother (Patrick) let his kid play a song which was fairly questionnable. Also, Robben never even took the lead on Feed the Poor??? He let his sideman do the solo??? Comeon!!! And then he put the guitar down and just sang the next song while the sidemen did the rest?? I hate saying this about my favorite guitarist EVER, but I will NEVER pay money to see Robben again.
Wow sorry to hear about that, I almost went to that show. It seems to me that maybe Robbin had a off night, we are all human. I had a chance to take one of his first clinics down in Ohai and it wasn't the best for a clinic but it made me realize that he as we all are just human and it made me a better player because of this, Sorry you'll never give him another chance.. _________________ Make it sing
Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Posts: 916 Location: Fairhope, AL
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject: Portland show
I'm sorry you had a negative experience after seeing him 5-6 times. Robben has made his feelings about flash photo's during his show widely known. A lot of venues won't even let you in if they spot a camera. It is my understanding that he made his feelings about the photos known at that show. This is from another forum member who was there. I was at an outdoor theatre in Italy this summer. If you were caught photoing or videoing the show (even without a flash), you were arrested and escorted out of the theatre. That makes Robben turning his back (EVH used to do the same thing) seem pretty mild. I don't know what you do for a living, but when you go back to work, try doing your job with flashes going off in your face. I'm not trying to make you angry. I'm trying to get you to think about it from Robben's perspective.
Peace,
Frank
I know. Man, believe me I didn't like writing my message, but I felt it was important enough to voice my opinion. I guess I should have payed more attention to the advertising, which I also considered to be misleading. The bill was for Robben Ford with the Ford blues band. Not the Ford blues band with special guest Robben Ford. Because that's what this show was.
I know. Man, believe me I didn't like writing my message, but I felt it was important enough to voice my opinion. I guess I should have payed more attention to the advertising, which I also considered to be misleading. The bill was for Robben Ford with the Ford blues band. Not the Ford blues band with special guest Robben Ford. Because that's what this show was. Again regarding the camera situation....I saw one, I repeat...ONE flash all night. All other "cameras" were merely people holding their phone up to grab a pic. The venue (The Aladdin) is probably at fault here for not letting its visitors know to please not take pictures. Actually, I felt if it bugged Robben so much, he should have merely VOICED his thoughts, rather than turn his back in what appeared to be a cowardly fashion to his paying fans.
Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 886 Location: SF Bay Area
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:45 pm Post subject:
At the Santa Cruz show I went to, Robben was trying to wave someone off. Looking at someone and then shaking his head "no". I wasn't sure what it was about, could have been any sort of stupid behavior, until Robeen turned around for a bit. Then I realized that someone must have been intent on a picture.
Daved has echoed Robben's thoughts many times and those of us who've been to clinics or met him in person realize that he's there to play music, and hopes that that is what the people are there for too. To enjoy the music, not collect souvineers.
As to the gear, I thought the sound Robben was getting was among the best live sounds I've heard. Thick and very present. That Super turns out to be his according to Daved's estimation, and that amp is on many of our cherished RF albums. And that "one footswitch" is the much vaunted Zendrive. Look up on e-bay and see what folks are willing to go for one of these. Makes me scared to take mine out somewhere.
It's been long understood that Pat is no Vinnie or Tom. But the gifts he's brought to this genre of music are numerous and when I saw them, he was playing as well or better than he did 10 years ago. His son Gabe is no slouch on drums either. Maybe you weren't treated to a Jing Chi extravaganza, but this is the Ford Blues Band. They played blues. It was a shame to miss Mark or Andy Just, but Robben and Volker carried the show just fine for me.
Robben did look a little worn out at first. Don't know what was going on the previous show that night, although I heard good reviews. He might have just flown in and the first set took it out of him. He might be worn out from something else. Happens to all of us. But as the set went on, he came to life. When the music goes through him, it lifts him. I've seen him more jovial and loose. And I've seen him when things weren't going well, but he always seems to shake it off and rise above it. This night was somewhere in the middle. Other than forgetting to tune up before the second set, there didn't seem to be anything annoying going on (other than that one photographer). It just took him a few songs to get his second wind. Even a tired and distracted Robben has more music in his little finger than I'll ever realize. And the spirit of the man to overcome yet another gig in a little bar, and play some of the intense blues that he shared with us, never ceases to amaze me.
I saw this show about a year ago when Mark first returned to the fold. There was more disparity going on. Volker was playing all the out fusion licks and Robben was trying to keep it basic blues. This last show, they both complemented each other really well. Going off on the high points, and keeping it real during the rest of the night. Robben has backed away from playing as much outside stuff, but it's still there. Just tastfull dropped into that blues context. _________________ There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 9:11 pm Post subject:
Yellowjacket: Welcome aboard. Hope you reconsider, and maybe after more like 25 different RF shows this one turns out to have been the only one not up to par. I've had the opportunity to hear Robben in a bunch of really different venues, with a bunch of different set-ups, and enjoyed every one. (A real treat was Anne Kerry Ford, with Roger Kelleway on piano and Robben on classical guitar. That's not a regular touring group.) Pat Ford is a wonderful classic blues guy, and now that Volker's been in the US for over 20 years it's hard to think of him as German. It's like he's a 4th Ford Brother or something. Anyway, possibly the Aladdin wasn't the greatest venue for this type of show. A place like Moe's in Santa Cruz (low-ceilinged and loud -- and oh yes, reasonably priced drinks with waitresses who remember what's in your glass) is perhaps better. By the way, does the Aladdin still have the "Backstage" movie house? When we lived there in the early 70's we saw some of the weirdest "art" and foreign movies there. I hesitate to even try to describe some of them. Anyway, hang in there. _________________ - BlueRunner
Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 886 Location: SF Bay Area
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:12 pm Post subject:
Java Diva chimed in on another thread that the picture taking was way out of hand at the Aladdin show. She is someone who enjoys the music for what it is and doesn't feel some entitlement to do what obviously annoys the artist she came to hear. By the time he has waved several people off, and resorted to turning away from the crowd, you'd think folks would get a clue.
Another comment about Pat Ford's drumming. Pat has an amazing sensitivity to the soloist. A great many blues drummers could learn a thing or two from Pat about dynamics and supporting a soloist. Pat doesn't fall apart when he gets quiet. And he lets the soloist have all kind of dynamic space to built the song up. The slow blues we saw Robben do at Moe's was a prime example. So many drummers start bashing away the second the soloist hits a loud note. Pat allows the soloist the space to tease, and work it upward, drop if back, push a bit further, and make the song sing. And when it's balls to the wall, he's there pushing the energy forward. The way the blues should be played. _________________ There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Southern California
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:36 am Post subject:
Aeolian wrote:
As to the gear, I thought the sound Robben was getting was among the best live sounds I've heard. Thick and very present. That Super turns out to be his according to Daved's estimation, and that amp is on many of our cherished RF albums. And that "one footswitch" is the much vaunted Zendrive.
Here's that Super:
Never heard of such a bad experience at a RF concert. But I can certainly see how Robben has had more than he can take of flash photography while he trying to play. Or even someone rushing the stage to take a photo while he's playing (flash or not) - it's got to drive him nuts. A guy did that at the show I went to last week.
Personally, I'll take a couple of snapshots (NO FLASH) from where I'm sitting, and during the breaks, primarily to share them with folks here who love to see their guitar hero. But just a few, then the camera is put away and I just listen 'cuz that's what I'm there for.
I hope you'll try again sometime, because every performance I've been to (more than I can remember) has been awe inspiring. _________________ "Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Southern California
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:40 am Post subject:
YELLOWJACKET wrote:
Actually, I felt if it bugged Robben so much, he should have merely VOICED his thoughts, rather than turn his back in what appeared to be a cowardly fashion to his paying fans.
I don't think 'cowardly' is the right word. Seems to me its just a not so subtle sign to back the hell off and don't distract him.
And I can't imagine Robben starting off every one of his shows with "Please don't take pictures while we're playing."
I think he just would like people to have common sense and a little respect for what's going on. _________________ "Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford
Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Portland, Oregon
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:58 am Post subject: Read your ticket stub
YELLOWJACKET
You might want to reconsider your point of view. My ticket stub says "The Ford Brothers featuring Robben Ford". IMO, that is exactly what we all got who got to see that particular show.
I personally enjoyed the show and seeing Robben in that scenario. Great blues band, great music. I thought Patrick's son Gab was an excellent drummer, and enjoyed his composition. Robben seemed to enjoy it too, indicating that he had recorded it on his upcoming album.
Regarding Robben turning his back to the audience, the prevailing theory was that he was turned off by the picture taking. I personally thought it was because he was having trouble hearing himself. Whenever he did that, he stepped behind his amp. I thought he was clearly listening for something he couldn't hear when he was standing in front of the amp.
A friend of mine went to see them in Salem the night before at Lefty's. They played for 3 hours! A veteran to blues himself, he tought it was one of the best shows he had ever seen.
On another note, I don't think the amp he was playing though was the blackfaced Super. I thought it was a silver face Super.
I saw the Portland show, and I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective on things. I too have seen Robben 6-7 times, and to me, his actual *playing* at the PDX show was the best I've ever experienced. He just had that fire, and I thought that he was taking chances, and reaching for new things during his solos, especially towards the end of the show. While it's true that things got a little weird with the flash photo stuff (RF several times made the slash across the neck sign when someone would snap a shot, but somehow people just weren't getting that), overall, I think it was a special night. I also very much enjoyed Volker's playing (and singing).. wow! BTW, it appeared that VS was using a TR Onyx, and I thought his tones were a little nicer than Robben's, whose sound seemed a little bright and thin.
Gear-wise, it looked like Robben had a blackfaced Super to me, and I walked up and got a pretty good look at it. Also, the goldtop LP appeared to be the real deal... gold paint on the back and neck, heavily weather-checked, etc.
Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Posts: 28 Location: Pitt Meadows, BC Canada
Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:53 am Post subject:
I drove down from Vancouver Canada last night to catch Robben and The Ford Brother Blues Band at Jazzbones in Tacoma. GREAT SHOW!! P-90 equipped Les Paul, Dumble tweaked Blackface Super Reverb, Zendrive OD pedal and Robben. Great tone, KILLER playing!! VS through his Two-Rock Onyx was a nice alternative tone, and I thought both VS and RF played VERY well and complimented each other VERY nicely. The bass player, Myron Dove, is one of best I've heard, and he spent the whole night standing between Robben and Volker laying down killer bass tracks, which allowed RF and VS to play off him, instead of stepping all over each other. I thought "the son" that sat in on drums for one song was fine, and I seem to remember RF saying that he had cut the track (they played last night) on his upcoming album that's scheduled for release in August of this year. The tune offered a nice "alternative" to what was being played for most of the night, and IMHO it allowed RF to play a little bit "out there" for that song.
I noticed quite a few cellphone pictures being snapped, but I didn't see any cameras or "flashes", and the only time RF turned his back on the crowd was when he adjusted his amp very briefly. He did stand behind his amp when he played one solo, but I understand that this is part of his "thing" because not only is he concerned about how is amp sounds "in front", but he also has a specific tone he likes to hear from behind as well.
The show was 1.5 hours long, a brief exit, and then a 10 minute encore. VERY well received with the appropriate standing O's at the end.
The guy I went with last saw RF when he was in Seattle (a few years ago I believe) and RF was using his Dumble rig for that show. My friend said he was pretty much stone deaf when he left that show, and said that he doubted if he would ever watch RF again if he was using his Dumble. The show last night was "loud" per say, but nothing excruciating, and certainly nothing to have to wear ear plugs for. A little ear ringing on the drive home, but other than that, no ill effects.
Sorry that the previous poster had a less than stellar experience at the show he attended, but the show I saw last night was worth every second of the 6 hour round trip.
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Yellowjacket: Welcome aboard. Hope you reconsider, and maybe after more like 25 different RF shows this one turns out to have been the only one not up to par. I've had the opportunity to hear Robben in a bunch of really different venues, with a bunch of different set-ups, and enjoyed every one. (A real treat was Anne Kerry Ford, with Roger Kelleway on piano and Robben on classical guitar. That's not a regular touring group.) Pat Ford is a wonderful classic blues guy, and now that Volker's been in the US for over 20 years it's hard to think of him as German. It's like he's a 4th Ford Brother or something. Anyway, possibly the Aladdin wasn't the greatest venue for this type of show. A place like Moe's in Santa Cruz (low-ceilinged and loud -- and oh yes, reasonably priced drinks with waitresses who remember what's in your glass) is perhaps better. By the way, does the Aladdin still have the "Backstage" movie house? When we lived there in the early 70's we saw some of the weirdest "art" and foreign movies there. I hesitate to even try to describe some of them. Anyway, hang in there.
