Robben Ford Discussion

Michael · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject: Best Blues Vocal - Male or Female

Ok ... maybe Robben does not have the absolute best voice for blues ... who does? I think it would be interesting to gather opinions of the best blues voice.

I like Robben's vocals ... I really like his guitar playing ... so who sings the best?

Ron S · Senior Member Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 116 Location: UK

IMHO

BB King, Muddy, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray and Tab Benoit all have voices that rival or are better than their guitar playing.

Robben I feel falls in the other camp as his voice is just not at the same level as his playing. I don't think his voice is bad, I just think he has a hard time living up to the extraordinary bar set by his musicianship.

Ron

BlueRunner · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:25 pm Post subject:

"Best Blues Voice" is a tough one! Everyone's different. Howlin' Wolf? Koko Taylor? Muddy Waters?

Without ranking anyone, or picking a "best," I'll confess that the current voice that blows me away more than anyone else's is Eric Bibb.

By the way, that Ron Sayer guy over in England has a pretty nice voice, too.
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frank0936 · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:15 am Post subject: best voice?

B.B. King says the best blues singer alive is Bobby "Blue" Bland. Jimmy Witherspoon was a favorite of mine.
Frank

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

So many blues and Jazz greats have that 'gravelly' tone that seems to be the ideal bedrock (paron the pun) for sincere and lowdown evocation of lost loves, wounded hearts and stuff.

Robben's voice impressed me almost as much as his playing because it is nothing like any of the 'competition' so to speak. It's unique, clear, in tune and well-phrased. It just seems to fit his whole musical persona. The first track I hear was Top of the Hill and I was rooted by the vocal and guitar - just stopped me in my tracks.

Whilst it might appear to lack 'presence' by comparison with some more midrange and from-the-diaphragm singers, it stamps enough authority for me and encourages us more 'nasal' singers to keep trying!

PaulG · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:03 am Post subject:

When it comes to great blues singers, it seems I can think of 10 females to every male. Not sure why that is. Seems the guys get by on their instrumental dexterity and sing just enough to make the song. Women seem to feel it more.
But, it's the blues! You don't need a great voice to make some great blues.

To add to those already mentioned, here's a couple that instantly came to mind:
Female: Julie London, Susan T. (still can't spell it), Bonnie Raitt and since she's coming to town next month, Maria Muldair.
Males: Nick Gravenites, Ray Norcia, Sam Cooke, Boz Scaggs (when he sings the blues)

rainmkr63 · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:27 am Post subject:

Jim Neighbors?

JohnnyZ · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:58 am Post subject:

Gregg Allman.

I'll also second the Eric Bibb nomination.

Gotta throw in Jimmy Witherspoon and Floyd Miles.

But, Gregg's the man, hands down...
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Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

It's good that we can have all this debate but let's be clear, Robben is a great singer!

Jon07 · Member Joined: 31 May 2007 Posts: 37

I 've always felt that Freddie King was one of the best blues vocalists - I really like BB and Albert's voices but I think Freddie was better.

fingerlakes · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:38 am Post subject:

I really like Rod Stewart's voice on the Jeff Beck early records.....Johnny and Edgar Winter too.......Etta James does it for me for the gals....btw I think Robben has a very good voice and very well suited for the songs he writes.

Michael · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 6:38 am Post subject:

Garth played with John Lee Sanders and MZ Dee. I would always enjoy hearing them live.

BlueRunner · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:24 am Post subject:

How could I have forgotten Bobby Bland? Thanks for the reminder. Heard him at the Long Beach Blues Festival a few years back ... and I'm still trying to find my socks.
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roadwarriorfortheblues · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:52 am Post subject:

My favorite Blues voice is Chris Cain's. He's one of my favorite players as well.
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nineacres · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:51 am Post subject:

Howlin' Wolf
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