Robben Ford Discussion

sfhalo · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:33 am Post subject: Orbit Revisited

If you really want to get a handle on exactly how great Robben is as a guitarist, listen to the Orbit CD through a good set of headphones. If you listen to what he's doing in the background, Jungle Fever & Sudden Samba are good examples, you'll discover why he's the finest guitar player on the scene today. And, as much as Robben enjoys singing and playing the blues (he mentioned it several times at last year's October clinic), he really shines when part of a jazz/blues group without vocals. Just listen to the musicianship on this CD and how inspired Robben is in his playing.........not just wonderful solos, but incredible rhythm chops. IMHO..........that's where he really shows what an incredible musician he is! Forget diagnosing what he's doing.......just feel what he's playing.........if it doesn't make you sway & tap your foot constantly, you've got to be dead! I'd love to see him perform live with this band.........what a treat that would be. While I love other players as well, no one has his feel for the instrument. This is one monster guitar player!

henkholland · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:03 am Post subject: Orbit

Amen!

frank0936 · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:55 am Post subject: Another second!

It's one of the best CD's I've heard in a long time. It's been in the CD player since I got it.
Frank

diatonicdude · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject:

I received the CD yesterday, and I just can't stop playing it. I was even up until 2AM (with head phones plugged in) this morning listening to it Shocked

This is just what the doctor ordered, as I hoped for a "Tiger Walk 2" CD from Robben (big thanks to Neil Larsen), which instead ended up being "Truth", the very enjoyable, albeit similar ground offering to his previous 2 CD's (the better of the 3, I may add!).

Although "Orbit" is not essentially a "Tiger Walk 2" CD, this jazzy offering has many excellent tracks on it, and I am listening to the 3rd track "Demonette" at the time of writing this, which has an absolutely mesmorising bass groove, and enchanting muscianship by all. Simply brilliant! Highly, and that's a high as it can go highly, recomended.

Apparently the CD has used some new technique to record the purest digital/live vibe possible, and boy it does just that. One of Robben's solo's sounds like he is in the corner of my sitting room playing through my amp!! I think you get the picture...... My choice for CD of the year, without a doubt.

DD
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sfhalo · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:10 pm Post subject:

I completely agree with DD.......CD of the Year! I'd love to see Orbit nominated for a Grammy Award in the Jazz Instrumental category. And, Straight Ahrad Records should receive an award, as well, for the spectacular recording.........one of the very best I've ever heard. Whoever decided to put this band together for this CD (more than likely Neil Larsen), he really knew exactly what he was looking for in musicianship. The overall feel of the music is really incredible.....from kick-ass grooves to laid-back coolness. And......what a crew of players! One last thing.........I have all of Robben's music and I think this is his finest hour! Orbit is at the very top of my RF playlist and it will take an incredible next effort to knock it down to #2!

Rob MacKillop · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:33 pm Post subject:

OK, why can't I get this in the UK? I've done a Google search but no-one has it. Crying or Very sad

Rob
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nineacres · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:47 pm Post subject:

Rob - try these people: http://www.redsparkmusic.com
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diatonicdude · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject:

HI Rob,

good to see you around!

You could also try this site, which is the main site for info, etc;

http://www.straightaheadrecords.com/titles_html/new_release.html

From there go through the buy links. I used Elusive, who were very good, as they kept me informed of the order process, and as a first time order, you get a $5 discount off p&p.

Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy the CD as much as the rest of us.

Cheers,

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

Rob MacKillop · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:44 am Post subject:

Thanks guys, but it looks like my luck is out for the time being. Elusive have sold out, CD Universe don't have it, nor do Music Direct, and Acoustic Music want a minimum order of 50 dollars for non-domestic customers. Hopefully it will be more readily available in a few weeks time, after all it has just been out for a couple of weeks.

Looking forward to it. You guys have certainly whet my appetite! Glad I stumbled across this discussion group.

Cheers,

Rob
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Rob MacKillop · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:50 am Post subject:

...and Red Spark only have it on vinyl...

I might consider getting a turntable for the quality of the vinyl. I have a 1930 gramophone which I bought for 100 GB Pounds, and managed to purchase original Benny Goodman 78s with Charlie Christian on guitar. In a direct comparison of the same recordings on CD, the 78s win easily. Charlie leaps out of the speaker like he really is in your room. I don't think sound reproduction has improved in all areas, sure you hear the bass drum better these days, but the quality of Christian's guitar sound is amazing. So I'm looking forward to hearing for myself the claims made for the Orbit recording. Hopefully they've managed to retain something of the warmth and directness of the 78s.

Rob
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frank0936 · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:06 am Post subject: Orbit

Keep trying, Rob. It took me about three weeks to get mine through Elusive, but they kept me informed and let me know when they shipped it. It is well worth the wait!
Frank

burger.ie · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:48 pm Post subject:

I got mine through HMV Japan.

sfhalo · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject:

After reading Rob MacKillop's post concerning the non-availability of Orbit through the sources he's tried in the U.K., I sent a message to Paul at Straight Ahead Records and he said he would look into it.

Today, I received the following short message from him:

"Adrian tell them all that Red Spark Music will have it in U.K.

http://www.redsparkmusic.com

jconstant · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 8:10 pm Post subject:

Rob MacKillop · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:59 pm Post subject:

If you make it to Edinburgh, J, my contact details are on my website: http://www.rmguitar.info

I'll try redspark. Thanks sfhalo.

I don't believe it - a helpful discussion group! Where have you been all my life?

Rob
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