Robben Ford Discussion

jconstant · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 4:48 pm Post subject:

While we're on the subject, where the hell is the venue in all of this? Why don't they help out so people can enjoy the show? Are they worried about offended the paying customers that are acting like a-holes? Well, what about the people who know how to behave at a show and respect the artists they come to see? They're paying customers too.
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"Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford

JohnnyZ · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:54 pm Post subject:

I've got a great idea. I will open up a club and have Robben play exclusively. I will guarantee absolutely no flash, no cameras, no cell phones, no talking, no loud drunks, no distractions. Just plain pure music appreciation! Special guests will include Larry Carlton, Matt Schofield, Vinnie Colaiuta, Neil Larsen, Jimmy Haslip Tom Brechtlein, Dave Weckl, Hilary Jones, Roscoe Beck, Bob Malach, Russell Ferrante, Gregg Allman, Bill Boublitz, Dewayne Pate, Marc Ford, Patrick Ford, Gabriel Ford, Travis Carlton, Chris Cain, Voelker Stifler, Garth Webber, Blobby, RoadWarriorForTheBlues, Millibobs, frank0836, jconstant, ron sayer, PierreL, henkholland, bluerunner, rainmkr, AndyR, JackD, Aeolian, bluesman, diatonicdude, Filmore, marinblues, Ian Hurtt, FatTeleTom, kirk95, elizabeth, fingerlakes, patocaster, LongIslandRod, Red Suede, edpesco, spatzi, UncleSalty, Rob MacKillop, nineacres, telefunk, Phil B, and of course, the old codger Bill Morgan. Naturally, extra special guest is our very own Daved, not only for the tech aspect, but musically too!

Please forgive me if I've forgotten anyone. All are welcome!!!

This is my dream!!!

jconstant · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:07 pm Post subject:

PierreL · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:46 pm Post subject:

JohnnyZ for President !!!

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

JohnnyZ - do we get to play?????????

diatonicdude · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:47 am Post subject:

It's a shame that the post subject has focused on the violation of Robben's personal wishes and not his music. I think this is synonymous with the kind of reports associated with football matches where the media spotlight is turned to the violence and unacceptable behaviour of the minority of football fans who are hooligans. Again a great shame.

I believe this is the ever increasing disrespectful behaviour all nationalities seem to posses (in minority of course), not just the English, although unfortunately I have to admit the English are probably one of the worst.

One year at the Jazz Cafe in London, a group of rowdy punters spent all night laughing and joking and totally ignoring requests to stop, and also stop flash photography. I am sure they did not even know what songs Robben was performing, as they were more interested and engrossed in their own group interaction. I actually asked them to politely quieten down and I was answered with a "F**K you man, we're here to enjoy ourselves while we are over here!". He was American!

Robben may be getting disgruntled with all this, and rightly so, but what about this to put thing's in perspective. One of my other favourite musicians and guitarists, Steve Morse, was recently on tour with Deep Purple in South America. During the gig, Steve thought something odd was going on as he thought he could feel something hitting him each time he soloed and closed his guys (he became increasingly distracted and upset with this; Steve is renowned for his warm and gentle nature btw). By studying the members of audience in close proximity to him, he singled out who he thought was the culprit. Next time he went to close his eyes he purposely opened his eyes to catch the culprit in action, which he did as the spit landed on Steve's face and mouth. Steve apparently threw his guitar down and launched himself at the offender to obviously let the individual know what it was like to receive something unwanted/unexpected!

As to the issue of photography, I have myself, in the past, taken a shot of Robben on stage (non flash I may add) but this was before the time when things got out of hand and requests to not take flash photos was issued. With todays technology the ability to record media is easily within reach and just about anything that could fit in your pocket to achieve this. In one instance I remember purposely not taking any photos of Robben's performance but instead asked Daved if I could take a few snaps of his gear at the end of the gig for us gear heads (this was when Robben used a lovely cherry red Gibson ES 336C and new green Dumble ODS combo amp; quite a rare combination!).

I will not take, or need to do so anyway, any further pictures because of the fact individuals have ruined it for all, in particular Robben. I also very much agree with the opinions of all who have posted. It is a bad state of affairs when Daved has to inadvertently have to take on the role as crowd minder and perhaps now is the time to take a more zero tolerance approach, with the aid of the establishments security.

Anyway, back to the gig, how did Robben get on with the use of Matt Schofield's Super Reverb? Did his tone sound much different?

All the best,

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

Bluelobster · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 6:05 am Post subject: Johnny 2 juke joint

JohnnyZ · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:53 pm Post subject:

>> Unfortunately, Robben being such an handsome man it seems that a lot of guys are overwhelmed by their female side and just shoot pics over and over.

Blobby, perhaps this is true, but I think it's more a celebrity thing that us fans identify with. At least, it is with me. Whenever I have those few chances to be with someone I admire, I feel like a kid in a candy store. I want to be up close and personal as much as possible but without infringement. The moment adds something uplifting to my life. However, I recognize if and when my hero at the moment is uncomfortable or if I'm going near the top (as opposed to going over the top), and I stop. The key words are respect and restraint...

>> JohnnyZ - do we get to play?????????

Abso-freakin'-lutely!!! Universal jam, my friends!

BTW, I realized I neglected to name one of my great cyber-meet-inperson buddies- bluenote, plus his great wife, maxi!

And, again, everyone in here is absolutely welcome in my universal jam club. Just because I didn't list you doesn't mean you're not welcome or in the club. We're all equal here!

Bluelobster · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:26 am Post subject: Teasin'

diatonicdude · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:51 am Post subject:

edpesco · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:39 pm Post subject:

ellsworth · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 8:54 am Post subject:

Bluelobster · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

Cheebatone · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 8:43 am Post subject:

Daved - A serious suggestion...

Don't play the Jazz Cafe again. There are plenty of other, much nicer, venues in and around London that Robben could play at - and I don't know a single person who doesn't groan out-loud when they find out they've got to go to the JC to see a favourite artist. I've turned-down the only opportunity to see a number of artists (most recently, Pat Martino) because their one gig in the UK was at that dreadful (and bloody expensive) little pit.

Btw - Some of us in the audience were enforcing the "No photo's during performance" rule as best we could on those around us, but you should strap a laser-pointer to that Maglite of yours ...and blind the buggers! Very Happy

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I first started to play guitar 35 years ago... Trouble is, I had 20 years off in the middle.