Robben Ford Discussion

EastMark · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject: RIP Jeff Healey

Great player. Never let his disabilities hold him back from laying down some great licks. Saw him live a while back and he was impressive.
Very sad to go at 41.
Mark

EastMark · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject: Re: RIP Jeff Healey

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:48 pm Post subject:

EastMark, I'd started a post in the Open Discussion section a day or so before you started this thread. A few comments posted there, but surprisingly not as many as I thought there would be. Although Jeff seemed to get more national and perhaps international attention than Robben has over their careers, it seems that his die-hard fans were a smaller niche, much like Robben's. So, that's what I attribute the minimal response to, IMHO...

Maybe it's not good timing to hit the Jeff Healey used cd bins as opposed to say 2 weeks ago, but I'm hoping to find one his earlier more bluesy-rock albums or two...

PierreL · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:55 pm Post subject:

To be honest, I just don't know his work, so that was a bit difficult for me to comment.
I have been saddened by his death, as I read the details of his life , must have been so tough for him since he got blind...and then to die so young. But between his music and his family, I'm sure he had a lot of intense moments throughout his life.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

yebdox · Member Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 38

Jeff was amazing - no excuses for that tone and touch. Of course, his unconventional playing style got a lot of attention, but if you set the technique aside, there's some incredible phrasing and musicality that keeps you hooked.

I know that he felt abused by the record industry and that's why he quit touring for so many years. I think there might also have been some animosity between band members, as well. But check out any of his albums for top notch playing and incredible tone and excitement. If you don't have anything, get the first album, "See the Light". Also, he was in a Patrick Swayze movie in the 80's called "Roadhouse" and seems to be tracking some live stuff in the club in the movie. There's also a good DVD at Montreux from a few years ago that included young hot shot Philip Sayce.

Lots of great musicians have been passing on, lately, but I was really taken back when I read about Jeff's passing. He deserved more recognition than he managed in a short life and if you haven't heard of him, he deserves a good listen and a tip of the hat. He led a life that took a lot of courage and completed it with dignity.

bbpgtr · Member Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 34

Aw man, he was so kool, real sad to hear of his passing. He had tons of heart and soul. He was rooted in blues but he had recorded jazz as well.

First time I saw or heard him was on the David Sanborn hosted "Night Music" TV Show that Robben Ford played on, although I'm not sure if Hiram Bullock was still there at the time Healy was on.

Healy played a heavy rockin' bluesy tune called "See The Light" with the houseband (Marcus Miller, Omar Hakim) and Dr. John on piano that tune. Here it is on Youtube:

Jeff Healey - "See The Light"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBBCJ68mC4c&feature=related

Another kool one was this video of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Healey doing SRV's "Look at Little Sister"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqU9RZqvFKY&feature=related