Robben Ford Discussion

rainmkr63 · Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:12 pm Post subject: Vital information in Las Vegas.

I saw Vital Information on Friday here in Las Vegas. They started the first set with "Mr. T.C." from Show em where you Live. Almost all the rest of the songs were from "Come on in". Some highlights were, during "Come on in" Baron Browne had a small bass solo, and he played "walking in a winter wonderland" This theme came up again when Tom Coster was playing a solo during "Cat Walk" he started playing "Rudolph". The crowd loved it, and the band seemed to be having fun with that too.

They did an interesting thing, they played the first set then had a meet and greet. They could talk to everyone and sign stuff before everyone got to messed up.

I ran to get a disposable camera from the gift shop and got a few photos with them. The shots of them playing did not turn out very well, I guess I need to get me one of them there digital cameras.

Frank Gambale totally seems to be in his element when playing, very relaxed and on top of all changes. His comping is unbelievable, and his solos had everyone entranced. They all make Jazz "Rock" it is complete Jazz, but it rocks. Frank used a big Yamaha Jazz hollow body, all night.

Steve Smith sounds like he is soloing all show, but the groove is well defined. I went to the show with a few friends, one is a guitar player and I jam with him. He new almost nothing about VI, and I asked him to go in with an open mind, he is more of a rocker, he was blown away. He jokingly said "man that drum solo was more entertaining then Tommy Lee's hanging upside down playing". I had to laugh!!

I told Frank I was Rainmaker from the message board and we started talking about him getting his stuff back. I think he gets frustrated with some of the knuckle heads, and bone head comments on his board.

"Around the World" was the first song of the second set, "Baton Rouge" was brilliant. My favorite song of the night was "A Little Something" Frank brought the crowd to there feet on that one.

I have pictures but I cant get them up yet, I should add them to this post Thursday I hope.

Rob

fingerlakes · Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:14 pm Post subject:

Great review Rob. Sounds a lot like the show I saw in Binghamton,NY last week. Also enjoyed Franks playing with Chick Corea in November. Frank is truly a gifted player. Thanks for sharing.

rainmkr63 · Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:24 pm Post subject:

Cool man, I liked your review too. They seem to appeal to all ages, and it does not seem to matter what style of music people like, they all like VI. I hope to be able to see CCEB some time this year.

Take Care
Rob

fingerlakes · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 4:02 am Post subject:

For all of the wonderful SF Bay area folks here :

Frank and Vital Info will be playing for 2 nights Feb 22 and 23 at Yoshi's in Oakland,Cal. I'm certain that all will really enjoy the show.

Happy Holidays to all !!

elizabeth · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 9:38 am Post subject: I'm going to that one!

I'm going! GREAT place for a "board" party...anyone?

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Aeolian · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 10:49 am Post subject:

I'm game. Last time I saw them at Yoshi's, Steve Smith brought his hi-hat to the front of the stage and played a whole solo with just that. I checked and there's no Kuumbwa show listed yet and my relocation over the hill probably won't be complete by then, so Yoshi's it is. I also see on their calendar Pat Martino's tribute to Wes Montgomery March 3-6. That will be killer.
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elizabeth · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 10:56 am Post subject: Yoshi's!

February and March sound like they will be great months...when is Robben going to do a week at Yoshi's?

HEY! I just noticed that Chris Cain will be at JJ's on January 15. Let's go to that one, too!

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rainmkr63 · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:42 am Post subject:

Here are a few pictures form Friday 12/17.

http://members.cox.net/rainmkr63/Pic8.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rainmkr63/Pic1.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rainmkr63/Pic2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rainmkr63/Pic3.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rainmkr63/Pic5.jpg

Rob

Aeolian · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:59 am Post subject:

Great pics. Frank must have something going with Yamaha, I've seen him with a sunburst one of those too. And he had flatwounds on it. The pic where Coster was playing accordian, what song was that? When they were at Kuumbwa a couple of years ago, Tom played Europa on the accordian while Frank played the most unbelievable substitutions behind him, the other two laid out. A truely twisted and wonderful take on a lovely song that Tom is probably sick of playing straight.

BTW, since you're out there, have you caught Wedemeyer's weekday gig at the Mirage? I hear the bands full of hot LA cats. Curious what they sound like.
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kirk95 · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2004 6:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting the photos.... That looks like a killer guitar!
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