Robben Ford Discussion

[Daved]

Well, we're now two weeks into the tour with one week to go.

Everyone out here has been battling colds. Jaimie (drum tech) and I were the first of the crew to suffer, but we're past it now and sympathising with the rest of the crew as they pass it around.
The band too has been coughing, hacking, and watery eyed. Gregg had it severly for a few days but is on the mend and feeling much better as it continues thru our horn section members.

The band learned "Loving Cup" 2 shows ago, as Gregg wanted to feature Robben on a tune, and have now added it into the set.

Robben's TC2290 litterally had a "screw come loose" inside which did some severe damage. I sent it to the TC factory in southern Cal where they thought they had fixed it, but there are still ghosts plaguing the machine. I will take it back for further repair when we get home.

Till then, Robben bought a TC M-One XL as a back up. That's the new unit in his rack and for now it is there purely to get the delay he loves in his sound. We may play around with it more when we can return to his regular rig setup and Dumble settings after the GA&F tour ends to see what else it can do that Robben may like.

It looks like, at this point anyway, Robben's opening for the Allman Brothers tour will not happen due to logistic and scheduling conflicts. But Gregg has loved working with Robben and there is talk going around of Gregg wanting to possibly do more of the last few weeks later in the year or again next year.

Robben does not have a lot of his own touring yet scheduled, other than a few weeks in Europe with his brothers, a very brief stint in Norway sometime in April, I believe, and some studio/recording work.

Meanwhile, Gregg has warmed up to me, likes my work, and has asked me to help him while Robben is off the road. So, I have discussed this with Robben and Dal, and during Robben's "down time" I will work with the Allman Brothers Band, as Gregg and Dereck Truck's tech, during the NYC Beacon shows and then consider continuing into the summer with them, depending upon Robben's needs.
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B C-ing U!
( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)

[kirk95]

Thanks for the update. I hope everybody feels better soon!

Too bad about Robben's scheduling conflicts with the Allman tour. That publicity for Robben would elevate his exposer to a new level! What else could Robben possibly do that would have a greater impact on his popularity and earnings potential both CD sales and touring. I can't think of anything...

If I were Dal and Robben, I find a way to make that work! Change your schedule.... How many times does an opportunity like this knock?

It would also be the perfect time for Robben to change his tapping policy and allow live recording and sharing of his music while he is touring with the Allmans. That would give Robben exposer to that huge Jam Band community! That's a huge new revenue potential for Robben!

The live performances combined with the file sharing will put Robben on a whole new level of popularity.

You know me, I'm not criticizing anybody here, I am just speaking from the heart. I want Robben to enjoy the success he deserves! This summer could be a huge turning point!!!

Ok, I'm done now.....

Daved congrats on your new relationship with the Gregg and the Allmans. That is so amazing!!! Congrats!!!!!!
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[Aeolian]

Ditto on working with Allman more. Looking at other forums, the response has been generally positive. Some have been thrown by the mix in styles but overall, Robben has lot's more new converts. Along with all the other casual Allman fans who have now been exposed to Robben's brand of excitement.

Interesting that Robben put an M-One in as a backup. This doesn't have the dynamic delay feature of the 2290, while the D-Two and G-Force do have it. Does Robben not use this feature? I've always thought that this was really usefull and have been looking for a good price on a D-Two for a while. I could never get the delay ducking feature to work right on my Rocktron and sold it. And a 2290 is overkill and out of my price range for what I do, espesically as my Fuch's has a parallel loop and all the sound isn't running through the rack. The idea of having the delay return level depress itself during more invloved runs seems like it would clean up the playing. And the scalable "dynamic" nature of it seems more musical than the Rocktron's simply cutting in and out. Does anyone else use the dynamic delay? Is it worth it? You can't tell in a music store, it would only be on stage where you could hear if it worked.
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[JackD]

Aeolian, too bad I didn't know you were looking for a D-Two. I just sold a brand new one for really cheap. I had tried for years to find a delay unit that I liked. I finally gave up and bought a 2290 two weeks ago. It sounds unbelieveable!!

If you are still looking for something else that sounds great, I have a mint condition Chandler Stereo Echo that I am going to be selling. Let me know via private message if you are interested.

[Stuart Vessels]

I agree with Kirk95. It seems like touring with ABB is too good an opportunity to pass up. That crowd is a perfect demographic for Robben. Perhaps it's more complicated.

[sidneystreet]

I'm just speculating here, but if Robben is planning a live CD/DVD it wouldn't surprise me if he would be cautious of a taping-free-for-all tour this summer with the Allman Brothers.

That being said, Robben should not pass up an opportunity like this. This may be the widest cd-buying audience he will ever play for. These crowds are loyal fans who purchase legitimate products, and create a large fan base through the circulation of taped concerts.

Go for it, Robben! Of course, life is complicated and we all understand if there are personal reasons why you can't make the tour.

[davidS]

I couldn't agree more with exposing Robben to a demographic/part of the country where he is not as well known. I have wished for years we could get Robben in Texas. It seems as if he only plays the coasts or Europe. Texas is a HUGE blues area and ABB's southern rock would bring Robben into the heart of the country. So far my only chance to see Robben in person was to attend a clinic in Ojai. I had tickets to see Robben in Oklahoma City two different times during the Keep on Running tour, but unfortunately, both shows were cancelled. As a die-hard fan I am disappointed that my only opportunity to see Robben play live, short of travelling to one of the coasts, is on the Ohne Filter DVD. Sorry for the rant/plea!

[JohnnyZ]

Daved,

A huge congrats on your much-deserved success. I've always believed that hard work will always be recognized and rewarded, and you certainly are a hard worker. Your intensity shows before, during, and after every show, and it's nice when you take a few moments from all the hecticness to say a few words and smile to those of us who "know" you.

Now, can you hook me up with a backstage pass to an ABB show? Just kidding! But I do sincerely mean all of the above...

~JZ~
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[FatTeleTom]

Ditto to JohnnyZ's comment: Big congrats to Daved for the offer to work with the ABB! Can't think of a better professional compliment than that--someone sees up close how you do your job, day in and day out, and is impressed enough to want to hire you!

And Daved--we REALLY enjoy your frequent updates and contributions here. Much appreciated.

See ya in Chicago,
Tom

[EastMark]

Daved,
Traveled from Rhode Island for this one ! Thanks for the brief chat stageside right after the Ft Meyers Ricochet show...(thanks for the pick!)....and what a show it was. I was shocked to see the mic stand slide over to Robben and then hear him tear into Buttercup. I noticed Gregg seemed to enjoy it as much as I did too. They seem to play together really well.
I agree with most here as I know several big ABB fans and they seem to buy alot of CD's...and go to alot of shows..as well as having alot of those live boots.
The exposure would be great...alot of their fans are real hardcore music supporters.
I watched you work the show from about 20 ft back center Daved and youve really got it down. Nice compliment to be asked to work with those guys. I beg that the schedule gods find a way. :-)
EastMark

[Daved]

Glad you enjoyed the show, Eastmark, and nice chatting after show. There wasn't much time as we had a long overnight drive ahead to a day off here in Greensboro & everyone was anxious to get going, but I always try to take at least a minute or two for Robben fans and especially to greet smiley faces from this board (a nod to Roadwarrior).

Robben is himself disappointed about not being able to do the AB summer tour. He & I discussed it several times and he, I, and his manager, Dal, all felt it would have been an excellent boost to his exposure in areas that he is not readily known. (Have you noticed how the membership on this board has jumped rapidly since we started this tour? I may be wrong, but I can't help but think that his touring with Gregg surely must have something to do with that. )

Unfortunately, some things just don't always work out the way we'd like.

Fortunately, Robben and Gregg have gotten along very well and could very possibly work together again down the road.
_________________
B C-ing U!
( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)

[EastMark]

"and what a show it was. I was shocked to see the mic stand slide over to Robben and then hear him tear into Buttercup"

Oh yeah...and he sang Lovin cup too. ;-)
Doooooh !
EastMark

[frank0936]

Daved, I'm glad to hear that Robben and Gregg get along and that there is a possiblity of future work together. It's hard to imagine that anyone wouldn't get along with Robben. Robben adds such a fresh take to the set. I can see that not listening to other guitarists really pays off for him. Congrats to you on your job offer, too. The cream has risen to the top! Hopefully this tour will mean nothing but good things for you all.
Frank

[juspasinby2003]

[kirk95]