Robben Ford Discussion

Michael · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:26 pm Post subject:

If Riley likes it ... that's all that matters. It's a sweet song.

Phil T · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:58 pm Post subject:

I listened to the Truth CD (twice through) for the first time the other day.
My 1st reaction was that some of it, the first two songs especially, have a sound reminiscent (at least slightly, to me anyway) of the Supernatural CD. Supernatural is one of my top ten (if not 5) all time best/favorite Robben Ford recordings (along with Jing Chi).

I seem to recall some responces to the Supernatural CD when it first came out as similar to what some are saying about the Riley B. King tune. Or maybe it's just me.
I think one of the many things I like and relate to about the music of Robben Ford is that he streches and pushes the boundries of his musical style, and music in general. And especially some of that twelve bar blues type of music. Or maybe it's just me. (song #2 is Riley B. King)
Also, IMHO James Taylor is a great artist with much soul.

BlueRunner · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 4:22 pm Post subject:

telefunk1's observations are food for thought. A threadful of "pick a song you just don't really think that much of, by an artist you really love."

The opinions about "Riley B. King," both here an in media reviews, are sort of all over the map. While I really like the tune, there have been times when artists I really loved recorded songs that just did nothing for me (even though they hit the top of the charts, or met with great reviews).

And as for James Taylor, I'm a big fan, but gotta' tell you, having heard him live a number of times, I'd much rather hear Robben do mellow pop than James try to do gutsy blues. The last time I heard Taylor was a couple of years ago, at The Greek in L.A., with Michael Landau playing guitar. (Or guitars -- he used as many as four in one tune.) Taylor launched into a bluesy number that made me wonder just what he was thinking.
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- BlueRunner

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 5:08 am Post subject:

Although not a big fan of his, I do like many of James Taylor's tunes, and I certainly don't dislike him. But, as Bluerunner pointed out, when James crosses over to bluesy, he just doesn't cut it. And, to me, it's vice versa for Robben...

I'm glad that reviews are all over the spectrum on the RBK song and that many Robben fans genuinely like it. It would suck if everyone disliked it... Smile

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Soul on Eleven

Michael · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 6:33 am Post subject:

I had the chance to hear James live do the Steamroller Blues and the vocal ad lib gymnastics were spectacular and fun. Also I cannot rule out Fire and Rain ... for some reason the song always touches a spot.

I tried writing a tribute song ... yes "cheesy" but it always brings a smile now as Mr. Johnson left us in July. It meant something to him and now me. Funny how it works like that ... so I can forgive Robben for Riley B. and the ending guitar work is special.
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=3434066&q=hi

frank0936 · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:52 am Post subject: Riley B.

I listened to that track again this morning. I like the relaxed Memphis/Muscle Shoals vibe and the guitar work at the end is really great. Yeah, the lyrics are a little over the top, but I sure couldn't do any better. Overall, I like it, but I really have to be in the mood to get very deep into it.
Frank

Michael · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

Frank ...

If you're referring to Mr. Johnson, thanks. I bought Sonar 6, a small midi controller, and a line 6 UX2 toneport. I do not know anything about song writing or recording. I do all the voices except the solo ... which was done via email by an employee ... amazing to me that it can actually come together that way.