Robben Ford Discussion

[diatonicdude]

Here goes............

Some of you may have taken our very own RFDG resident, Ron Sayer's offer of his band's latest CD. Those who did would have been pleasently pleased with the quality of his playing on many well known blues/rock covers (and a couple of tracks of his own). The playing is top notch & the tones just as great, and the CD had a nice "rawness" to the production that gave it a live vibe.

Well, I am lucky to live fairly close to Ron, and so decided last week to venture over with a friend to sample his band in a new venue to his "gig list".

I felt compelled to write this because, what I heard/saw that night was a truly superb example of a world class guitarist. I have seen some of the very best from all genres, Robben Ford (of course ), Pat Metheny, Steve Morse, Gary Moore, Steve Howe, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Martin Taylor, Albert Lee, and the list goes on, and I can honestly say Ron is right up there! He quite simply blew me (and my friend) away

His playing was articulate, faultless in technicque, incredible phrasing and improvisation topped with superb rythmn playing (sound familiar to you guys). Simply fantastic! All this and there were probably only 30 people in the venue. That was even more unbelievable

I managed to get to say a quick hello to Ron before the gig, and he was actually a little nervous because of the lack punters, but Ron came across as being a real down to earth, humble and truly nice guy. He even made the effort to come back for a quick chat during the interval and end of the gig, which was nice.

Ron, hat's off to you mate! You have shown me just what it is all about, regardless of the recognition on a global scale. You have kick started my pledge to improve as a guitarist and musician, just as Robben Ford did the first time I saw him live. Your CD is great, but you really are something else live.

Any of you guys who could possibly catch him live, must do so. I will certainly be taking every oppourtunity

Cheers,

DD

P.S Ron, a big hello to your drummer and new bass player!
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Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.

[BlueRunner]

Wow. Makes me want to fly to England. Tomorrow. Or tonight.

Ron proved himself in the "world class" department some months ago when he offered to send his new CD to anyone on the board who sent him an address. I took a chance, pointing out that we're all the way over here in the Colonies, but by golly, about a week later, the CD arrived via air mail. (And not cheap air mail, either. If my conversion calculator is correct, the British postal service charges and arm and a leg to fly stuff over here. Fortunately, just the CD was in the package. No arms or legs.)

Of course, the proof of "world class" was in the pudding, so to speak, on the CD itself. Great fresh takes on a lot of blues classics. I've really been enjoying it. Friends who are either musicians themselves, or pretty savvy listeners, have literally had their socks blown off by his version of "The Thrill is Gone."

Add to all of that Ron's self-effacing comments on the photo pages of his web site, and I'm not surprised to learn that he's an all-around gentleman when it comes to live gigs. Glad you had the opportunity to hear and meet him.
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- BlueRunner

[JohnnyZ]

My thoughts exactly, BlueRunner. After reading DD's great post, I simply wanted to get a plane ticket to the UK to see a Ron Sayer Band show! I also was one of the fortunate ones who took advantage of Ron's generous offer of his cd for free, and quite honestly, it's on one of of my favorite iTunes playlists. And, I agree, The Thrill Is Gone is exceptional, among others tunes on the cd.

Mr. Sayer, you and your band could certainly make an impact here in the States. Certainly, many of the best clubs would entertain your presence. And, I'd be happy to be one of your "street team" promoters...

[Ron S]

Thank you guys for your kind remarks.

I don't often venture into the open discussion here but DD let me know he'd written a few words about the gig. Thanks to DD (and Tim) for coming to that gig, as he mentioned the turnout wasn't quite as I'd hoped so it was great to see and meet them. They were both very supportive and I wished I'd had more time to chat.

DD (big hearted guy that he is) was good enough to bundle his brand new zen in a bag and trust me (yes me, Mr. accident prone ) with it at the gig. Not knowing me from Adam I think that was a really great gesture, by the way the zen sounded great.

It's not been a good week this week, my daughter has been quite ill, and your comments have really lifted my spirits for the weekend (four gigs plus a new guitar-'82 JV tele-to road test )

Thanks again guys and glad to hear you're enjoying the CD

Ron