Robben Ford Discussion

elizabeth · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 7:12 pm Post subject: San Francisco Blues Festival

I'm curious...does anyone know anything about what transpired at the San Francisco Blues Festival? I was there and loved the music, but I read a surprising piece about what went on behind the scenes.
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Leftbender · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 7:24 am Post subject:

You are making us very curious Surprised

So, what went on behind the scenes?

PierreL · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 7:35 am Post subject:

Yeah let us know Liz !!! Question

kirk95 · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:39 am Post subject:

http://www.alkooper.com/dues_fest.html
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Bluelobster · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:17 am Post subject: Al Kooper is not glad

Jeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Question

Leftbender · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:05 am Post subject:

What a story!~!!!~!!
And I always thought these kind of things happened during cheap amateur jam sessions where you'll be asked to sit in as room decoration!
Unbelievable! Sad

elizabeth · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 12:29 pm Post subject: But I cannot understand...

Al Kooper is an icon, not only of blues music, but of the legacy of Michael Bloomfield. If that really was what transpired in NY and SF, my question would be, "WHY?" What motivation could have been behind it? What could be gained?

I am the eternal optimist, and I would like to believe that it is a series of misunderstandings. I am glad that I did not yell out, "Take your hood off Al, so we can see your face," which I was tempted to do.

I was so inspired to be standing only a few feet from an artist that I have listened to even longer than I have listened to Robben. Watching Kooper with Jimi at Monterey, with Dylan at Newport, with the Blues Project, or solo has always been a feast for these ears. Songs like "I love You More Than You'll Ever Know," "I Can't Quit Her," and "My Days Are Numbered" remain solidly ensconced on my "standards" lists. I was so excited to be able to see the two of them on one stage, I could hardly sleep the night before.

I have a hard time believing that this idealogy generates from Robben. The Robben Ford I have listened to, met, photographed, and idolized for some thirty years is very different than some of these recent stories portray. I have to trust that some major things have been misconstrued in translation. Part of the joy of being a Ford Fan-atic is that he is so accessible to his public. I cannot remember a show where he did not come out and greet, sign, allow photos, and make himself approachable and available to his fans.
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gitarz*r*us · Member Joined: 29 Sep 2003 Posts: 33 Location: Bay Area

I read the post on Al Kooper's website. This all sounds like a minor misunderstanding that Kooper has blown out of proportion in his own mind. Appearing with his hood on was silly and running off stage like he was being chased by the Grim Reaper was just bizarre. Now we know why. So what if the Fords wanted to do the set their way? So what if Robben wanted to sing "Feeling Groovey"? (He wailed on it by the way, both singing and playing). Al Kooper's bitterness is unbecoming. He should have tried to smooth things over with Pat Ford rather than behave unprofessionally and then rant and rave on his own private soap box.

elizabeth · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:07 pm Post subject: Wailed, indeed.

gitarz, I agree...they wailed and nailed, and they were all on fire at the SF Blues festival. I figured Kooper's attire was due to the drop in temperature once the sun goes down in the City. Personally, I am thankful for the oblivion I experienced...it was such a GRRRRRRRREAT SHOW!
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