Robben Ford Discussion

[jconstant]

I'm still in a state of semi-disbelief...

This was my fourth time at one of Robben's clinics, but today's was a clinic like no other. I arrived at about 9:00 am for the 10:00 am start and met Phillip and Phillip (father and son) who had arrived earlier and already seen Anne when she stopped by to set up earlier that morning.

A short time later a guy and two women showed up and none of them had a guitar. But the guy did have a contract that said he had the Women's Center reserved for the day. The few of us still standing outside politely informed him that we were there for a guitar clinic and we were sure Anne and Robben had the place reserved.

Well, Anne showed up shortly thereafter and when she learned what had happened, she was clearly not pleased. She and the mystery guy took off to go settle the matter (presumably with whomever one talks to in order to reserve the women's center). I joked with a few of the guys that if this didn't get resolved we just may have to go have the clinic in Robben's garage...

By the time Anne returned, Robben had arrived, we explained what was up, and we began setting up as if we were going to continue on with the clinic. Anne came back and said, "Robben, we're going to have to go to our house."

Anne gave us directions to their nearby home and we caravanned over to the Ford residence and made ourselves comfortable in Robben and Anne's living room (there were only 11 of us) for the day. I shit you not.

It was truly a surreal experience to be sitting in your guitar hero's living room (in his favorite chair, by the way) petting Nora the cat and talking music with the man for most of the day.

Robben and Anne have a beautiful home and were extremely gracious and accommodating to a bunch of, well, strangers. Anne said their home was built in 1928 and I found it very warm and inviting, not to mention beautifully decorated throughout. There's lush foliage in the backyard and a soothing fountain right outside the living room where we sat for the day. Truely a wonderful place.

As for the clinic, it was the same in many ways, but also very different in many ways which is exactly why I go over and over. (I swear, if Robben weren't the polite and genial man that he is, I'd expect him to think, "You again, are you kidding me?") But, he's very welcoming as always. I always get something new from attending and this time was no different. Additionally, it's always very inspirational because Robben lives and breathes music. It runs through is veins and that's contagious and motivating. When I leave I feel a renewed sense of wanting to continue to grow musically and push through the times when I'm frustrated with my playing or my rate of advancement. It's a huge musical pick-me-up.

So, a few last words about some things Robben mentioned in passing, some of which may have already been brought up on this board or may already be known, but...

- he is currently writing for a new album
- there had been talk on this board about the possibility of a 'Best Of' kind of record, but that doesn't look like the direction Robben is now taking.
- he said what he wants to make is a contemporary blues album (his words) instead
- it sounds like the album will have lots of horns, and not just as afterthought (my words) but will be really out there in front
- he was in Nashville sometime ago (don't know if it was recently or not) writing with some new musicians
- he mentioned that some of the musicians on the recording will very big names (he didn't say who and I didn't ask because I figured he'd tell me if he wanted me to know)
- I didn't get a good sense of the timing of the album but from his words it sounded like there's still a lot to be done on it. So for all I know, he may not have recorded a single note. Again, I just didn't want to push him and be too nosey, especially standing in the man's living room
- he did mention the performances with Larry in Japan and the fact that it will be released on DVD.

I still find the whole thing a little hard to believe.

But has I've said in the past, if you haven't gone to one of these clinics, do you what you need to and make it happen - at least once. Needless to say, the chances of him having the clinic in his living room again are remote, but you still have a fantastic experience.

Now, I'm going to go play....


_________________
"Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford

[sfhalo]

As jconstant (Jim) suggested, this was totally surreal! Having a guitar clinic in the living room of one the finest guitarists in the land and someone you respect much as a musician.......really unbelievable. Robben & Anne were incredibly gracious and accommodating to those of us who showed up for the clinic. To invite us into their home (yes, strangers!) was one of the nicest things I've ever had someone do. They could have just as easily cancelled the event, but I could tell that is something they'd never do. Considering the fact one of the attendees was from England, this was the nicest thing they could have done. This was the first clinic I've ever attended, but not the last. Robben's love of music and his approach to playing is something every guitarist should experience first-hand. Normally, the clinic has 25 attendees, but this one only had 10. Robben gave everyone who wanted the opportunity to play with him.......two very brave souls jumped in and did nicely. As I left the Ford's home, I was kicking myself for not stepping up and playing a bit with my all-time favorite guitar player. I guess that means I'll have to go to another clinic! But, as Jim mentioned, the chances of it happening in their living room are pretty remote! I learned much musically from the clinic, but the number one thing I came away with was just how nice Robben & Anne are. Also, I got to meet another member of this discussion group (jconstant) and I'm sure I'll see him again at another clinic. If you're a guitarist............I'd suggest doing whatever you have to do to attend one of Robben's clinics. You will not be disappointed!

[patocaster]

Thanks jc & Adrian for posting your 'home' clinic accounts. Sounds like a once in a lifetime experience. I'm sure the rest of us are kicking ourselves for not going. I have been meaning to go to one of Robben's clinics for some time now but there always seems to be something in the way, like a gig or a some other event. Anyway, it's inspirational to hear about and I admit to being jealous...

-Pat
________
Vapor Lounge

[gdolim]

What a great experience! You will probably remember that clinic as long as you breathe! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Peace.

[Jaba]

For those of you who used the downstairs powder room, I apologize. I didn't have a match on me. Sorry, it won't happen again.

[roadwarriorfortheblues]

Thanks for the reviews guys. Sounds like the clinic was a great experience. Did you go over any specific songs, or was the focus higher level stuff ?
_________________
Travelling by train of thought

[jconstant]

In the packet of stuff he gave us there was Moonchild Blues, although we didn't go over it as we have in past clinics. Also included (and new to me) was the chart for Cannonball and then a chart for Blues Alley (a Jing Chi song). We started to go over Blues Alley, but after a few minutes it was a little too much to digest so we scrapped the idea.

There were several other handouts as well that included lots of chords he likes to use and some recommended scales for various chords. Lots of great information.

Jim
_________________
"Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford

[sfhalo]

Awhile back, I remember reading a review of Robben's playing and having his sound described as "crystal chords." During the clinic, Robben really concentrated on chord structure.......not single note runs. Except for teaching his overall approach in transitioning from I to IV and V to I using certain scales, his alternate/altered chords really make up the basis for his teaching. Robben mentioned that years ago, he didn't consider himself a very good rhythm guitarist but, in my opinion, he's now one of the very best. On film or in person (or, in his living room!), it's very evident how important chords are to him. I think most folks listen to Robben's soloing sound, but the chords are really "it." Check out "Strong Will To Live" from the Handful of Blues CD. And, he mentioned that rhythm players get a lot more work than lead players! He have a very cool example of the Motown songs and how they sometimes used three guitar players to play simple fills. As I said previously........go to a clinic..........it's time & money well spent!

[BlueRunner]

Thanks for the great reviews! I'd done one of the Fall clinics each year for a number of years, but a conflicting event kept me away this year. Darn.

Not only must it have been great to be personally hosted by Robben and Anne at their home, but the chances of the Ojai Womens Center being double-booked are about as good as my chances of winning the California Lottery. Those of you who have been to the clinics know that as nice as the Center is, it's a bit dowdy and unravelling around the edges. One of the obvious problems is that it doesn't get much use. I wouln't be surprised if Robben's Clinics and the competing 10/14 event are among the only uses.

There are a lot of really wonderful houses in Ojai. One of the most engaging is the Pratt House, designed by the famous California Craftsman-style architects Greene & Greene, and occassionally opened to the public by the current owners for tours and receptions. For future reference, I can't imagine a nicer Ojai weekend than a clinic with Robben on Saturday, Anne singing in a local venue Saturday night, and a historic Ojai home tour on Sunday. (Ah yes, but as I believe JohnnyZ observed, my full name is BlueRunnerTravelAgent.)

Thanks again.
_________________
- BlueRunner

[JohnnyZ]