Robben Ford Discussion

[fingerlakes]

I joined this forum back in July and wrote a review of Robben's concert in Syracuse, NY. Since then I check in weekly and post when I feel I have something to contribute. I enjoy reading the posts here and have learned a lot.

I do not play the guitar ( air version only ) but have always been fascinated by talented guitar players. I am 50 years old and grew up with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. My mother was an opera singer when I was young and I grew up with classical music in our home all the time. I took piano and trumpet lessons as a kid and sang in chorus. In college I was in orchestra and chorale. I still accompany our school chorus on piano at times and sing in a choral society in Ithaca, NY.In live in the Finger Lakes region of NY state halfway between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes and about 30 minutes from Ithaca or Watkins Glen. My father in law is a professional musician who plays Tenor sax and a Hammond B3 organ with various groups in the Syracuse and Rochester, NY area. Upon college graduation in 1976, instead of pursuing music I used my business degree and went to work for a company that I still work for today. I regret that decision at times but i enjoy my work and it pays the bills. I am married ( 20 years ), and my wife is a 4th grade Special Ed teacher in a local public school district.

Now to Robben. A friend turned me on to his CD's about 10 years ago, and i saw him live for the first time this past summer. My 14 year old son was equally impressed. Robben appears to be about the same age as I am, and carries himself with grace and humility. Not something too common in today's musicians. Nothing he does seems to say " Hey, Look how great I am ". This is the reason I like his playing the most. He can ride the beat and play a beautiful phrase without trying to see how many notes he can cram into 8 measures. I've always loved the sparseness of the Miles Davis sound where each note has meaning and the playing of an extended,single note can raise goosebumps on my flesh. I love Mr Ford's playing for the same reasons. We all know he can play fast but there sure is a hell of a lot more to it than that. When I heard him play " It Don't Make Sense" this summer, the guitar solo blew me away with it's simplicity and true beauty. It was a lot more than a Willie Dixon blues solo and each note spoke to me about the message behind this particular tune. I'm certain that's the way Robben intended it.

Although I have loved this tune since I first heard it on The J.Geils Band's first record, I'm growing weary of 2 teenage sons singing to me " I Can't Do My Homework, Anymore ". I guess I have Robben to thank for making such a kickass version of this classic tune.

OK,enough for now. It's a pleasure to be a part of this great board and thanks for making it available to Robben and music fans everywhere. I would also like to thank Kirk and the others who have made their playing available for us to listen to. I am very envious of your talents.

[midc74]

Nice to meet you fingerlakes.

I feel the same way about Robben's playing. He plays with sooo much feeling. Like you said, it's not about how many notes you can fit in a measure. Or just playing the same 'ol licks over a standard progression. Each note has meaning, and his melodic choice of them moves his listeners.

That made me laugh when I read about your sons, and "homework".

ttyl,
Patrick