Robben Ford Discussion

PaulG

http://www.lobero.com/calendar/index.php?display=event&id=738&returnto=l

Looking forward to this!

PaulG · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:27 pm Post subject:

Due to the overwhelming response to this post, I feel compelled to provide a short review of the event. This was a benefit concert for The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP), which uses rhythm and drums to help people with disabilities improve their skills. TRAP is the brainchild of drummer Eddie Tuduri, who broke his neck while surfing.
The night was co-hosted by actor Edward James Olmos and the Doors John Densmore. They kicked off the show by sharing some stories of the LA music scene in the late 60s.
Brazilian percussionist Airto provided a 10 minute 'blessing' of rhythm and voice which was amazing. He used only his voice and a tamborine, but it sounded more like a small ensemble. He joined in later with the band. He also performed a duet with a TRAP beneficiary, which was pretty cool.

Robben and the Yellowjackets then began their portion of the show. Bob Mintzer did not show, due to a previous engagement. Robben started the night with his well checked SG. (powered by the Dumble)
I cannot provide a setlist, as I'm not that familiar with Yellowjacket songs from years past. However, they pretty much alternated between YJ songs and RF songs. I don't believe any Inside Story songs were played.
Needless to say, all musicians were impecable. Beyond amazing. All were relaxed, smiling, and seemingly having a great time.
Robben switched to an Epiphone Sheraton (I think), with mini-humbuckers, midway through 'Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying'. I felt this was a huge improvement over the SG. And Robben's playing seemed to really take off then. Robben seemed to really play off of Will Kennedy, as they exchanged mutual grins.
Ferrante and Haslip were perfect as usual.

Ironically, no fewer than 4 photographers were busy all night documenting the show. (no flashes, of course). At least one was shooting video, so I'm hoping something will pop up somewhere for us to view in the future.
Olmos himself was taping on his iPad.

They played an encore jam, which included Olmos winging his thank yous to the band and the audience. After the encore, Robben stepped forward twards a kid 2 seats to my left (about 10 years old), and offered him his guitar pick. The kid was grinning all the way out of the theater. Nice gesture by Robben.

I've stated before, my favorite RF performances are when he plays with other musicians of his stature. This was no exception. I can't remember a better RF show. Let's hope it shows up somewhere in video.

ps. Here is a link I found with a recent RF interview.
http://music-illuminati.com/interview-robben-ford/

diatonicdude · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 2:45 am Post subject:

Hi Paul,

many thanks for the review, much appreciated. It's interesting to hear your comments about Robben's guitar choice. He apparently really likes the SG over everything else at the moment. Sounds like a good time was had by all, and that's what its all about in my book!!

Cheers,

DD
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Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.

PierreL · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 2:59 am Post subject:

Paul, that was a great review. As always, I wish I could attend this kind of event... I'm just a few thousand miles too far Smile

PaulG · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:16 am Post subject:

Thanks DD.
Yea, I felt the SG was lacking a little depth or something, considering the rig and the player. It was strong sounding, but lacked clarity and definition.
I was surprised to see him change to the Epi in mid song. I couldn't tell how old it was, but it was honey-burst. Looked really nice.
It's sound was so much more Dumblesq and rich.

If anyone has any info on this Epi, please share.

ducharme-jones · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:45 am Post subject:

I was in Ojai last month at Robben's master class. He had the SG with him and said he was still trying to get used to it. I think he's been playing it for about a year. We'll see if it remains one of his main go to's.
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AlChuck · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that interview link. Happy to see Robben had a new album in the works.

When I saw Robben a couple of weeks ago at Yoshi's in Oakland, he had four guitars - his old Tele, the Epi, the Sakashta Les Paul, and a Gibson Firebird. He played the Tele all night except for strapping on the Firebird for one song...