Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 7:41 am Post subject: Robben Ford Clinic Report - Truly Inspiring
Hi, all; I'm new to this board; I usually hang out at the Gear Page, or the Two Rock Forum. Dave asked me to drop by and report on the clinic that RF gave on Monday night at GTN Studios in the Detroit area.
GTN is an audio and video postproduction studio, that mostly does advertising related work, but also does the occasional music video, CD project, etc. It's an incredible facility with world-class audio rooms. Because I'm a composer and producer of ad and other music, I was lucky enough to have been invited to meet Robben, attend a clinic, and bring along my guitar-playing son!
I'd say there were about 30 people in attendance, including well-known amp designer Guy Hedrick, of Guytron amp fame. The clinic was set up in one of GTN's gigantic film/sound stages, and we were all treated to an awesome spread of hors deourves and dinner before the clinic started. Robben brought along his Baker, and was set up to play through one of Guy's new amps, and a Bogner cabinet. A very fine local band was also set up to back him up when he performed; the guitar player had been one of Robben's students, and was also a sponsor of the event.
Robben spoke at length; it's hard for me to summarize what he had to say about playing, recording, and writing music in a way that does justice to the inspiration he gave a pretty sophisticated audience of professional musicians, ad creative types who also play, etc; let me just say that it was an unforgettable evening. Robben is a great, down to earth, guy who is all about what he's supposed to be about. What you see is what you get: a talented, brilliant, guy who loves what he does.
If you have questions or comments, post 'em, and I'll do my best to reply.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot: he played and sang with the band, gave wonderful musical examples of what he was talking about, etc.
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:09 am Post subject:
Thanks for the report! But based on my experience at one of the clinics, "what you see is what you get" just touches the surface. Yes, Robben is honest, funny, fun, a great teacher (in the true sense of "master") and right up front, so you do get what you see, but you also get some things that are hard to see, but as Robben talks or plays or asks questions you begin to get a feel for what's inside, a lifetime of truly caring about the music, and about the musicians he's worked with. _________________ - BlueRunner
>>but as Robben talks or plays or asks questions you begin to get a feel for what's inside, a lifetime of truly caring about the music, and about the musicians he's worked with.<<
Yes, that's exactly right. You said it better than I did.
Joined: 21 Feb 2004 Posts: 243 Location: Rochester, MI
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 6:24 pm Post subject: Detroit Clinic
As the event organizer and co-sponsor, I thought I'd chime in. The clinic was a great event!! The event was sponsored by GTN, and my firm Stout Risius Ross. It was a promotional event for the Detroit Blues Society.
I had the pleasure of studying with Robben 20 years ago at GIT, so it was great to have him in to do the clinic. The band that backed Robben up was part of my band, The Inside Story (founded 10 years ago and named after Robben's first record). The players included me (Jack DiFranco) on guitar, Steve Tocco on drums (from GTN), and one of Detroit's best bass players, Steve Bostick. It was big fun for us to play and I think the attendees enjoyed it as well.
Overall, the clinic was inspiring. Robben didn't get too technical (he didn't need to). He just spoke from the heart and reminded everyone about the beauty of simplicity and the groove.
The show the next night at the Magic Bag topped off a great two days.
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Thanks for the report! But based on my experience at one of the clinics, "what you see is what you get" just touches the surface. Yes, Robben is honest, funny, fun, a great teacher (in the true sense of "master") and right up front, so you do get what you see, but you also get some things that are hard to see, but as Robben talks or plays or asks questions you begin to get a feel for what's inside, a lifetime of truly caring about the music, and about the musicians he's worked with.
