We saw the five-time Grammy nominee guitar genius ROBBEN FORD playing live this week at the stunning music venue “Under the Bridge” at Chelsea F.C. In West London.
His broad discography, which encompasses more than 35 albums, has been topped off by a superb new album “Into The Sun” which the man himself describes as — “one of the top recordings I’ve ever done.” And here at RAW RAMP we have described as “stripped back magnificence and easy-going, cool-headed grandeur…”
Nagging riffs that break into golden-dawn moments [when least expected] and of course tantalizing snippets of audacious sound matched with hypnotic string-play is what a FORD show is all about. There was plenty of fresh and rocking numbers from his new album at Stamford Bridge. With enough clever permutations and deviations to delight the most demanding of fans.
“High Heels and Throwing Things” is one of stand out tracks from the newest album “Into the Sun” — this is the number recorded with Gov’t Mule frontman Warren Hayes.
It’s a number that translates particularly well to stage. With an urging bass line from the intense yet efficient BRIAN ALLEN that squirted rather than slapped across those lemon twists of vinegary guitar. The cantering beat from WES LITTLE on drums pulled the main-share of sound across hardpan rhythms.
Ford’s tribute to electric guitar genius Freddie King “Cannonball Shuffle” [found on his “Keep On Running” disc] was urgent and forceful with flutters of riff and perplexity within its many enlacements.
This was a show filled with hot cooked and refined temperament. Silkily smooth at times… yet without losing any of its raw beauty or flavoured experimentalism.
When you want to go deep into the blues, this is the only way to go!
Words & Pictures: @neilmach 2016 ©
Link: robbenford.com
Into the Sun by Robben Ford is out now on PROVOGUE RECORDS
TONIGHT: The Stables Milton Keynes, United Kingdom @StablesMK
RAW RAMP 