Robben Ford Starts it Up

Robben Ford at Portland's Aladdin Theater. What a show last Tuesday night. The Author's current guitar favorite, Ford did not disappoint. He blazed through a long set with bass and drums providing the low-end and rhythms required to support his stratospheric, highly technical licks. This guy can do it all. That's why Muscian's Magazine named him one of the best guitarists of the 20th century.

Ford got his first professional gig at 18, and since then he's backed up Charlie Musclewhite, Jimmy Witherspoon, George Harrison and Joni Mitchell. He was a founding member of the Yellowjackets, marking his side-trip into jazz fusion. He's played with Miles, and more recently toured with Larry Carlton. I saw that paring at the Britt Festival a couple of seasons ago and was seriously impressed. Read an interview with Robben Ford here.

The Rose City's Aladdin Theatre is an old-fashioned small venue. About 600 seats, no reservations. They serve beer, wine and lots of pizza. The audience often gets good and tight. Altogether perfect for the Robben Ford Blues Band, including Larry Carlton's son Travis on bass. Here's a couple of vids from previous concerts. Enjoy.




Playing Blues standard "Worried Life" as well as anybody can...