Monday, 7 April 2014

Record Review - Robben Ford

Published in the Shortlist section of The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday March 28.

Robben Ford
A Day In Nashville
Provogue Records

Almost five decades into a career that’s seen him play with the likes of Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell and Dizzy Gillespie, Robben Ford releases what must surely rank as one of his best works yet – no mean feat for a guitarist many regard as one of the greatest blues/jazz players of our time.

Recorded in a single day in Nashville, hence the record’s name, Ford has, with the help of a stellar supporting cast (including members of Tony Bennett, Jason Isbell and Sting’s bands), continued to show he’s more than just a sideman.

Despite the recording location, the album is more New Orleans than Nashville, an invigorating blend of swamp/pop (Ford’s voice on Green Grass, Rainwater is eerily similar to Van Morrison’s), slow blues and N’Awlins swagger, courtesy in large part to the masterful addition of Barry Green on trombone. Add to that Ford’s trademark tasty guitar chops along with his ever-strengthening songwriting, and this is the mark of a man at the top of his game.
4/5

Samuel J. Fell






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