Blues guitarist, Robben Ford (Yellowjackets), has a new album on Concord Records titled "Truth". The blues will never die is an axiom proven over and over again, but it does change shape. Robben Ford's latest release presents blues as they are today: in a powerful setting only a master veteran like Ford could envision. "The blues have always been socio-political", says Ford. In the opening song "Lateral Climb", he addresses the 9 to 5 grind, credit card debt, and the political frustrations we all experience. "Peace on My Mind" was inspired by Willie Dixon's "It Don't Make Sense, You Can't Make Peace", which Ford describes as an anti-war song without being too preachy. "If you're pointing the finger, no one wants to hear it. It's a portrait rather than a sermon. The truths I describe are self evident" In this set, Ford also incorporates playful tunes, like "You're Gonna Need a Friend", co-written by his wife and singer Anne Kerry Ford. In it, Ford subverts blues clichés, such as the evil lady who bedevils her victim. Other tracks on the album include a funky cover of Paul Simon's "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor", which features guest vocals by Susan Tedeschi, as well as loyal version of Otis Redding's early B-Side, "Nobody's Fault But Mine". This is an album from a jazz electric guitarist that has a splash of soul, a pinch of R & B and a dash of jazz. All of these genres mixed together form a musical brew that will enthrall listeners, and Ford's emotive lyrics will put the poignant feeling over the top. My favoutite tracks are : "Riley B. King", which has bluesier guitar work with a slow pace, "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man Floor" (on which Susan Tedeschi, with her soulful voice literally saves a cover of Paul Simon's song ) and "River Of Soul". I'm loving it. You will like it for sure!
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