The blues will never die is an axiom proven over and over again, but it does change shape. Robben Ford's latest Concord Records release, Truth 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."
Widely recognized by peers and critics alike for his mastery of the guitar, Robben's impressive résumé includes performances with such heavyweights as Jimmy Witherspoon, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison and Miles Davis. Ford was named one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician magazine, and his superlative instrumentalism is particularly evident on this new release. His guitar solos have never been more expressive or exciting and the musical settings (largely a product of live studio performances) are full of surprises, drama and humor.
His abilities as a guitarist aside, Ford says it is songwriting that he has used to push himself to grow as a musician. "I love playing, but I want my music to be about something. It's the context- the song that gives the playing purpose."
Photography by George Wells
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