Robben Ford is a very well known, and admired guitarist. His singular sound has covered, blues, jazz, and folk, and he has played with household names including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt. Two Shades of blues features a number of originals, and some choice covers, recorded by two different line ups either side of the Atlantic, featuring crack musicians from the session scene.
The three instrumentals find Ford pushing his instrument to the limits, a tendency that won him a place with Miles Davis, and his jazz sound and playing is succinct and to the point. Given the calibre of the musicians involved, there would be reason to expect some grandstanding, but the playing is to the point, from the soul gospel take of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy to the brass section playing of Perfect Illusion, with its easy going keyboard heavy groove, and a strong rhythm section.
“the album is an attractive addition to his sonic arsenal”
This is a good song that moves effortlessly between genres and is always tuneful and a good listen. The three instrumentals that close the album, include the uplifting funk of Feeling’s Mutual. Black Night and Two Shades of Blue are also good showcases for the bluesier side of Ford’s talents. The album is very well mixed and produced, with a modern sound, and good separation between the instruments and the parts. This is a good album, full of interesting sounds and styles, and a different sound, with telling solos from other instruments.
First thought of as a tribute to the late Jeff Beck and his soloing, this album contains plenty of that, and Ford’s snappy Stratocaster sound that is evident throughout the album is an attractive addition to his sonic arsenal.
BEN MACNAIR
