Mitch Gallagher sits down with world-famous blues guitarist and composer Robben Ford. He talks about recording in Sweetwater Studios with his band, writing music, improvising rhythm parts, and much more.
"A great musician wants to communicate … his first interest isn't to impress. His instinct is to communicate. I think that's what the essence of being a great musician, or anything else, is that you want to connect" - Robben Ford
I think there's one trait that Robben missed, probably because he has so much of it; humility. I believe every great musician never reaches a place of completion, because there's ALWAYS something new to learn. Real wisdom is being aware of how much you don't know...
@Michael Hanby I couldn't agree more. He's the most humble , yet brilliantly gifted musician that I've witnessed, watching interviews. Great observation ( I.M.O. ) 🙂
Mr. Ford is such a sincere, humble and good hearted person. ❤ Not saying he's a Saint. Who is? and I think it he would not be comfortable with such talk. He's so so reticent to hold is head too high. Love, love, and appreciation ❤
believe or not the most important part of the musician is what did put on the record..if is a "new thing"new sound " or nice melody solo" that people get infections to listen over and over the world will remember you, that is Robben Ford
Fantastic interview. Why have I not taken the time to learn more about Robben in the past? Such a fascinating guy who's passion is evident even with his low key demeanor.
very nice interview. great journalist with very musical ears. very interesting and open musician. so much knowledge going on between them in this talk.
"The electric guitar is necessary for the blues..." Spoken by a genius. Thanks for all that you do, Robben Ford. This electric guitarist will always love you for it.
This is a very good interview with an outstanding musician and guitar player. Robben sounded great playing (ultra) slowblues in A flat major with Jimmy Witherspoon in 1977, and he still sounds as good as ever. Just amazing!
Robben plays rhythm guitar like a keyboardist: chord inversions, double stops, rhythm accents. Well rounded player. He also played saxophone very early in his career.
Absolutely fab interview Mitch! Thank you Sweetwater for giving Mitch the forum for these interviews. I first say Robben around 1979 or so when his first solo album came out. My only wish is Robben had a guitar plugged in so he could demonstrate the musical techniques he was discussing to aid us learning musicians.
It’s not easy to interview this well! Succinct, thoughtful, FRESH questions without an ounce of presumption or awkwardness. So great, such a treat to watch. Thank you!
Mitch, you're doing such a great job. This is the best interview that I've heard with Robben Ford! And I think I've heard almost every interview! :) kind regards from Sweden!
What a great interview! Way beyond " what kind of pedals do you use and what was your first guitar) only possible with an interviewer who has an in depth knowledge about music and improvisation and harmony. This was really a pleasure. thank you
Jing and Chi are two of the Three Treasures of Chinese Tonic Herbalism going back five to ten thousand years. The Third Treasure is Shen. Once again, the Three Treasures are Jing, Chi and Shen. Jing is essence. Chi is energy. And Shen is wisdom/compassion.
21:20 not true, robben! i genuinely feel that your guitar playing in the early 80s with the yellowjackets is some of the most killer playing to have ever happened in the jazz fusion realm -- your '81 montreux gig has to be uncontested for the most slept-on jazz record.
i was wondering if he every thought about way back in ukiah high school days ,i would like to hear and see in detail of the early years,just sayin,i know little ,and found out i know nothing being from ukiah now in tenn.anyway just spaced out ,ok am back,great video,one of robbens best,just sayin
It's really interesting how at the end Robben is asked to define a "great" musician and, however unintended, he seems to describe the characteristics of a person exactly as he's demonstrated himself to be over the course of the interview. Of course, he's genuinely too humble to have meant the description for himself, but if the shoe fits . . .
"Jing Chi is basically just a recording band consisting of Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and Jimmy Haslip on bass and myself" That's not "just a recording band"...that's a POWER TRIO!
Blues guitarist, rock guitarist, jazz guitarist, fusion guitarist...Well, I guess Robben's an everything guitarist. Over the decades there's no one I'd rather listen to.
