Today, possessing a résumé that includes stints with an impressively broad range of other musical personalities—Miles Davis, George Harrison, Little Feat, and the Yellowjackets, among many others—Ford has demonstrated an uncanny adaptability similar to that of the MG’s and the Muscle Shoals group. The guitarist has effortlessly traversed genres without compromising his exquisite, blues-based playing and singing. So it’s only natural that on his latest album, Keep On Running (CCD-2187), Ford tips his hat to Muscle Shoals and the MG’s, offering fresh takes on soul classics, in addition to serving up several glowing originals.
Keep On Running boasts a core group of heavyweight players—bassist Jimmy Earl and drummers Toss Panos and Steve Potts. Ford couldn’t be happier with his co-conspirators. Of the low-end, he raves, “Jimmy’s just about my favorite bassist in the world. He has a great feel, and he and I see eye-to-eye in terms of time; Jimmy is so comfortable to play with.” Ford is similarly praiseful of his percussionists: “Steve plays so beautifully. He can do rhythm ’n’ blues in such an authentic way, while at the same time sounding incredibly fresh. And I’ve played with Toss on the road for a couple of years now; I’ve really benefited from his unique feel.”
Among other instrumentalists, Ford expanded the core group with a battery of keyboard players. But after the recording was completed, Ford, a relentless perfectionist, found that their sounds were incongruous. He explains, “At a certain point, I thought, ‘What’s wrong with this picture?’ It turned out I just didn’t want to hear the [Hammond] B3 [organ].” So Ford, himself a diligent multi-instrumentalist, redid most of the keyboard parts, using the more appropriate-sounding Wurlitzer electric piano.
Ford’s journey throughout this CD, his second for Concord Records, covers many musical miles. Starting things off, the title track is a fresh though faithful cover of the Spencer Davis Group classic, which captured a then 17-year-old Steve Winwood on vocals. Joining the core cast here are Bob Malach on tenor sax and Edgar Winter on baritone; Ford expertly handles the guitar, vocal, and keyboard parts. “I really dug this record when I was growing up,” says Ford. “I’d been wanting to hear it again, but it only recently became available on CD. My producer [John Wooler] also had this song in mind. We worked up an arrangement at rehearsal recorded it.”
“Over My Head” showcases Ford’s organic, breezy compositional style in a song dealing with the oldest of subjects: man chases woman, followed by heavy infatuation. Here, his smooth, blues guitar screams and moans in a perfect extension of the song’s soulful vocals. “‘Over My Head’ came from a casual guitar riff that I found myself playing one day,” says Ford. “The words tumbled out quite naturally. The riff seemed to suggest something many men go through as one point, or many times—meeting a woman you know is dangerous but find completely irresistible.”
Ford was at first uncertain about “Can’t Do My Homework,” originally recorded by Otis Rush. The guitarist says, “We played the song, but it has such a camp lyric. It felt so good, though, and was so much fun to play, that we just had to use it.” And it is such an enjoyable listen, too. Showcased here are Ford’s gorgeous guitar tones and sharp, playful improvisations, which never stray too far from Rush’s original version.
On “Badge” (written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, and recorded by Cream), Ford offers another respectful cover, his smooth vocals backed by those of Siedah Garret (the singer also appears on “Bonnie”), and his creamy guitar tone recalling that of Clapton, while retaining Ford’s own unmistakable imprint. “I’ve always loved the first Cream album, which is brilliant,” says Ford. “Recording ‘Badge’ was John Wooler’s idea. I’m glad he suggested it; the song so was nice to use as a touchstone, since I had worked with Harrison, and he had recently passed away. You can really hear his influence in there, as well as Clapton’s.”
“Peace Love & Understanding” finds Ford using R&B to smooth out a more rocking version recorded previously by Elvis Costello. On this outstanding song, Ford duets with the legendary Mavis Staples (who, incidentally, began her recording career at Stax/Volt in 1969, backed by the MG’s) commenting on the difficult times as of late. Ford explains, “I have to say that I didn’t grow up listening to Elvis Costello. But this song presented a great opportunity: I don’t like what’s going on in the world right now, and “Peace Love & Understanding” expresses a beautiful sentiment.
A smart blues instrumental, “Cannonball Shuffle” was written by Ford for Freddie King. The composition showcases Ford’s gutsy though refined playing, in addition to some fine soloing from Malach. Ford says, “While planning this album, Wooler and I were talking a lot about Freddie King. As a youngster, I’d never gotten next to him, but now that I’ve taken the time to get inside his style, I modeled ‘Cannonball Shuffle’ after tunes like ‘Hideaway’ and ‘The Stumble.’”
The album’s second half—“Me and My Woman,” “Bonnie,” “Lifetime Thing,” “For the Love of Money,” and “Hand in Hand With the Blues”—maintains a similar vibe. It’s at once old-school and, thanks to Ford’s outstandingly fresh playing, contemporary. Ford says, “This is the music I grew up with, when things were more carefree. For me, the album is full of nostalgia. I think we could all use some of that kind of feeling today.”
Start It Up
Robben Ford & The Blue Line Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you got a motor like a brand new car
so start it up for me
yes, yes, yes something in your sexy ways
yes, yes, yes gonna love you all of my days
so start it up for me
start it up, start it up you make me feel like romancin'
start it up, start it up you make me feel like dancin'
you got a motor like a brand new car
so start it up for me
the way you move such a finely tuned machine mmm,
such a solid groove the best I've ever seen
you got a motor like a brand new car
so start it up for me
the way you move such a finely tuned machine yes,
such a solid groove the best I've ever seen
you got a motor like a brand new car
baby start it up for me
start it up, start it up
you make me feel like romancin'
start it up, start it up
you make me feel like dancin'
you got a motor like brand new car
so start it up for me
start it up
The lyrics to Start It Up by Robben Ford & The Blue Line are a clear ode to the power and sensuality of the human body, likening the object of the singer's affection to a finely tuned machine or a brand new car. The repeated phrase "start it up for me" conjures images of ignition and motion, suggesting an intense desire for physical intimacy with the subject. The metaphor of the motor or engine is used to describe the physicality and movement of the body, emphasizing its power and beauty.
The lyrics also focus on the effect that the subject has on the singer, with phrases like "you make me feel like romancin'" and "you make me feel like dancin'." These lines suggest a deep connection between physical attraction and emotional intimacy, as the singer describes feeling both desire and joy in the presence of the subject. The repetition of the phrase "start it up" throughout the song emphasizes the urgency and excitement of the singer's feelings.
Overall, Start It Up is a celebration of the human body and the power of physical desire, expressed through the metaphor of a car or motor. The lyrics create a vivid image of the subject as a powerful and sensual being, inspiring the singer to pursue a deeply intimate connection.
Line by Line Meaning
my, my, my I'm loving what you do to me
I am really enjoying the way you are treating me
you got a motor like a brand new car
so start it up for me
You have a great body and energy, so please show it to me
yes, yes, yes something in your sexy ways
yes, yes, yes gonna love you all of my days
Your attractive mannerisms and personality make me fall in love with you
start it up, start it up you make me feel like romancin'
start it up, start it up you make me feel like dancin'
you got a motor like a brand new car
so start it up for me
I feel so enamoured by you that I want to both dance and be romantic with you, and I want you to show off your energy to me
the way you move such a finely tuned machine mmm,
such a solid groove the best I've ever seen
The way you move your body is so in-sync and smooth, it's the best I have ever seen
baby start it up for me
Please show off your body and energy to me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBBEN FORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joseinesmagdalenosilva7849
My, my, my baby, you're my cup of tea
My, my, my I'm loving what you do to me
You got a motor like a brand new car
So start it up for me
Yes, yes, yes something in your sexy ways
Yes, yes, yes gonna love you all of my days
You got a motor like a brand new car
So start it up for me
Start it up, start it up you make me feel like romancin'
Start it up, start it up you make me feel like dancin'
You got a motor like a brand new car
So start it up for me
The way you move such a finely tuned machine mmm,
Such a solid groove the best I've ever seen
@juanb.s2484
The solo on this blues is why I started playing guitar. From Argentina ! ;)
@Alohaval808
What a sexy man....Robben's voice and guitar playing are awesome....I have been listening to him for year's and so enjoy his music!!!
@nelsensalling8676
Great ole song! I saw this same line up back when they first got together in a little club in North Hollywood. Place was packed with guitar players and lots of fans. What a night...He did a great version of "Start It Up"
@dubemccready7438
my cup of tea - good groovey beat.
@kevinarbogast9309
That blazer steels the show!
@Blkojo
That bass groove during the guitar solo is stellar...perfect.
@Munus43
The best. What a talent. For those who were not around then, the clothes were subtle. Listen and watch those hands.
@kutsbothways
Damn, I love this guy. He is a wellspring of guitar knowledge. I am happy just to cop a lick from him every now-and-then.
@bonkeydollocks1879
It's not about you
@laurentdelyon
when I see how easy Robben Ford is playing I will never get that far with my telecaster even if I would live a thousand years.This guy has a gift