Growing up in the ’60s, a teenaged Robben Ford spent countless hours listen… Read Full Bio ↴Growing up in the ’60s, a teenaged Robben Ford spent countless hours listening to artists like Aretha and Otis, at the same time soaking in guitar blues from Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King. In his early 20s, Ford went on to join blues luminary Jimmy Witherspoon’s band. But soon, Ford experienced a diversion from the genre. In 1974, the guitarist was discovered by saxophonist Tom Scott, whose progressive fusion group, L.A. Express, then teamed up with Joni Mitchell to support her Court and Spark tour and play on two of her albums (1974’s Miles of Isles and 1975’s The Hissing of Summer Lawn).
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.”
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.”
The Miller's Son
Robben Ford & The Blue Line Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'The Miller's Son' by these artists:
D'Jamin Bartlett I shall marry the miller's son, Pin my hat on a…
Leighann Larkin I shall marry the miller's son, Pin my hat on a…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Robben Ford & The Blue Line:
Busted Up Busted up over you, busted up over you Well, you take…
Chevrolet Buy you a Chevrolet Buy you a Chevrolet Buy you a Chevrolet …
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood Baby, do you understand me now, sometimes I feel a…
Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin' Don't let the sun catch you cryin' Cryin' at my front…
Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying Don't let the sun catch you crying, crying at my…
He Don't Play Nothin' But The Blues Met a young man up in New York City Don't carry…
Help The Poor Help the poor, Won't you help poor me? I need help from…
I Don't Play Met a young man up in New York City Don't carry…
I Just Want To Make Love To You I don't want you to be no slave I don't want…
I'm A Real Man I'm a real man, got some real guitar I'm a…
Lovin' Cup Early in the morning when the sun come up You're sittin'…
Misdirected Blues Baby used to want me, now she says, it's time…
Moth to a Flame something tells me yes something tells me no I see danger su…
My Love Will Never Die You've done me wrong for a long, long time And all…
Mystic Mile Somewhere over my left shoulder There's a man who waits He's…
Politician Hey now baby get into my big black car I want…
Prison Of Love you used to be my good thing but I abused…
Rugged Road When I lost my way, found myself on rugged road…
Running Out On Me It's time to face it, the simple facts are clear that…
Say What's on Your Mind You've got to say what's on your mind Don't be afraid…
Start It Up my, my, my I'm loving what you do to me you…
Strong Will To Live If you lose your woman, please don't lose your mind If…
Talk To Your Daughter Momma, Papa, please talk to you daughter for me Momma,…
Tell I'm Your Man tell me, tell me I'm your man there's a need…
The Brother Hey, brother It's been too long So I put out my hand I…
Think Twice Here I stand baby, holding out my hand You need…
Tired of Talkin Baby I'm out of breath, we're talkin' our selves to…
Top Of The Hill No need to hide it, or to deny it, I'll…
Trying to Do the Right Thing Your eyes look out at me and I know what…
When I Leave Here Time was baby when you treated me right You used to…
Worried Life Blues Oh lordy, lord, oh lordy, lord It hurts me so bad…
You Cut Me To The Bone Nobody knows when it all began This kind of trouble between…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Robben Ford:
Ain't Got Nothin' but the Blues Ain't got the change of a nickel Ain't got no bounce…
Badge Thinkin' bout the times you drove in my car Thinkin' that…
Birds Nest Bound I'm going to build me a birds nest Right in the…
Blue & Lonesome I'm blue and lonesome Lord, as a man could be I'm blue…
Blue and Lonesome I'm blue and lonesome, As a man can be I'm blue and…
Bonnie Twenty-one days of travel I played twenty one night stands …
Born Under a Bad Sign One, two Born under a bad sign I been down…
Bound for Glory Say goodbye to your Little underdog No more run and catch Th…
Break in the Chain There's been a break in the chain A sudden break in…
Busted Up Busted up over you, busted up over you Well, you take…
Can't Let Her Go Careless since that day, I remember Pictures come from heart…
Chevrolet Buy you a Chevrolet Buy you a Chevrolet Buy you a Chevrolet …
Comin' Up [Pimp C] Hold up (Hold Up), we jammin' I can't let nobod…
Cotton Candy Cotton Candy With a racy line Drinks were handy Across the …
Cut You Loose Nobody knows when it all began This kind of trouble between…
Deaf Dumb And Blind I couldn't hear when you spoke to me and now you're…
Don't Deny Your Love There's a place I used to go Where deep waters would…
Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying Don't let the sun catch you cryin' Cryin' at my front…
Don't Lose Your Faith In Me I let you down And I know it And it was hard For…
Don't Worry 'Bout Me It′s not so bad to be alone I've got nobody bending…
Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood Baby, do you understand me now, sometimes I feel a…
Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky Everything I do gohn be funky! Everything I do gohn be…
Fool's Paradise My mother told me, my father said it too He said,…
For The Love Of Money Money money money money money Money money money money money…
For the One I Love I don't want you to be no slave I don't want…
Freedom relax you have nothing to fear the people all around you l…
Ghosts Ghost Of c Man 1st vs: Can you hear me calling Calling as…
Goin' Down Slow (speaks) Man, you know I've enjoyed things that kings and q…
Going down slow Man, you know I've enjoyed things that kings and queens…
Golden Slumbers Once there was a way, To get back homeward. Once there…
Good Thing You cover your senses You cover your eyes You tell…
Good To Love I didn't want to do it I thought I could take…
Hand In Hand With The Blues I watch the streets outside my window I wait but I…
Hard To Please Good mornin' baby what's the matter You didn't sleep so wel…
Help the Poor Help the poor, Won't you help poor me? I need help from…
Hey Brother Hey, brother It's been too long So I put out my hand I…
Homework Oh baby, you know I may be a fool I'm wastin'…
How Deep In The Blues It's none of my business giving advice You can take it…
I Can't Stand The Rain I can't stand the rain Against my window Bringing back…
I Got Over It I got over it finally got around it I got over…
I Just Wanna I don't want you to be no slave I don't want…
I Put a Spell on You I put a spell on you because you're mine You better…
If This I promise all that I have I'll give to you Your…
It's My Own Fault It's my own fault, baby Treat me the way you wanna…
Just Another Country Road Hooray for progress, good times have just begun We're travel…
Keep On Running Keep on running, keep on hiding One fine day I'm gonna…
Lateral Climb The sun heats up another working day Coffee, tea, and I'm…
Let Me In Baby, do you understand me now, sometimes I feel a…
Lovin Cup Early in the morning when the sun come up You're sittin'…
Make Me Your Only One I'm a drifter, I walk this world alone I'm a drifter,…
Me And My Woman Me and my woman don't get along one day at…
Moonchild Blues I had love all around me Now i'm all alone I was…
Moth To A Flame something tells me yes something tells me no I see danger su…
My Everything I love you endlessly I could love the moon and the…
MYSTIC MILE Somewhere over my left shoulder There's a man who waits He's…
Need Somebody All alone And I need somebody to love The night's grown long…
Nobody's Fault But Mine Nobody's fault but mine [Repeat: x 2] Trying to save my…
North Carolina In a small town, North Carolina There's a smile that relieve…
Nothing To Nobody I'm a father to my children I'm a husband to my…
Oasis Hyvyyden varjo peittaa kyyneleen, loytaneen luo vie askelee…
One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor There's been some hard feelings here About some words that …
Peace Love & Understanding As I walk through This wicked world Searchin for light in th…
Peace On My Mind Someone to rule the world, it wouldn't be me The planet's…
POLITICIAN Hey now baby get into my big black car I want…
Raining in My Heart It's raining on the outside And it said it's raining in…
Red Rooster I have a little red rooster He's too lazy to crow…
Riley B. King He's a king without a castle or crown And every…
River Of Soul Travel on so Sometimes you feel lonely People come and the…
Rose Of Sharon I lead with my left You lead with your right The dust…
running out on me It's time to face it, the simple facts are clear that…
SAY WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND You've got to say what's on your mind Don't be afraid…
Something For The Pain Time to search my soul Now that I'm alone And I need…
Sometime Love When you fall for a love that you'll never possess It…
Spoonful Could be a spoonful of coffee Could be a spoonful of…
Start It Up my, my, my I'm loving what you do to me you…
Strong Will To Live If you lose your woman, please don't lose your mind If…
Supernatural This world?s a tortured place to be So many things to…
Talk to Your Daughter Momma, Papa, please talk to you daughter for me Momma,…
Tell me tell me, tell me I'm your man there's a need…
The Brother Hey, brother It's been too long So I put out my hand I…
The Way You Treated Me When I first met you baby You were so nice and…
There'll Never Be Another You There'll Never be Another You 8 bar intro Oh, she knows …
Think Twice Here I stand baby, holding out my hand You need…
Tired of Talkin' Baby I'm out of breath, we're talkin' our selves to…
Top of the Hill No need to hide it, or to deny it, I'll…
Trying to Do the Right Thing Your eyes look out at me and I know what…
Up The Line You used to love me Said I was your one desire You're…
Water For The Wicked All the misguided people Have no place to rest Given to thei…
What I Haven't Done I'm better off for what I haven't done I'm better off…
When I Cry Today Something has happened to me I'm lost and unrequited The t…
when i leave here Time was baby when you treated me right You used to…
Wild About You I′m just wild about you baby, Do you ever think of…
Wild About You (Can't Hold Out Much Longer) I'm just wild about you baby, Do you ever think of…
Wild Honey Miracle miner Trying to reach a star Head in a tangle Headed…
Worried Life Blues Oh lordy, lord, oh lordy, lord It hurts me so bad…
You Got Me Knockin' You took me to the city baby From a little country…
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