Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
Five-times Grammy Award nominee Robben Ford has been recording music for over 50 years now. Throughout those years Ford has turned to many musical genres.
Jazz, blues and rock, forming the main focus of the prolific guitarist’s recorded output both as a solo artist and with many luminaries such as Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Witherspoon and Michael McDonald to name but a few. Two Shades Of Blue (released via Artone/Provogue on April 17th) is a distillation of his career featuring cool blues and funked up jazz within its eight tracks. The album started life as a Jeff Beck tribute album but evolved into a much more expansive project recorded both in the UK and across the pond in the US.
Feel the groove as we kick off with Make My Own Weather. Rob Malarkey’s big bass sound and Ianto Thomas’ drums build a heavy funky rhythmic intro before the initial cries of Ford’s bluesy guitar pierce the atmosphere. The instrumentation carries us on a search for freedom ‘up to the northern lights or down to southern Mexico’ as we ride on ‘two wheels… out of misery’ accompanied by wave after wave of triumphant horns augmented by the sensational keyboard skills of Jonny Henderson, latterly of the Elles Bailey Band. Ford’s euphoric guitar and joyful vocal emphasising the emotional release of a man released from superficial bonds reclaiming his true identity.
It’s a brave artist indeed that chooses to cover such a classic as Lennon’s Jealous Guy. That didn’t deter Bryan Ferry – Roxy Music’s rework reached number one in 1981 – likewise in 2026 the veteran Ford transforms the revered 1971 track from the historic Imagine album. The omission of strings and whistling provides a totally different take on a much loved tune which may prove a step too far for many. However Ford’s delightful guitar picking intro and soft, delicate vocal combined with lavish layers of Henderson keys and a funky horn section ensures that this profound orchestral rework will most certainly appeal to those of an open mind.
Perfect Illusion is an apt title for an original track which sounds like it could be an undiscovered Elton John number. Ford’s vocal duet with Neil Cowley’s upbeat piano responsible for creating such a similar vibe to that of the Rocket Man’s greatest hits. The stellar brass section of Paul Booth (sax), Ryan Quigley (trumpet) and Trevor Mires (trombone) once again provide a soulful dimension.
The blues comes to the fore in the shape of a cover of Charles Brown’s 1951 release Black Night. The simplicity of the original is bolstered by the brass section who awaken the senses with a big band intro. Ford displays his prowess with a scintillating display of guitar throughout a typical blues tale of heartbreak and despair brought about by the departure of a loved one. ‘No one cares about me… When will my troubles end… I hate to be alone’. Despite the downhearted nature of the tune Ford’s guitar and Henderson’s keys are sure to delight as this classic is revived with a fresh, modern approach.
The first of four instrumentals title track Two Shades Of Blue is also the final track garnered from the UK sessions for this album. Ford introduces the listener to his jazzier side as guitar, keys and brass permeate the airwaves. Henderson’s keyboard finale is breathtaking.
The remaining three tracks The Fire Flute, The Light Fandango and Feeling’s Mutual are all that remains of Ford’s original plans for a Jeff Beck tribute album. All three are instrumental and recorded at Sweetwater Studios in Indiana with a lineup of Ford on guitar, Gary Husband (drums), Darryl Jones (Bass) and Larry Goldings (keys). Ford’s guitar work is extravagant and reflects the innovative techniques Beck displayed throughout his career. Sit back and lose yourself as the quartet traverse a sonic soundscape throughout each of the trio of tracks. Funk trades places with jazz fusion. Each musician taking turns to display their talents just as audiences witnessed in the legendary Beck gigs of the past. Who needs lyrics when music is this good. Breathtaking stuff.
Robben Ford Online
