The Robben Ford Interview

In this interview we go in depth with Robben Ford on The Blues, Influences and his unique guitar style.
#robbenford #theblues #robbenfordinterview
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[@18echosf]

Rick, wonderful interview. Here’s a small story about Robben: in 2006, I was one of only ten students in one of Robben’s private group guitar classes when he was living in Ojai, CA. The classes were normally held in the Ojai Women’s Resource Center but, on that particular Saturday, the room was overbooked and Robben’s wife, Anne, walked up to him and said, “we can’t have your lesson here today and we have to leave.” Robben looked around the room at all of us and said, “we’ll just go to our house.” So, we all got in our cars and followed Robben and Anne to their house. We had the only guitar class that was ever held in Robben’s living room and each of us had the opportunity during the day to actually play with him. Needless to say, it was one of the greatest musical days of my life. Think about that........a guitar lesson from Robben Ford in Robben Ford’s living room!!!! An incredible day!

[@chriswinter8255]

Great story!!! Thank you for sharing that. What a cool guy!

[@glassncobalt]

That's a life defining event, wow.

[@bluespig1]

@@glassncobalt No. Surviving a war or terminal illness is lifechanging. That was a guitar lesson with a bloke who released a few records. Keep some perspective in your life.

[@glassncobalt]

@@bluespig1 "life defining" and "life changing", not quite the same. Having just survived a "terminal illness", an oxymoron if there ever was, my perspective on life is quite intact. Cheers and good health to you.

[@babagadoush1]

Wow that’s so cool.

[@sharonraizor2839]

Rick Beato: Great interviewer. Knows when to speak, knows when to be silent. Doesn't have to fill in gaps with rhetoric. He really let Robben's thought process flow.

[@jeffmoore9487]

I'm unaware of his stuff, but to hear Robben talk on the general shape of music nowadays put my rambling thoughts about that in order. Really nice and understated.

[@sharonraizor2839]

@@jeffmoore9487 I hope you take time to listen to his stuff. Start with "Talk to Your Daughter". He is very modal. Great tone too.

[@dougrobinson8602]

Yes. Rick does great interviews. He realizes that he can say anything any time on his channel, but when he has a guest in for an interview, it's the guest we want to hear. Rick has awesome restraint in that area. So many interviewers want to be heard. Rick wants to get something out of a guest that he hasn't said before a bunch of times over in past interviews. More interviews would be great!

[@jeffmoore9487]

@@sharonraizor2839 I love to listen to BB King but have trouble getting into modern jazz. Words like modal intimidate me. I play and perform quite well but am firmly in the "school' of listening and singing and playing by precise imitation (long ago anyway) and guided searching and conscious invention. I wouldn't know a "flat 9" if it bit me. I'd also be surprised if I'm not already pretty advanced in "flat 9s" without "knowing" it. I call it "The Django School of Musical Illiteracy". We're a proud, even arrogant, bunch. I just listened to talk to your daughter. It's a tasty piece of 60's style blues for sure.

[@Art-zs6sl]

I was going to post the same thing.

[@jamescassidy3995]

I played drums for 4 sets with Robben at Frankfurt Messe some years ago - no rehearsals, no set list, totally winging it. He was the sweetest guy & one of the rare players who literally plays on flights of pure inspiration when the moment, the groove, the vibe takes him. Absolutely exhilarating. Present, focused, self contained, disciplined, educated & free all at the same time. A wonderful musician.✌️🎸🥁✨

[@garyssimo]

Well said!

[@user-fz3jv3gh8l]

very cool, i think some people get the misconception that he is a conceited a hole. hes my tone guru

[@groovelife415]

That's awesome. What I like about Robben is, as you mentioned, he's one of the sweetest guys you could meet. However, he will stand his ground and speak his mind. That kind of realness from a person is getting more and more rare these days. Robben is they type of person you wanted as a friend.

[@TheGreatGastronaut]

Truly a magic moment. Robben seemed very at ease and introspective. I’ve seen him live multiple times and attended some seminars he’s given. What you saw here is how he really is. Unpretentious, almost vulnerable and quite humble. The most memorable time for me was when he played a really small club in San Diego a couple of years ago and was backed by a trio of young players. I was in the front row, center with no stage and no security. It might as well been Robben’s living room. I was snapping cel photos of him at work and he was chuckling at it. At the break asked me why I was doing it. When I said that night just checked off a big item on my bucket list and wanted to be able to re-live the moment years later and be able to tell my grandkids, he handed me his ‘59 Les Paul and said we should take a proper photo together and we did, in front of the Dumble, with me holding the Les Paul. It’s framed on my desk, next to the photos of my wife and my son. I’m now complete.

[@marcussparkman7530]

Good for you! Isn't it great when your hero(s) turn out to be cool..!

[@stevekirby7333]

When he feels safe Robben is the coolest cat ever. But for many years he was kind a guarded around people he didn't know. He'd been burned by some unscrupulous album releases he didn't get paid for and didn't enjoy people recording him or taking bunches of pictures. He would expect people to just listen and feel what he was putting out. I'm fortunate to have a number of mutual friends and I've been in situations where he was really open and funny, and I've been around him in public situations where he seemed uncomfortable. He seems really relaxed here. Nashville has been good for him.

[@SRHMusic012]

That is just great. How cool is that?

[@mahoganymarco9199]

this is a wonderful story ! i really believe it Robben Ford ! you can feel robben Ford is really genuine

[@babagadoush1]

Oh man that’s special!

[@58deluxe8]

Far and away the best interview I've ever seen with Robben Ford.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Well said! I'm in total agreement.

[@jackhaugh]

It’s all about the questions and knowing the interviewee’s background, which Rick obviously does.

[@christopherhanna5754]

Agreed and I'm a big long time fan of his...

[@frankgreco]

"The cellphone... might have just killed virtually everything culturally." Says it all. Great interview Rick.

[@jas_bataille]

I have to wholeheartedly disagree with that. I love Roben - but that’s just not true. Finneas Eilish produced what is pretty much THE biggest album right now (Billie Eilish’s first album) in his room, and some tracks are actually samples they both recorded on their... cellphones. I started making tracks on it too, and it’s incredibly freeing to hve it in your pocket. So I mean such a powerful tool is always a double-edged sword... always. But my generation of artists now we got seriously fed up of this industry’s old ways and we are working the tranchees fucking hard. You might like it or not - Eilish fucking recorded 8 tracks pf her own voice over 100 takes to get one hook right for a couple bars, in the back of her brother’s room. I respect that. I don’t respect the “band in a box” bullshit and all that crap, but I love the democratization of music production and the fact a lot of people can collaborate remotely and harmonize themselves and stuff. Loopers too allow some folks to really play the band, bascially, and it’s fascinating. And now they have looper that follow the drummer’s beat to yeah ya know not have the stifness from the metronome.

[@frankgreco]

@@jas_bataille With all due respect, I think you are conflating technology, democratization, and poor engineering with Robben's point. Clearly, the tech makes it easier and as time goes on, digital approaches analog within an epsilon. And he's not agreeing with the "old ways" of the industry as superior. And no one would argue that historic bad engineering was accepted. Obviously, true artists can use whatever medium suits them. And Robben's point about monetization... no musician who wants to pay their bills would disagree. You point out one example. I can point to easily several hundred examples on Spotify, CDBaby, iTunes, etc within minutes. Robben's point is deeper than saying the new tech isn't good.

[@twangbarfly]

@@frankgreco Absolutely spot on!

[@charlesmintsa1157]

Wrong, as the first law of Lavoisier tells us in chemistry: “Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed”. The cell phone is just a tool that allows us to interact differently. It killed nothing, it just transformed whatever you think it killed. The challenge is to find what form did what you think was lost take!

[@frankgreco]

@@charlesmintsa1157 Dude... that's coarse-grained high school chemistry. That's not culture. Listen more deeply to what Robben Ford is saying.

[@mikejamieson6802]

I like seeing Robben getting a little pissed about the state and quality of music at present. He’s on point!

[@mizraim5890]

I agree with you @Mike Jamieson. Why should'nt he be like that, if new "great players" are scales or pedal players... I can divise some inflated players offshore (UK)... No soul in art anymore, just huge marketing on left overs of music ...

[@metaphoria3]

That rearranging the deck chairs line was awesome

[@SteveHermeyer]

Couldn’t agree more, I really can’t relate to what is called “music” now. It’s like the state of radio now without guys like Jim Ladd and Norman Davis.

[@megagatvol]

Robben is one of my favourite guitar players of all time….I saw him live in a tiny venue in Johannesburg South Africa…it was a seated venue but I eventually got up,walked to the front of the stage and sat down on the floor. At the end of the gig I was fighting away the tears…pure emotional gig…Robben gave me a handslap..I’d love to meet Duke Robillard sometime.

[@besnardphilippe7350]

You comment really resonate as I lived the same experience at a Robben show in HongKong where I use to live.I had the chance to speak to him after the show ,he really is the sweetest guy I met Duke Robillard in the same city,saw him in small clubs 3 times,I m a massive fan of his playing,he needed a slide that night and I had one,he looked for me after the show and personally gave it back,he explained that he loved this heavy brass slide that I had since the action on his guitar was on the low side.He seems to be a humble and a lovely person,and my god what a sound!I hope you will have a chance to meet him bro.cheers .

[@coryellcoryell1]

Hello Boet, it's great to see another Robben Ford fan from South Africa. Duke Robillard is also great.

[@jcmguitar8609]

Have never seen Robben more open and engaged in an interview. Extremely enjoyable video. Kudos to you Rick.

[@glassncobalt]

Rick is a true musical human.

[@wesboundmusic]

I concur. Takes an experienced interviewer to have someone settle into this relaxed and open, vulnerable a mind set and mood and feel safe and reassured enough to share some of these more profound personal insights in such a cool and unpretentious as well as non-proselytizing way. Interview "gold" in my book! Kudos! (and like I say in my other comment: It amounted to an almost spiritual experience for me today.)

[@neilcollman6284]

I’ve heard a LOT of interviews with Robben over the years Rick, but you genuinely trod new ground and he clearly respected your line of enquiry enough to open up about Miles. Genuinely laugh out loud, touching and insightful all at the same time.

[@AgileJazz]

Very well said, Neil. Thanks.

[@glassncobalt]

YES!!!!!

[@MrAxman53]

"Technique has become the art, [...] instead of having something to say..." I really liked what Robben had to say. Brilliant interview.

[@krishermstad]

I think this is just an antiquated way of looking at "having something to say." -- Blues licks don't "say more" than some complex line, anymore than that complex technical line "says more" than the blues licks. What exactly is Robben saying in his playing that other artists aren't? (Im a fan of his by the way)

[@Veaseify]

@@krishermstad Its the old 'tell a story' with your playing line. Basically have a beginning, a middle and an end with interesting parts all the way through. Some very technical players come out all guns blazing from the first bar and then there isn't really anywhere to go after that...

[@5piecekit]

@@krishermstad Music is a conversation, not a competition. As Ginger Baker said " It's not how fast you play. It's what you say." What are you communicating to your bandmates, to your audience? Even, perhaps ( if you believe 🙂) to your Creator. What story are you telling with your notes and phrases?

[@gregorymccasland2874]

What I love most about this interview is how they both held the guitars the whole time and they lay forgotten. The stories and the conversation were so genuine and real that actually playing anything would have diminished it. Perfectly done interview. There was no fluff. No random pictures images over a real and true discussion of ideas. It lacked all the BS that typically goes into an interview that just waste time. As in All that you do Rick....unique and inspirational.

[@garyssimo]

Those are actually. pacifiers...like teddy bears for kids..comforting makers of music. Just not right here.

[@deanzat]

Dear Robben, you may not have had a "hit" record, but you have an excellent record of improving people's lives with music. Thank you.

[@kellkeller858]

Miles Davis: "If you ever wanna come back, just come back". HOLY F**K, a standing invitation from the King of Kings. Thats' enough praise to last a lifetime. Great story.

[@jamesprice6381]

Thats obviously "nice" to me RF is stand alone, just like Jimmy Page. Beck, n Clapton, n Hendrix..

[@88Gibson1]

King of Kings that title belongs to Jesus.

[@Ethan-gf8te]

Rob Butler Guitar Amen! Jesus is the one true King of Kings!

[@dezionlion]

Rob Butler Guitar and Haile Selassie I

[@twangbarfly]

@@88Gibson1 Nah, you're getting mixed up - you're referring to "King of KingsTM"

[@Steve.Dennis]

I can’t believe how good Rick is an interviewing! He just gets the best out of these guys.

[@BoCoOverland]

That was the fastest 39 minutes of my life. It felt more like 5 minutes. Incredible interview, Rick. As Miles let Robben into his world, you let us deep into Robben's world. Thank you.

[@stephenfeldman8104]

I've never seen Robben enjoy himself this much in an interview. Kudos to you, Rick!

[@BryanWLepore]

“Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic” Nailed it!

[@Art-zs6sl]

Loved that line, reminds me of college jazz.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

@@Art-zs6sl Ugh, I live in Boston and there's a lot of "jazz players" that *really* want to show you how much theory they know. I'll always remember this one teacher I took 10 prep lessons from for college auditions. He said "Complexity and technicality are just tools to get your ideas across, not a substitute for them." Those 10 lessons are still benefiting me 15 years later. Smart dude, great player, even greater teacher.

[@chrisscott2498]

Yeah, I'm keeping that one. It's almost painful listening to him talk though...his words and body language pretty much tell how he feels about what's happening now, and he's truly pretty disgusted. Rick does a fine job with interviewing him though...he knows who he's dealing with, and makes him feel at ease, starting with the obvious, that being no banal, pointless questions already asked countless times. One of the best, of this there is no question.

[@operatingnurse]

Shots fired!

[@twangbarfly]

@@shawnmcvey7789 Too true - sounds like a great guy. Could you give us an idea of the gist of those vital lessons????

[@andrewthesea]

Just love the way Robben smiles. Lots of his character in his smile

[@909One92]

Rick you are one of those rare interviewers that actually allows his subject to speak and complete their thoughts. And he’s a great subject. An overlooked album of Robin’s is a live compilation called Discoverin’ The Blues which is how I discovered him.

[@effsixteenblock50]

Oh yeah Discoverin' the Blues. That's the one with the 2 tone dark blue & white cover IIRC. Some great early stuff on there. I think he plays sax on a tune?

[@oscarlopez1463]

“Music has been devastated” and he still keeps his kind of “sweet” tone. Musicians are the warriors of our time somehow. They do their thing even though the world has already forgotten them. I don’t mean they are the only heroes but most of them are all spirit.

[@danielbarry5547]

As much as I love Robben, I feel he shouldn't bash music of today...its just not productive.

[@danielbarry5547]

@@661ufos that's the same thing the older generation said about music back then lol

[@danielbarry5547]

@@RiggedVedist the older generation back then called miles music crap too lol nothing stays the same..and people will continue to say "it's not like it was" lol

[@danielbarry5547]

@@661ufos Big fiction, we wont know whats timeless until....

[@misterknightowlandco]

Pop music has always been 95% garbage. Today and yesterday. In the past though you could hear glimpses of good music or a genre would pop up and be popular for a moment that was good. You don't see that at all anymore. Quality hasn't peaked its head in pop in a long time, but thats all quality music has ever done in the pop realm. It peaks its head in, leaves a gem and goes back underground.

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

Robben is such a great down to earth guy who is an amazing player, i just wanted him to start playing that Les Paul so bad!

[@okgo8315]

What a lovely interview and what a lovely down to earth, humble man. I was eagerly waiting for him to play too. Had the great pleasure of doing the stage sound when he and the Yellow Jackets toured Europe backing Randy Crawford in the '80s. Brilliant band and stunningly brilliant guitarist. Unforgettable 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@markrichardsart2167]

Completely riveting and very emotional. He’s a huge hero of mine and I felt like he had come around for tea and a chat. Wonderful thanks Rick

[@jamarwright]

Rick, this is best interview I've seen yet with Robben Ford. You asked great questions and afforded him the opportunity to really process them and respond. He did a great job of sharing his thoughts and experiences. Thank you both for this.

[@markham56]

I do think that is the best interview with Robben I have ever heard. He seemed genuinely appreciative that you, Rick asked him more thoughtful and challenging questions. Great job!

[@mchristr]

Listening to Robben makes me so grateful to have grown up loving the blues. Fifty years later it’s still the bedrock of my listening and enjoyment.

[@carnivaltym]

What a jewel in the Crown of music educators and commentators Rick Beato is! Always enriching our knowledge and appreciation.

[@Theweeze100]

Hey Rick, you forgot to mention George Harrison in that litany of credits. I’ve seen Robben four of five times, never been disappointed but the best time was taking my son (who is a great player also) to a guitar clinic featuring him as their special guest. Robben spent about two hours playing, talking music theory, and when asked..telling stories about the folks he’s played with ( George Harrison, Joni Mitchell, and Miles). He was inspiring, humble and delightful to hang out with for an evening. The music store that put it on (long since boarded up) put out a spread of finger foods that made all of us music geeks feel like royalty. Definitely the best two hours of guitar instruction I’ve ever had. Especially for just 20 bucks! Ah..Those were the days! Thanks for having Robben on. Not many left who could tell us stories of having played with Miles...and a Beatle!

[@PC160]

Funny you mention that. I saw the George Harrison tour in Oakland, with Robben Ford on lead. He came out smoking! Harrison's face said it all. And, after the first song, he went over to Robben and made him turn down! Weird magic!

[@Theweeze100]

PC160 Yeah, that’s funny you would mention that. I grew up in Sacramento. The clinic I was talking about was at The Sound Chamber, and I have a friend who saw what I think was that same tour in Oakland. I think it was the Darkhorse tour? I remember him mentioning that Harrison‘s voice was a bit raspy, or horse. I thought it was a funny turn on words.

[@aquilarossa5191]

Beatified: When a player is called a legend by Rick Beato.

[@thomvogan3397]

So glad he acknowledged Mike Bloomfield who was the guitarist who first made me want to pick up a guitar and the one I wish I sounded more like

[@d5u2ke]

What an amazing interview! Thanks Rick. You do the BEST interviews! And Robben Ford is such a real and genuine human being! What a treat!

[@alanhirayama4592]

Robben Ford! So glad you spoke with him about his playing with the Yellowjackets! His solo on Monmouth College Fight Song was incredible, definitely worth a listen!

[@thejasonmathenyband8636]

Rick, thanks so much for this! This is the first time I've ever made a comment on anything but this was beautiful. Robben has so much to give but this is the first time I think any interviewer that I've seen has come close to really letting him do that. To be himself and speak from the heart about things that are important to him. When he talked about being in Miles' band I felt like I was there with them. 'Course I was shitting my pants, but that's not really what's important here. Anyway, incredible to see Robben like this! One of the best and most important interviews I've ever seen! Thanks again Rick

[@larydixon4824]

Hi Rick, you were really able to draw the elusive Robben Ford out into the daylight with this interview.. For all of his career I've never heard him open up quite like this before.. He seems to garner the same respect from All musicians, from Every genre, while Always maintaining his privacy and integrity.. He is such a masterful artist, and yet he has worked so hard to stay outside of the spotlight.. Very Rare Indeed.. You made him more comfortable and at ease than I have ever seen.. Thank you Rick, this was a visit with the man that we have always hoped for... Lary

[@curtisprice9806]

HEART...so much heart Robben has...I FELT strong feelings so many times while he opened up...what makes musicians so different from people who are not strong right sided ( or is it left, sorry) in their brain..

[@ziccuj]

Never in my life have I clicked a link this fast! One of my all-time heroes sharing his stories with the best KZbinr there is. Now top that! Thanks Rick and Robben!

[@lantose]

Me too! It was only a couple weeks ago when I saw him interviewed in some sterile setting by some lady and thought....Beato should be doing this!

[@markandersen793]

Robben Ford: killer tone, master technique, love his version of Spoonful.

[@PanamaJack666]

Robben is a living legend. Such a humble, talented, funny guy! My hero!

[@TonyClarkGuitar]

Great video Rick! Quick story. Many years ago Robben came to my home town in Louisville, KY to play a show and afterward he was doing a meet and greet (it was a very small venue). I took my ticket and a CD I had brought with me (one of the blue line CD's I'm sure) and as I stood there shaking his hand he asked me "So, how did it sound?" I was floored. "Great! What rig are you running?" He then took me up on stage to see his Dumble and pedalboard, guitars, etc. Nicest dude I have ever met. Also got to meet Larry Carlton like that and he was so modest and so gracious. Things have changed in the music business so much since then.

[@lantose]

Great, great interview! Robben is such a real, down-to-earth person! I bought "Talk to Your Daughter" in 1988 and has since become one of my 3 or 4 favorite guitarists of all time! His phrasing is phenomenal!

[@John-the-Bass]

I agree. I listen to that . If you like it then try to find a live acoustic RF & Blue Line album. It s great. I need to find the name from my large collection of RF Cds. I have seen him three times and he is an inspired player. Humble but such a musical vocabulary and tone! Robben and Rick , thanks for the interview.

[@lantose]

John Ciriani thanks John, I’ll look for that! I have most all of his subsequent albums, but his older stuff I just watch on KZbin! I can only assume you’ve watched him play with Miles?

[@RC32Smiths01]

Ford has played with and has so much experience with so many unique artists! A great and knowledgeable musician, and a great interview that is rooted with information!

[@Breuschling11]

I’ve seen numerous interviews with Robben through the years and this one may have topped them all. I think the difference is that being a knowledgeable and experienced musician yourself, there was a mutual respect or something. I’ve seen Robben interviewed at times where he just seemed uncomfortable with the interviewer, didn’t seem to open up and was even a little short with some of his responses. None of that in your interview, Rick, and by the way, great questions!

[@stevelandsaw3132]

“Want some chicken?” That’s the best Miles Davis story I’ve ever heard. 😆

[@dotnex]

Interviews with guitars heroes, keeps me coming back, Rick! This was the best interview with Robben yet that I've ever heard. He was obviously at ease with you, and you only asked intelligent, thoughtful questions. I look forward to every episode you post...peace...

[@dougp2917]

14:48 Robben: "Like rearranging deck chairs on the Titantic". Epic!

[@BryanWLepore]

Yes!

[@elephantcup]

Stephen Colbert used that term to describe the Bush administration when he was roasting Bush at the WH Correspondents dinner in '06.

[@Hs3u39]

Wow, thank you, Rick and Robben. Robben, you were one of my all time heroes growing up in the 70s. Rick you are an amazing interviewer and your unfettered passion shines through always. Thank you both so much.

[@onsightflash]

Wow! What a great interview! Robben seems really relaxed and enjoying the interaction. He has such a beautiful way of speaking and expressing himself. Fantastic job on this Rick!

[@AgileJazz]

Thanks, Rick for bringing attention to Robben Ford. Everyone should check out his music. As I have gotten older, his music has taken a special place for me. Robben and Jeff Beck are two examples of artists who just keep growing, changing, and simply getting better as they get older. And that is pretty damn cool.

[@EnigmaEuslam]

Thanks to Robben for ‘Top of the Hill’ and ‘Nothing to Nobody.’ Some of the coolest lyrics I’ve ever heard! Thanks to Rick for asking great questions.

[@AgileJazz]

That's right. His songwriting is what has improved the most. Some great lyrics and he's got more to say. He's still growing.

[@Mark.R.]

Every time I've heard Robben speak or teach, his thoughts and approach are so thoughtful, clear and precise. I really enjoyed this, including Rick's questions and style of interviewing.

[@mcpappysgolden]

Jesus. I've been to 4 of Robben's clinics (in Ojai, CA), watched probably every KZbin video he's ever made, and seen him live more than a dozen times. In spite of all that, every time I hear him speak, he says something I have never heard him say before. Robben, you will always be my primary guitar hero. I can't wait to see you live again.

[@darthsideous4353]

Live robben is great to watch a blues jazz guy. Session musician of course Anyone who gets play with Joni and miles has to be great and a real artist

[@twangbarfly]

Yep, it's an elite club.... Herbie, Wayne, Robben.....

[@landrews7280]

Great interview, Rick! I was lucky to see Robben playing with L.A. Express several times in Los Angeles in the 70's. It was an incredible band and Robben was incredibly innovative.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Wonderful interview, and lovely to hear you give Robben the space to really open up. Very enjoyable and heart warming to hear these stories. Thank you!

[@JackTheSkunk]

Robben is now 70 years old and still full of enthusiasm for music. Love his phrasing and that "Dumble tone" he gets is the only overdrive sound I can listen to. Great interview!!

[@spaceage7899]

What a great interview Robben Ford is so humble and very articulate on his answers. But then again....of course it's Robben Ford 💜😎🤙

[@billhart9832]

I have a friend in Hong Kong who's a pretty fair blues man himself and we were fortunate enough to see Robben Ford (his idol) in HKG just about 6 years ago in an acoustically marvelous theater in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, that only sat about 1,800 people. Fabulous show. Brilliant artist. Andy Maxwell I hope you see this bro!

[@sporketernal5479]

I saw him at Songbirds North in Chattanooga. Fantastic show

[@billhart9832]

Ian Taylor Photography, small world. I was so spellbound by the performance I didn’t take any photos. Pre-show at the bar, enjoyed a whiskey and 10 minutes with his bass player who finished his drink just as Robben whooshed through bar in a trail duster on his way to sound ck. the bass man then in tow. I was gob-smacked.

[@GuteisFinger]

Another terrific interview of a great player by Rick, who knows how to listen to his own great questions. Props to Robben Ford for acknowledging the greatness of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, an underrated tenor genius. Bright moments!

[@RobHoughton]

A gentle soul with the highest artistic integrity - inspiring to watch. Rick, you brought out the best in Robin and his shares were honest and uplifting.

[@blahdeblah6207]

"Is there something you want to talk about that nobody ever asks you about?" --- Beato, that's a *great question. A tough one, but you came back and rephrased it. Your interview skills are getting "next level"!

[@damagecontrol60]

These interviews are a contribution to posterity. You are an amazing interviewer, people open up for you like nobody else. Robben Ford, Lukather, Frampton, Metheny… the list goes on… THANK YOU!!!! Please don’t ever stop, we need these legends and this wisdom, Experience their spirits and yet another way, in addition to their music :-) before they move on to the next plane of existence :-)

[@jfar3340]

By people you mean mostly (but not exclusively) niche blues/jazz guitar players who are mostly known within the small guitar oriented world? Who else would they open up to?

[@bobs906]

Love this! Robin is so candid and gracious in sharing his thoughts and experience. Thank you Rick for putting this together.

[@glh0ichi171]

What a personable, insightful and outgoing musician, willing to share his past, present and future with Rick (and us). His investment in his art is obvious and makes his music even more meaningful for me.

[@Smoothways]

one of the best musicians interviews I have ever listened to. This is as much down to the very gently and intellectual character of Robben Ford as to the questions he was asked which lead to a very fine dialogue. One question though that intrigued me is him playing the sax only once - on Schizophonic (I think is the name of the album which happened to be my very first Robben Ford of manyto follow). Also his memories about his wonderful and unique Trio The Blue Line with Beck and Brechtlein - two of the finest musicians you can ever come across.

[@juansecar2]

Yee Chris, so far my favourite interview you've done. Robben's the total and absolute truth and deserves way more credit... but his carreer and experience speak for him and will surely put him in the right place in music history. Cheers.

[@Dilemma1962]

“Technique has become the art.” How absolutely accurate.

[@rahuljuliato]

Mr. Beato, congrats. You behave like a gentlemen to one of a kind soul in music. One of the best interviews with Robben I've ever seen. Thank you for your content.

[@johnjohnson3709]

I just recognized him. He lives in Nashville and comes in the place I work.

[@jackhaugh]

Lucian David nice. You should strike up a conversation with him.

[@johnjohnson3709]

Brian Onuscheck I plan on it. He comes in at least once a week thru my department.

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

@@johnjohnson3709 Everyone lives in Nashville...representing all genres. The saying is true. Shake a tree in Nashville and 50 guitar pickers will fall out..👊🏾

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Amazing artist! I was really impressed that he mentioned Paul Desmond! I love Paul Desmond!

[@brynjones7371]

Saw Desmond with Brubeck late 60s Sheffield UK, marvelous gig. Joe Morello drums.

[@MusicLiberates]

Desmond was a beautiful improviser. Guitarists should also check out the recordings that Desmond made with the great guitarist Ed Bickert. Bickert was a really wonderful player.

[@erickseed6350]

@@MusicLiberates k

[@davidsheriff9274]

@@MusicLiberates check out Easy living with Jim Hall. It's a good one.

[@mickeysoltys6960]

@@MusicLiberates Yes sir, Ed Bickert could play some tasty stuff and used a Telecaster.

[@jamesriesterer1141]

Roben Ford is perhaps one of the least regarded of the guitarist of the generation that was born in the 50’s. You did us all one righteous Justice by interviewing him yourself. Being “one of us” and then some, your interview ability is simply stellar. If this was a “charted course” you had intended to go (interviews) then I applaud you, Rick. You are creating a library of living, but who knows how much longer, talent that can give voice to the current demise, or “change”, from how it was to how it’s been and likely going to continue. Which is significant. If we ever hope to see the regeneration of music performed by artists, people will need a resource to fall back upon. And the interviews, so brilliantly executed and chill, with people who carry the heart and soul of the music that we knew, like Robben, will be absolutely life giving. You are doing that, Rick. You are the historian of the music that you have loved so well. Thank you. JimR

[@billyroberts5241]

Thanks!!!! Having grown up in the 60's, somebody really needed to voice all of these obervations and ideas about how things have changed. Also, I love hearing someone who is focused on inspiration more than knowledge, gear, chops and all of the other things that you need, but are far less important in the end. This conversation made my day!

[@joegmailtube]

Favorite interview of yours Rick... and of Robben. Well done. Made me want to pick it up and play.

[@dannysaber7317]

Great interview Rick Heres my quick Robben Ford story one of my first gigs was mixxing monitors and doing backline at the China club in LA ' Robben was performing one night so he comes in for sound check and his amp goes down the amps at the club kinda sucked so i offer to run to my apartment and grab "MY MARSHALL" head I mean its Robben Frigging Ford he cant be playing through just anything so his tech rolls his eyes and says go ahead kid i come back and we do the sound check after im waiting for the verdict his tech comes up to me and says Robben real likes you amp he wants to buy it!!! thats when i knew i had a great amp!!!

[@dalenelson7161]

So did you sell. You left us hanging

[@dannysaber7317]

@@dalenelson7161 Cmon Man of course not but i def agonized

[@dezionlion]

danny saber good man! I might have let him make an offer...

[@angelosartore2179]

Hi Rick, Thanks for this interview with Robben Ford. Robben is possibly my favourite modern day living guitarist. His comments talking about the first recording you hear of an artist can be your favourite, really resonated with me. The first time I heard Robben Ford was his album 'The Inside Story'. It is a record I go to constantly if I want to listed to Robben Ford. The bass player on that album is Jimmy Haslip, another favourite player. After discovering Robben on the inside story, I realised he worked with Joni Mitchell - another favourite, as well as countless sessions & collaborations with other artists. I also enjoyed his discussion on improvisation & the notion of what's in your soul is there to help you express what you are attempting to say in your music. As a musician, I really enjoy improvising. I find it quite exhilarating & I love where the music can 'take' you when the musicians around you are in sync together, sometimes it is pure indulgence, but other times it's pure magic. Sorry for getting cosmic!

[@jolo6471]

An historic musician and delightful person, interviewed by someone who's insightfully making history in connecting the past with the present. Thank you both!

[@vladjones2446]

This was amazing Rick-you really brought out something unique from Robben in this interview.

[@joncaradies3155]

He's my hero too ! I've got to see him play about a couple of dozen times over the years . There was one year in the 70's that i saw him with Joni Mitchell , George Harrison and always with Tom Scott ....... Ha once with Phil Lesh and friends which was totally unexpected ..... Always Brilliant ....... I think I've always enjoyed him the most with his own band ...... The band he had with Smitty Smith on B3 was just sick !!!!!!!

[@wesboundmusic]

Simply awesome! I'm grateful and impressed that you managed to get him talking with so much abandon and sharing those precious moments with Miles and other luminaries he was fortunate to have shared the band stand with. Wow, awesome, thanks!

[@matthewcasey892]

Robben gave me the inspiration to get back into guitar 3 Years ago after many years not playing. This interview is very inspirational. You both are treasures!

[@jimlabos]

This has got to be the best interview with Robben Ford I’ve ever seen. Also I thought no other guitar player was into Rahsaan Roland Kirk. A true musician and songwriter that is constantly evolving.

[@tedpowers2045]

I made a trip to New York way back in the 70s. Went to the Bowery and a jazz club. Guess who was there. Rassan Roland Kirk. I didn’t appreciate it at the time. Tony Williams Lifetime was the next week. I missed him. Damn

[@randydueck889]

Wow - incredible interview. I too started off guitar with Mickey Baker's book #1... still have those books lying around somewhere.

[@jitsroller]

What a great interview, great job Rick. Robben thank you for you candor, honesty and soul.

[@robertlouisstevenson8305]

Best interview I've seen in a looong time, big soul Roben Ford, he speaks and plays with his heart

[@crotts1984]

What a statement by a musician, “I pick up the guitar for a reason”. It’s a tool for creativity, it’s not about working on technique, technique is a means to an end to allow an artist to get out what they want to say. That concept needs to be grasped by more modern musicians.

[@VixCrush]

Some of us really need to get up to speed (like me) so I still have a journey ahead of me of picking up guitar and working on technique. I am nowhere where I need to be right now so I don't think twice about focusing on one run or change and trying to get my fingers to move faster...

[@jfar3340]

that's not necessarily what he meant you're talking about 2 different things, and to support your argument there's a better quote in the video

[@jonnohanks]

This is the best interview with Robben I've ever seen. Seems he's in a good place at the moment.

[@GrafStorm]

Wonderful, Robben is so on point about music, the spiritual side, the human side, expression, soul. Thanks Rick for this great interview.

[@markusfinkler9625]

Two great men. Enjoyed it without end. It was so natural. Wish I would have been in the same room. Could still sit there just listening. Thank You Rick. And thank You for sharing Your musical life expirience with us Robin. 🤗🥰

[@reneblazek6122]

i love robin ford his tone his music and his ability to describe his music he is great teacher of music as well

[@guitarz99]

listened to him for years starting when i was young without knowing who he was i just really liked his style, it seemed so colourful and different

[@PiergiorgioLucidi]

This is one of the best interviews that I ever seen! Thank you Robben for sharing your thoughts and thanks to Rick for making this interview absolutely unique.

[@pinsk94]

Easily the best Robben interview. No stupid fluff questions. A real artist conversation!!

[@patdorn4436]

Mentioning Terry Haggerty, from the Sons of Champlin. Another favorite guitar player. Been a big fan of Robben since the Charles Ford Band.

[@sclogse1]

I have films of Terry in San Francisco solo at a cafe doing a couple standards. Also Robben playing in Petaluma. And some Pat Martino and Dave Liebman all on my channel.

[@rdoetjes]

OMG at the end when he said: “I have a vision but when he’s playing something else,I let him as he’s reacting to me”. As a budding director I had this frustration and anger, that I never got my vision and started to doubt if I had it. I spoke to some directors, far bigger than I’ll ever be and all 3 said: “you never get your exact vision. Accept that, accept what the actors and crew bring to it as your job is to facilitate the premise and vision for THEM to do their job.” - unless you’re James Cameron.

[@gabrielebonamini2178]

I must say, Rick, that you have access to the most wonderful music players on earth because your questions always point directly to the most significant aspects of music for your hosts. You are making the outmost interesting and useful job for us all. Thank you, Rick.

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

Simply outstanding. This video is a treasure; a document of our musical and cultural history. Thank you Rick and Robben!

[@patrickkelcey2435]

For a guy who has been there and done that, he sure is a humble cat.

[@tonykennedy8483]

No question, this was the best most engaged interview I've ever seen with Robben Well Done Rick, with a brilliant interview with EJ this week too you're gonna have to be beating down Jeff Becks door to top this

[@SteveSeagerStorywise]

Wow. Beautiful. So amazing to hear from such a pure, warm-hearted musician. Kudos and thanks, Rick.

[@guitarplayerstudios1149]

Rick, I've got to say that was the best interview I've heard with Robben Ford. After a typical start, Robben began to relax and open up. It's the most genuine I've seen him. You can be proud of yourself. Keep up the great work.