Robben Ford Talks Candidly About His Career - October 2022

From his new home in Paris, Robben Ford talks to Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert about his many moves, his new PRS signature guitar, and opening up for Eric Clapton. He also provides some great advice for musicians.
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[@daverenick5830]

Robben Ford. For all the movement and the extraordinary career he seems so solidly centered and down to earth and a really genuine sort of person. He's the eye at the center of his own hurricane. The saying that those who can, do, and those who can't, teach, is demolished by him, as a more articulate teacher couldn't be imagined as far as I can tell. But what the hell, I have nothing to say about this super-gifted player that isn't obvious. I never met the person, I've learned from listening to him, technical specifics and also listening to him speak on his philosophy and influences and approach; he's like a modern Socrates, and I really wish him well.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Very glad you liked this Dave. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@daverenick5830]

@@jazzguitartoday Thanks, what's not to like? I ate up Robben's True-Fire program like a great meal. As a mainly Chicagoan I could not agree with him more about the influence of Butterfield starting from 1965, and Mike Bloomfield, who also magnetized me when I was 13 years old and got me into guitar, and coincidentally Robben cites him the same way. Apropos of nothing, I met Mike when I worked in San Fran for a few years in the late 70's. He was playing a solo acoustic gig at some little bar/club I was walking past and I was sitting a few feet away from him. He went to the bar between sets and I waltzed up and introduced myself as another kid from Glencoe, Illinois, and it tuned out we both had the same guitar teacher for awhile, the difference being Michael was a virtuoso/genius and I'm....OK. We had some chuckles about nothing and I'm glad that's in my memory. He was also a really warm nice guy. Speaking of artists, several years ago around the Holidays I was listening to 'Albert's shuffle' on Super-session, and copying some phrases, and I looked at Al Kooper's website, (I was trying to remember the name of his band, Blood sweat and Tears) and there was an Email link, so I wrote him that I don't ever expect to hear something like 'Albert's Shuffle' again in this life and Happy Holidays etc. and he actually emailed back with his agreement. I played a little place last night and used some chording I learned from Robben . Anyway, I' m glad I found your channel,. just "walking around" the web, the way I met Mike B., and I'll subscribe and check out your stuff. Thanks for the note. Dave

[@robzagar4275]

Excellent story man. Mike Bloomfield was my guitar idol as a young teen. Butterfields band was way ahead and help start the scene. Led the way. What a time to grow up!

[@John-the-Bass]

I am pleased that Robben is happy. All the best for the future in Paris. Best guitarist ever!

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed John! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@scotthaggett267]

Very happy Robben has found his place of peace and a partner to share it with.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed Scott! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@jedishaw6771]

Great interview!! Really like Robben, I'm glad he found love as well.

[@jazzguitartoday]

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[@Joseph-nz4ty]

Good interview. Hey, Robben, write something in French. People will go nuts. And, by the way, if there was any justice in the world, Clapton would be opening for you!

[@jazzguitartoday]

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[@timothydaniels504]

Robben Ford has always struck me as a very together, balanced guy. That can’t be easy in the music business. He’s not a kid anymore but his playing is always fresh and surprising.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Very true Timothy. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Thanks Bob! Great interview... what can you say?! A happy home life is heaven on earth. Best wishes... :)

[@jazzguitartoday]

Glad you liked this Sean. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@paulcooper5748]

Robben is awesome i seen him live early this year is such an amazing musician an awesome concert.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed Paul. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@michaelcope9501]

Common Ground is such a good album from Robben and team. Happy it is finally out! Love the artwork on it too.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed Michael! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@johnreilly9748]

Nice to hear you both! I lived in Paris so good for Robin its good to get away to another culture to see life goes on beyond the realms of one's comfort zone and to the better! Bon chance et merci beaucoup pour la musique Robin.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Cool John. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@kenzuercher7497]

I accidentally discovered Common Ground just two days ago and am blown away! A new direction for Jazz!

[@jazzguitartoday]

Nice Ken! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@gordonroylambert]

Great interview! Thx

[@jazzguitartoday]

Glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@stevelang3109]

Robben, always playing over the changes... keep enjoying and never stop!

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed Steve! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

Always so fascinating to hear an interview with who around here we call “Mr Ford.” His music may not be your thing, but if you’re a creative musician he sets the best example I can show of someone totally committed to his craft and all that goes along with it. Best wishes from Colorado, Maestro, a 30 year super fan here!

[@jazzguitartoday]

True that Jerry. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

@@jazzguitartoday Done!

[@jazzguitartoday]

@@jerrymcgeorge4117 Perfect! :)

[@vincentkowski8466]

Great interview thank you 👍🎶

[@jazzguitartoday]

Glad you liked it Vincent! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@markmasercola3958]

Fabulous interview.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Glad you liked it Mark! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@fredfrederici7562]

thank you for sharing

[@jazzguitartoday]

Our pleasure Fred! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@J.Dove3D]

Bravo! Good stuff.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Thanks Rogue! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@kmrumedy]

I would love to hear Robben play 30 minutes of instrumental music!

[@jazzguitartoday]

That would be nice... Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@pichipachu]

Paris!! Of course!

[@jazzguitartoday]

Of course Paul! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@chrisg5271]

God loves ya

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed Chris! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@martintramil8084]

🙏

[@jazzguitartoday]

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[@olafurbaldvinsigursson7252]

I hope Mr. Ford brings his new PRS "Raven" when he comes to Iceland these days.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Perhaps he will. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@cingibson]

Hmm...the King of the Blues is on the road again. This time in Paris. God be with you, old friend.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Thanks Cindi! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@stephanleo]

Great Interview Bob! So, for european standards, Robben now is kind of my neighbor (Cologne)😅

[@jazzguitartoday]

Glad you liked this Stephan! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@StanMcClain]

I remember when Robben lived in a "Band House" on Sunnyvale- Saratoga Road. One of his main gigs was at "The Cellar" at De Anza College, where I was a cashier. Although I never introduced myself, I was an instant fan... since day 1. It's been awesome watching his journey.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Very cool Stan! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@raymondbrucehansel3119]

I'm a huge fan of Robben Ford, but I've got to tell you I HATE it when an interviewer asks 3 or 4 rapid fire repetitive questions and won't let the talent answer the questions. Just makes me cringe for the interviewee. And all the lame questions , very unprofessional and self-indulgent. Believe me no-one is interested in what you think or your point of view. But it's nice to see that Robben has found a peaceful place to call home with a good woman by his side. He's a Buddhist as I understand it. Lucky man.

[@jazzguitartoday]

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[@hanskung3278]

Great interview, thanks.....gotta say though, I never understood this often repeated statement, "if an electric guitar doesn't sound good acoustically, it's not gonna sound good electrically", that really makes no sense ....

[@jazzguitartoday]

Glad you liked this Hanskung. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@hanskung3278]

@@jazzguitartoday Ok, I'll subscribe if you explain the above acoustic/electric quandary.

[@jazzguitartoday]

@@hanskung3278 It is more of an opinion issue than a quandry. Subscribing just ensures you don't miss any of the great content we will be bringing in the future and you are welcome to do so if you choose.

[@hanskung3278]

@@jazzguitartoday Ok, I just wanted my question answered but I'll subscribe, really like your videos

[@jazzguitartoday]

@@hanskung3278 It still might get answer... Glad you like our videos.

[@jeffbain7718]

12:15 Maybe Robben was in L.A. longer than he thinks... haha.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Perhaps Jeff... Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@chrisg5271]

Two things !!!! Ok they are killers too lol

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed! Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

I can’t listen to interviews anymore that rely on the word cool to ask simple questions.

[@jazzguitartoday]

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[@nuendo2496]

If anyone can make a shitty PRS sound good it’s Robben….but.he probably won’t be playing it much.

[@jazzguitartoday]

Indeed. Thanks for watching and for your input! Please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel.