Ignacio Gonzalez Reviews 'Truth' by Robben Ford

by Ignacio Gonzalez.

Contemporary blues artists walk a fine line. They have to be “bluesy” and stay true to the genre’s form, vibe and language, but they also need to stand out from the crowd and bring modernity and sophistication. Too much emphasis on either side and the music doesn’t hit a nerve. If you'd like an example of the perfect line to walk, what I call the “most-advanced-yet-acceptable,” give a listen to Robben Ford’s new album Truth. Released by Concord Records, Truth is loaded with Ford’s delicious and intelligent blues guitar playing, soulful singing, and relevant songwriting.

First, a confession: My typical blues diet is heavy on “the heavyweights.” You know who they are – the big-star guitar players who can reach the mainstream and get paid the big bucks to do blues songs written a long time ago. Not that there’s anything wrong with these guys and gals, not at all. But, after a while, you start thinking of the blues as timepieces that take you back to historic pains, longings and hopes. Ford’s Truth shook me up – literally. The album served as a reminder that blues music is constantly reborn, and that it can be infused with such exquisite and thoughtful guitar playing ushered in a brand new day for me.

Ford certainly has paid his dues and his credentials show it. He has earned four Grammy nominations, recognition from Musician magazine as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century,” and jam spots with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis and Greg Allman. But, beyond what’s on paper, his guitar playing is superb – full of ingenuity and excitement throughout the entire album. Every song leads into the next perfectly, and Ford’s playing makes you move and smile at just about every turn.

And, Truth does not end with Ford’s guitar playing. The album is full of smart, deep and moving songwriting delivered with soulful singing and an exciting live feeling. “On this album, I am speaking about the things I believe in, using the language of the blues, but updating it in a modern, evolutionary context,” says Ford. “I love playing, but I want my music to be about something. It’s the context – the song that gives the playing purpose.”

“Lateral Climb” is the perfect kick-off tune. Written by Ford, it immediately grounds you in the blues while touching on modern-day pains like the 9-to-5 rat race, credit card debt, and the distant talking-head politicians we feed with our tax money. “Lateral Climb” is the kind of song that should be on the radio during commute time. “That’s about something from my own life,” Ford says while laughing. “I make a lot more money that I used to, and I got rid of all my credit cards, but it doesn’t seem to make any difference. That’s the blues today.”

Ford’s version of Otis Redding’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” is plain ol’ fun southern R&B grooving. The rhythm guitar and organ are tight. The horn section, featuring Dave “Woody” Woodford on sax and Dan Fornero on trumpet, is soulful and punchy. This is one track that will definitely see the volume knob turned up every time it gets played. Too bad the track fades out at the end, because you just want it to keep going.

“Riley B. King,” an homage to B.B. King, is a beautiful piece to be cherished and played many times. Ford wrote the song in Sedona, Arizona, responding to the city’s luminous landscape and spiritual energy, then gave it to Keb' Mo', who recorded a version of it with Ford and Robert Cray for his album. The lyrics are a humbling testament to the tremendous spirit and energy that King has instilled in those who follow on his path. The song will definitely bring a smile to your face and inspire you every time you listen to it.

Things get very interesting with Ford’s cover of Paul Simon’s “One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor.” You get a smart descending intro and outro with a bit of acoustic sound that pays tribute to Simon’s original. Yet, Ford gives the tune a well-deserved groovy, bluesy, shuffling makeover. And, just when you think there’s no room for improvement, Susan Tedeschi comes in to help Ford out on vocals, and the tune takes off.

“I thought I could do a good job with it,” says Ford of Simon’s tune. “Susan really sings her ass off. Because I didn’t write it, that made it easier for both of us to do our thing with it.”

“Too Much” is another strong track that keeps the raw, live feeling alive. Here Ford’s consistently imaginative and rhythmic playing gets some help from Larry Goldings’ Hammond B3 organ. The song has the perfect arrangement and vibe for what it’s saying lyrically.

With “Peace On My Mind,” Ford changes style a bit in order for the music to serve what he’s trying to say. There’s a lot of reflection and thought packed in “Peace On My Mind.” It reminds me a lot of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” which was an introspective look at the Vietnam War from the home front. Like Gaye, Ford succeeds at painting a picture of how everyday people seem to feel about the distant conflict in Iraq and the familiar feeling of powerlessness going around today.

“It’s an anti-war song without being too preachy,” says Ford. “If you’re pointing a finger, no one wants to hear it. It’s a portrait rather than a sermon. The truths I describe are self-evident.”

The last track is a perfect way to wind things down a bit and wrap-up Truth. “Moonchild Blues,” inspired by a line from a Howlin’ Wolf song, is full of good taste and groove. It actually reminds me a lot of the B.B. King feel, which is another, I suppose unintended nod at the King and the perfect way to sign-off with the blues.

“The blues is where all my songs come from,” Ford admits. “It just feels good to work with a classic musical art form and keep it alive.” With Truth, Ford really means what he says, and more. If you’re a Ford fan, I believe I am preaching to the choir. If you’re not, get Truth and get ready for a bold, unified and grooving piece of blues music.

Robben Ford - Truth (Concord Records) Tracklisting
1. Lateral Climb
2. How Deep In The Blues (Do You Want To Go)
3. Nobody's Fault But Mine
4. Riley B. King
5. You're Gonna Need A Friend
6. One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor (featuring Susan Tedeschi)
7. Too Much
8. Peace On My Mind
9. There'll Never Be Another You
10. River Of Soul
11. Moonchild Blues

Related Links
Robben Ford's website
Join Robben Ford's email list
Rich Murray Reviews Truth by Robben Ford
Brian Holland Reviews Truth by Robben Ford
Truth on Amazon.com
Ignacio Gonzalez’s IG Blog

[Editor's note: We recommend a visit to Ignacio Gonzalez's IG blog, which provides guitarists with inspiration, education, insights and ideas through the eyes of an everyday guitar player, teacher and writer.]

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