ROBBEN FORD AND THE BLUE LINE

Rip It Up, Issue 199, 1 March 1994, Page 28

ROBBEN FORD AND THE BLUE LINE

Powerstation, Feb 6 Robben Ford's been here once before — as part of David Sanborn’s sextet a year or so ago. This time it was as leader of the thinking man's power trio (and the audience was very largely men. Guitar heroism still seems a decidedly male pursuit). Ford, bassist Roscoe Beck and drummer Tom Brechtlien were obviously using this tour to promote their latest album Mystic Mile as all but a few numbers in the 90 minute set were taken from it. And while this undoubtedly made good marketing sense it did deny the audience the wider variety of styles to be found on the Blue Line's debut album.

So it was an evening centred on a hard attack of the blues. Yet on the rare occasions when they played quietly—such as the new disc's title number or 'Worried Life Blues' - the audience was every bit as awed by the stunning musicianship. Ford's subtle use of the volume pedal — creating a range of sounds from gentle weeping to eerie wailing — was a particular treat. As well as being a masterful guitarist Robben Ford is a good singer. However, most of his lyrics were only semi-decipherable through the volume and lack of clarity in the mix. Similarly the full intricacies of Roscoe Beck's astounding basswork were sometimes easier to see than to hear. Drummer Brechtlien had no such problem with nine microphones on his kit. The arrival of Georgie Fame on stage for a couple of numbers was an unexpected bonus, especially to hear him on such interesting Ford rearrangements of old standards (Howlin' Wolf and Ray Charles).

All in all a very satisfying night out, although with a better sound mix and a little more variety from the Blue Line's repertoire it would have been even better.

PETER THOMSON