This is a keeper from the word "go." Recorded live in 1995 (but not released until 1998) at Yoshi's in Oakland, CA,
Robben Ford is joined by long-time Blue Line trio members
Roscoe Beck on bass and
Tom Brechtlein on drums, as well as Bill Boublitz on a baby grand piano. Although nearly all of the songs can be found on other
Ford albums (most are from
Handful of Blues), one of the things that makes this jazzy recording so special is that
Ford is playing only an acoustic guitar. The
Ray Charles gem "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" (which you WON'T find elsewhere) is simply beautiful, and on
Paul Butterfield's "Lovin' Cup," it's just
Ford and his guitar. The brilliance of his playing and the reason behind why so many guitar players put him at the top of their list can be found in
Ford's performance on this release, alternating between lead and rhythm.
The Authorized Bootleg also has great (albeit laid-back) versions of "When I Leave Here" and "Tired of Talkin'." Highly, highly recommended. ~ Ann Wickstrom