Inside the Studio – Guitarist Robben Ford

Robben Ford’s name is synonymous with the blues. His 1988 solo album Talk to Your Daughter reached a broad audience with his renditions of soulful classics like “Born Under a Bad Sign” and “Help the Poor.” Many people assumed that this was Robben’s introduction to the blues guitar scene…

However, by this time, before Robben was even in his 30s, he had already been a member of the jazz fusion group L.A. Express, toured with George Harrison and Joni Mitchell, recorded with Steely Dan and Kiss and had even worked with Miles Davis—all before his blues “debut” hit the streets.

Since then, Robben has been a journeyman, traveling the world, writing, performing, collaborating and recording. A few years back, through a sordid tale of events, Robben and I co-produced his solo project Made To Last, as well as a collaborative band project with Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta called Jing Chi.

I always enjoy working with Robben. He has a very fresh approach to recording music, and the electric guitar. He was recently recording a project in Woodstock, NY, and we had the chance to sit down and discuss part of his recording journey.