BLUES

This month Phil Short explores the beautifully rhythmic and harmonically eloquent playing of one of the first guitarists to blend blues and jazz.

Robben Ford with his rich-toned 1960 Fender Telecaster

Robben Ford is one of the most iconic and successful guitarists of his generation, with a 40-year career that’s ongoing. Known for his distinctive blend of blues and jazz he’s one of the original blues-jazz guitarists, going on to influence players like Matt Schofield, Josh Smith and Greg Koch.

Robben’s musical journey is an interesting one and makes sense of this musical blend. He started out learning the saxophone around aged 10 and was captivated by the playing of Paul Desmond of The Dave Brubeck Quartet, and before long he discovered the music of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis and other jazz greats.