Review: Robben Ford And The Blue Line Live At Yoshi's

Robben Ford And The Blue Line

By Mike O’Cull

Five-time Grammy nominee Robben Ford graces us all with the release of Live at Yoshi’s, a concert recording of Ford with his ultra-powerful band The Blue Line captured in 1996. Set to release January 21st, 2022 on Repertoire Records, it all went down at famed Oakland nightspot Yoshi’s, one of the world’s most vital jazz venues, over a five-day, two-shows-a-night stand. It’s an ideal place to catch a world-class guitarist and vocalist like Ford in an up-close-and-personal way. This set has never been released before and only exists because of Dal Booth, Ford’s manager at the time, who took the initiative to have the shows recorded on his own dime. The tapes ended up on ice for more than 20 years until Booth thawed them out and connected with Repertoire Records, who were more than eager to bring these tracks out into the light. As expected, the album is a feast for Ford fans and anyone else who loves blues music.

Robben Ford is one of the elite guitarists of our time who has developed an instantly-recognizable playing style as well as the wisdom to be able to fit into practically any musical situation. His credentials as both a sideman and band leader are beyond reproach and he has worked with a laundry list of major artists that includes Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Bob Dylan, John Mayall, Greg Allman, John Scofield, Susan Tedeschi, Keb’ Mo’, Larry Carlton, Mavis Staples, and Brad Paisley. His work with The Blue Line (bassist Roscoe Beck, drummer Tom Brechtlein, and pianist Bill Boublitz) remains one of Ford’s many high-water marks and this new release will remind you why. Ford walks the line between blues and jazz in a way that’s uniquely his own and his influence will always loom large over the roots music scene.

Ford kicks the record off with the joyful “Philly Blues.” It’s an upbeat shuffle that features Robben working out all over it. His style and sense of phrasing are electric and attention-grabbing and he lets them fly with authority. Bill Boublitz takes the crowd to keyboard school, as well, with a hot-handed organ solo and great comping. Beck and Brechtlein swing hard underneath them and much happiness is created. You can just tell that this bunch is something special.

“Chevrolet” is funky and cool and features Ford’s chilled-out lead vocal style on top of his instrumental skills. The pocket on this one is unstoppable and is destined to set a whole lot of bones to shaking. Ford throws down a load of sweet, sophisticated licks over this big beat and Boublitz all but sets his piano on fire beneath him. This is seriously amazing live music that you’re going to wish you’d experienced firsthand.

“Lovin’ Cup” simmers and sizzles, injecting an early rock/vintage R&B element into the proceedings. Brechtlein’s drumming pushes the group higher and higher, never letting them back down, while Ford has his way with the groove, mixing slippery blues lines with edgy outside ideas that build tension and excitement. It’s one of those cuts that keeps you on edge and listening hard because you can feel the musicians all but exploding in front of you.

Greatness abounds on Live at Yoshi’s and every moment of it delivers enough power to light up your hometown. Don’t miss Roscoe Beck’s ripping bass solo on “Put It Where You Want It,” Ford’s tight octave work on the jazzy jam “Wes,” or the upscale glory of “Another Corner.” Ford and his friends drop smart, kinetic music all over the stage at Yoshi’s and deliver masterful performances all around. The crowd clearly loves every second of it and you will, too. Add this to your Robben Ford collection at once and let these tracks wash over you. Your soul deserves to be happy.

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