 Robben Ford Announces Two Shades of Blue and Shares New Single “Make My Own Weather” Release date: april 17, 2026 Robben Ford returns in exceptional form with Two Shades of Blue, a record defined by its sophistication, taste, and timeless musicality. The album will be released on 17 April via Provogue/Artone. To mark the announcement, Ford has unveiled the album’s first single, “Make My Own Weather.” The record opens with the striking groove of “Make My Own Weather.” “That’s one of my favourite straight-up, hard-hitting blues tracks I’ve ever written,” says Ford. “It’s about a man reclaiming his freedom. I wanted the rhythm guitar to echo the rumble of a motorcycle.” A five-time Grammy nominee, Ford has spent over five decades in constant musical evolution, moving fluidly between jazz, rock, fusion, and blues. Two Shades of Blue continues that trajectory—an album that took shape organically across sessions in the US and UK, capturing a sense of spontaneity, risk, and reinvention. “I don’t have two records that sound the same,” Ford reflects. “That’s just how I am.” Set for release on 27 March 2026 via Artone/Provogue, Two Shades of Blue wasn’t the album Ford initially set out to make—but it ultimately became something more compelling. Recorded with two distinct bands on either side of the Atlantic, the album showcases his unmistakable style, from the gritty funk-blues of “Make My Own Weather” to expansive instrumentals that push his playing into new territory. Ford’s remarkable career began in the 1960s, backing blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite and working with jazz vocalist Jimmy Witherspoon. In the 1970s, he joined Tom Scott’s influential fusion group, The L.A. Express, which led to collaborations with Joni Mitchell on two landmark albums—an experience Ford describes as “the most formative two years of my musical life.” He later toured with George Harrison and went on to collaborate with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, and Miles Davis. The seeds of Two Shades of Blue were planted following Ford’s move to London, where he found fresh inspiration in the city’s vibrant music scene. Around the same time, launching the Robben Ford Guitar Dojo with Milam Kelly Roberts reignited his desire to explore new creative directions. “I originally planned the album as a tribute to Jeff Beck,” Ford explains. “The Guitar Dojo had really reinvigorated my playing, especially for instrumental music. I even bought a Stratocaster specifically for the project and worked with Daniel Steinhardt to build a pedalboard inspired by Jeff’s setup. I wanted to challenge myself and do something different.” Recording at Eastcote Studios with engineer George Murphy, Ford was joined by a stellar lineup of UK musicians, including drummer Ianto Thomas, keyboardist Jonny Henderson, bassist Robin Mullarkey, and a brass section featuring Paul Booth, Ryan Quigley, and Trevor Mires. Additional contributions come from bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Larry Goldings, and drummer Gary Husband on select instrumental tracks. “I still love to play,” Ford says. “I’ve continued to grow as a writer and as a recording artist. My musical range has surprised people over the years, but I’ve always needed to keep moving, to keep changing. That’s been true since the very beginning.” Track Listing 1. Make My Own Weather 2. Jealous Guy 3. Perfect Illusion 4. Black Night 5. Two Shades of Blue 6. Fire Flute 7. The Light Fandango 8. Feeling's Mutual Website: robbenford.com Opmerkingen zijn gesloten.
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