If the phrase, "You're only as good as the company you keep" truly holds water, then Robben Ford is good. Quite good. His career name-checks an impressive array of superstars in a number of genres - blues, jazz, fusion and rock.
The blues guitarist and five-time Grammy nominee plays at the Brewery Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
Ford, known for his high-powered fusion of blues, rock and jazz, is bringing a stripped-down, more intimate show to town. Ford and drummer-percussionist Toss Panos will perform together at the BAC with special guest guitarist Jonathan McEuen.
Ford's wife, vocalist Anne Kerry Ford, will open the show with pianist Michele Brourman.
A Ukiah, Calif., native, Ford picked up the guitar in his early teens. Playing with his brothers Mark and Patrick, he scored a gig backing blues harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite. Ford's next band backed blues and soul singer Jimmy Witherspoon.
In the mid-1970s, Ford joined L.A. Express, which toured with Joni Mitchell and backed her on two albums. George Harrison invited Ford to tour with him during the much-lauded "Dark Horse" tour.
Ford later fronted his own fusion band, The Yellowjackets, recording a couple of albums before striking off on his own.
During this period, he recorded and toured with Michael McDonald, landed a big label recording contract, met his future wife, actress and singer Anne Kerry, and spent six months touring and recording with music icon Miles Davis.
In 1988, Ford's album "Talk to Your Daughter" earned him his first Grammy nomination (Best Contemporary Blues Recording).
With his band, Robben Ford and the Blue Line, he recorded three albums over eight years. Once again solo, he released a number of albums, culminating in 2007's Grammy-nominated "Truth."
Tickets for Robben Ford and friends cost $25 for reserved seating, with a $3 discount for students, seniors and BAC members. Call 883-1976 or go to www.brewery
arts.org.
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