Robben Ford, along with project band mates Michael Landau, Jimmy Haslip and Gary Novak, delivered two incredible sets to open their four night Jazz Alley run.
Touring in support of their soon to be released "Renegade Destruction" CD, Ford, Landau, Haslip, and Novak brought their individual talents and a surprising band chemistry to Seattle after a similar stand down in the Bay Area. Both sets opened strong and only got better as the rhythm section of Novak and Haslip layed down gorgeous grooves while Ford and Landau handled the vocal chores and traded exquisite solos. It was impossible not to see how much each of these guitarists enjoys each other's playing, with each eliciting ear-to-ear grins from the other mid-solo.
While each guitarist has the chops to burn up the stage at the turn of a dime, and often did, perhaps some of the best moments were in the more ballad like tunes. Both Ford and Landau played so expressively during these numbers that they literally held the audience in moments of awe that were palpable. While both Haslip and Novak concentrated on creating the platform that freed Ford and Landau to do what they do so well, each took turns in the spotlight and did not disappoint.
Jazz Alley was the perfect venue for these gigs by Ford and band, providing both great ambiance and pristine sound.
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