[Slowhand] Robben Ford and Jorma Kaukonen

[David Strahl]

I saw a really great show in Poughkeepsie, NY  the other day. It was  
held at a beautiful venue, the Bardavon. A double bill featuring  
Robben Ford originally of the LA Express and Jorma Kaukonen of the  
Jefferson Airplane and subsequently Hot Tuna. Robben has an  
impressive resume having appeared on tour with George Harrison and  
countless other luminaries of the likes of Joni Mitchell. The show  
also featured a triple threat Ruthie Foster who opened with her own  
acoustic set and then came out later to join Robben's band. She is an  
amazing singer and equally adept on guitar and organ. Jorma did a  
short acoustic set followed by Robben and his band. Wow, Robben did a  
blistering set. Check him out if you have the opportunity. He's scary  
good. Jorma then joined Robben's band for a few electric numbers. The  
pairing was interesting and unexpectedly fine. They both have such  
different styles that it blended surprisingly well. The show stopper  
was Dylan's "You Gotta Serve Somebody" with each performer taking a  
verse. I never get tired of that song and their interpretation was  
grand. I couldn't imagine how they could follow that up. Well what  
better way then to follow it with yet another Dylan tune but this  
time a mellow version of "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright". Robben  
was so on point playing beautiful understated swells in and around  
the vocals. It was a thoroughly satisfying evening.
David Strahl