Marc Ford has always seemed like a guy you can’t help but root for. His wicked guitar tone appears to be in complete contrast to his humble demeanor. When he asked his fans to help fund his latest studio album The Vulture, it was one of the few instances where a Kickstarter Campaign wasn’t met with the usual skepticism and eye rolls. But listening to this man play, known by most as the former lead guitarist for The Black Crowes, it’s still difficult for the uninitiated to connect him to the unassuming figure on stage. His sound is so ferocious that fans often refer to him as “Marc Fucking Ford.” In fact, Ford has two Facebook fan groups referencing this very nickname.
Ford along with his band – The Neptune Blues Club – tore through his late set at the Iridium on Friday December, 16th as the first snow of the winter fell on Manhattan. He was supporting The Vulture with just bass and drums, but it sounded like there were more musicians onstage. Opening with “Steady Rolling Man,” the Neptune Blues Club tore the place down. Ford mentioned that he would be changing up the setlist from the early show and highlighted not only The Vulture but the band’s 2008 self-titled album. However it was the newer compositions particularly: “Devil’s in the Details,” “The Same Coming Up” and “This Ride” that were all particularly strong.
Sitting just a few feet from this wiry figure under a hat this reviewer couldn’t believe all that lead music was coming out of just a single guitar. His solos seemed to contain different thematic stages within and it was a pure delight. “Dream #26” from 2014’s Holy Ghost album was a nice change of pace and highlighted Ford’s singing, as his voice serves as the perfect foil to his playing. The set ended with another song from the new album – “Arkansas Gas Card” – sung by drummer Anthony Arvizu. While Ford sat this one out vocally, he guitar. It’s a crime more people don’t know about Marc Ford’s solo work. From 2002’s It’s About Time to 2007’s Weary and Wired, and 2010’s Fuzz Machine, the guy has put together some excellent material. If you’re looking to hear what those eras sounded like onstage, there’s a great recording of his 2008 Malibu show out there. What else can one say, except #bemoreford!
Photos by Ross Edmond
