John Ford
New World
© 2005 Whole Shot Records (635961039327)
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John Ford of Top of the Pops, Brit Prog Rock Chart status. Best known for his outstanding bass/vocals/producing/writing such classic Pop, Rock & Punk Gold & Platinum Hits, including Part of the Union - The Strawbs & Suspended Animation - The Monks.
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John Ford's Backtracking available here on CDBABY soon !
The dynamics and versatility of John Ford's musical talent run the gamut from the London Folk clubs to large scale international rock venues of the British Invasion of The 60s-70's-80s, touring and playing with music legends as Santana, Jimi Hendrix, The Eagles, Frank Zappa, Marc Bolan/T. Rex, Blue Oyster Cult, ZZ Top, RUSH, REO Speedwagon, King Crimson, Lynyrd Skynrd, Billy Preston, Cat Stevens, Roy Harper, Dave Mason and more.
Early music projects include The Five Proud Walkers, where John got his start. Jaymes Fender & the Vulcans landed John Ford his first Major Label signing with EMI with pop hit "Mistletoe Love", also becoming known as a teenage heartthrob! Then onto Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera, signing to Repertoire.
In 1971, John Ford joined The Strawbs, primarily known as a Folk Rock group, into a new direction in the Prog-Art Rock. Scene. John penned perennial favorites, "Heavy Disguise" and "Part of the Union," The Strawbs biggest Chart Hit, included on the Album, released as a Single and spent 59 weeks on the album charts, rising to Top of the Pops fame, working with Bowie/T-Rex Producer, Tony Visconti on A&M label. John Ford received three Gold Records and Platinum, to boot. A few years later, John Ford and Richard Hudson, formed Hudson-Ford, with Top 10 Pop Chart Hits, 'Pick Up The Pieces,' along with "Burn Baby Burn" and "Floating In The Wind" also on A&M.
1979, found John Ford hitting the Charts again. This time with The Monks, a punk project of sorts picked up by E MI and surprise hit, "Nice Legs Shame About The Face" and "Suspended Animation." In contrast, JF also developed an alter ego in High Society with classic '30s style melodies, releasing a self-titled album in 1984. In 1986, John Ford relocated to the US and started working on his solo project and shows.
John teamed up again with The Strawbs 30 Year Reunion Tour in 1998, performing as bass guitarist and vocalist, after a hiatus since the late 80s with the Strawbs, following John's move to the US, then again for the 2001 Strawbs UK Spring Tour. In between, in 1999, John played on Ritchie Blackmore's band Blackmore's Night release "Under A Violet Moon," their second international release, featured John in the beautiful "Wind in the Willows" and played some shows. January 2004, John Ford opened to a packed house for Dave Mason at a Long Island concert venue. July 2004, the STRAWBS SUMMER UK ELECTRIC TOUR in England, featured John on bass and vocals with the original UK electric lineup from the 70s, Highpoints of the tour included The 30th Trowbridge Pump Festival with The Strawbs, doing both the Electric and Acoustic line-ups, headlining for two nights to over 6,000 fans. THE STRAWBS UK ELECTRIC TOUR performed to sold-out shows at venues ranging from richly, restored performing arts theatres to trendy hot spots, such as The Underworld in London and others throughout the UK, with much success. Aside from the dozens of recordings John's been on, some of his live performances can be viewed on DVD with "Strawbs Live In Tokyo '75 & GRAVE NEW WORLD - The Movie" and "The Complete Strawbs - Live at Chiswick House" and other Top of the Pops videos.
John has four released solo albums of his own work:, "Love Is A Highway" in 1998, "Heading For A High" in 2000, "Natural High" in 2002, 'Backtracking' in 2005, all John Ford originals, with him performing virtually all the vocals, instrumentation, as well as, producing the albums. Newest addition to Summer 2005, "New World" Maxi-Single EP release. Both, "Backtracking" and "New World," feature redux of his classic hits, along with new originals and classic cover additions released on Indie Label, Whole Shot Records.
John Ford future releases for 2007 include "JOHN FORD: LIVE AT THE BOTTOM LINE" and inclusion on the ROCK 4 XMAS ALLSTARS COMP #2 Previous releases for 2005, aside from "Backtracking" and New World" include "What Ever Happened to Christmas" - a collection of holiday songs, unreleased JF originals and ROCK 4 XMAS ALLSTARS Compilation - includes John Ford's rockin' version of "White Christmas,: along tracks from Cheap Trick,, Larry Hoppen (Orleans), Eddie Money and Ronnie Spector & more! Some of these albums can be purchased at www.johnfordmusic.net and will be available soon here at CDBABY!
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Another "must-have" CD for John Ford AND Strawbs fans everywhere!
author: Amanda BaughnThe following is a preview of John Ford's latest recording, a maxi-single entitled "New World." This CD includes the title track which is a cover of "The Strawbs" classic, a brand new original song written by John, and four live tracks, with Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby. NEW WORLD-- A very nice, less orchestrated, less theatrical version which captures the feeling of the original with a few twists thrown in, bringing a Cousins classic into the 21st Century. A more minimalist approach is taken with a rocking guitar part while John keeps his bass lines true to the original. YOU CAN'T KEEP ME FROM SINGING-- A John Ford original. I've confirmed this with several people; you will like this song more every time you hear it. A very pleasant melody, very characteristic of John's music along with his distinctive voice and catchy lyrics. You'll be swaying along to the music before the song is through. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE-- A very good cover of a Lennon/McCartney classic. I've always felt that John's voice sounded somewhat similar to his favorite singer, John Lennon, which is quite evident here. A WHITER SHADE OF PALE-- A sensitive cover of the Procol Harem classic... Believe it or not, this is better than the original! (And I really like the original!) Positively outstanding! KISSED BY THE SUN-- Another Ford original, written about John's daughter. Very loving, great sentiment, wonderful imagery; you'll be humming this one for days! Originally released on "Heading for a High," I prefer this version. PART OF THE UNION-- Part of the Union is a Hudson/Ford classic, which was the highest charting song ever recorded by The Strawbs! This version features Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby on vocals and guitar, respectively. A "sitting around the pub having a few beers classic." WORRIED MAN BLUES--The final cut is a 28 second skiffle ditty. Where is the banjo player from "Deliverance" when we need him? Another "must-have" CD for John Ford AND Strawbs fans everywhere!
May I suggest that ...this year everyone buys themselves a copy
author: Lindsay SorrellAs today (1 July) is John Ford's birthday I thought it apt to review his new "maxi-single", which really does represent amazing value. It consists of 6-and-a-bit tracks, some of which will have been witnessed during live recording by the lucky Witchwooders who attended the party he played with Brian and Cathryn in Bristol earlier in the year. May I suggest that rather than having a whip-round to buy him new socks this year everyone buys themselves a copy – Strawbs' fans really should hear this alternative version of "New World" regarding which Dave Cousins himself has apparently been very complimentary. John's version of "New World" is extremely soulful, imparting a sense of foreboding just as the original Strawbs' recording, though the slower pace of this rendition appears to emphasise weary resignation and apathy induced by seemingly ceaseless bloodshed rather than the anger apparent in Dave Cousins' vocals. A minimalist introduction involving only acoustic guitar accompanying John's vocals is shortly followed by the addition of keyboards, and this powerful recording builds to a crescendo involving some excellent lead guitar playing and bass lines so familiar to Strawbs' fans. "There is death in the air, with the lights growing dim…" the well renowned lines sound as though spoken through a megaphone, conjuring up images of emergency services desperately searching for survivors in the aftermath of catastrophe. Dave Cousins has apparently been very complimentary regarding John's highly sympathetic reworking of this Strawbs' classic. A newly recorded love song follows: "You Can't Keep Me From Singing". This track opens with attractive keyboard and acoustic guitar, very "John Ford" in style with distinctive trademark catchy tune and interesting, easily distinguishable lyrics; a pleasure to listen to. A very pleasant interpretation of Lennon/McCartney's "Across the Universe" follows. Vocally, John would surely have slotted easily into the Beatles (their loss) and his voice suits this song down to the ground. The subsequent four tracks were recorded live at Joe Langer's party in Bristol, CT in Spring 2005: "A Whiter Shade of Pale", a song by a bunch of rather famous (Southend) Essex boys called Procul Harum follows. I believe John commented that it was a song he wished he'd written, which must surely be a sentiment felt by many. This is a beautiful version of a beautiful song, which John again sings with great feeling and sensitivity. I have actually been able to decipher the lyrics for the first time in my life thanks to John's rendition "Kissed by the Sun" is one of my favourite tracks from John's second solo album, "Heading for a High": this version is slower and sung more gently than the original. Laid back keyboards and acoustic guitar complement John's vocals and add to a dreamy feel. John next proceeds to introduce Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig, and together the three of them perform "Part of the Union", with Cathryn's harmonies embellishing John's lead vocals. Cathryn has a wonderful voice to which anyone having had the pleasure of hearing Brian and Cathryn perform will attest. Brian's guitar neatly fills the gap left by the lack of Blue Weaver's piano, and the song has something of a skiffle feel to it. The enjoyment felt in the making of this live track is clearly evident and must have been a pleasure to behold. A brief snatch of Donegan's "Worried Man Blues" completes this "maxi-single" of remarkably good value, together with an exchange between John and Cathryn regarding "skiffle" (John has previously cited Lonnie Donegan as one of the big influences on his musical career). Laughter from the audience conveys the ambient, relaxed atmosphere shared by those present this event. The front and back sleeves within the CD jewel case feature art nouveau designs, and those who own an original copy of the "Grave New World" album will appreciate the replicated illustrations from the back cover of the booklet which accompanied the album, imparting a sense of continuity; a lovely touch indeed.
The New World maxi-single continues where Backtracking left off. Great Music!!!!
author: Joe LangerI am starting from track #4 "A Whiter Shade Of Pale". One of the top 100 tracks of all time. IMO. I was sitting in the booth with John as he played this song about 40 minutes into his set. When he was finished I uttered to him, That Was Good. It was the only time I interrupted during the proceedings. He has since added strings and percussion and made a classic. A beautiful piece of timeless music. He was born to sing this song. Track #6 is "Part Of The Union" with Cathryn Craig on tambourine and Brian Willoughby playing his usual tasteful leads. This was the second time they played it together, added the tambourine at Cathryn's insistence and Brian did a 2nd lead line on it. Superb!!! The best version since the original. It ends with a excerpt from a old skiffle song "Worried Man Blues". The future? Maybe. Grave New World was the first Strawbs album I ever bought. "New World" and "Queen Of Dreams" kept side 1 on the ol' turntable for multiple listens. John has made a strong guitar driven version that still has the synthesizer feel to it. Very nicely done. Track #2 "You Can't Keep Me From Singing" is another in a long line of great JF songs. Track #3] "Across The Universe" a Lennon/McCartney tune which works to John's strengths. As all Beatles songs do. This is the fifth Beatles song I've heard him sing, He was also meant to sing Beatles songs! The Sixth Beatle? I don't know. Track #5 "Kissed By The Sun" (a favorite of the wife's) is the other song from April 18th. Again with John's production talents a great version of a great song. The New World maxi-single continues where Backtracking left off. Great Music!!!!
Another "must-have" CD for John Ford AND Strawbs fans everywhere!
author: Amanda BraghnThe following is a preview of John Ford's latest recording, a maxi-single entitled "New World." This CD includes the title track which is a cover of "The Strawbs" classic, a brand new original song written by John, and four live tracks, with Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby. NEW WORLD-- A very nice, less orchestrated, less theatrical version which captures the feeling of the original with a few twists thrown in, bringing a Cousins classic into the 21st Century. A more minimalist approach is taken with a rocking guitar part while John keeps his bass lines true to the original. YOU CAN'T KEEP ME FROM SINGING-- A John Ford original. I've confirmed this with several people; you will like this song more every time you hear it. A very pleasant melody, very characteristic of John's music along with his distinctive voice and catchy lyrics. You'll be swaying along to the music before the song is through. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE-- A very good cover of a Lennon/McCartney classic. I've always felt that John's voice sounded somewhat similar to his favorite singer, John Lennon, which is quite evident here. A WHITER SHADE OF PALE-- A sensitive cover of the Procol Harem classic... Believe it or not, this is better than the original! (And I really like the original!) Positively outstanding! KISSED BY THE SUN-- Another Ford original, written about John's daughter. Very loving, great sentiment, wonderful imagery; you'll be humming this one for days! Originally released on "Heading for a High," I prefer this version. PART OF THE UNION-- Part of the Union is a Hudson/Ford classic, which was the highest charting song ever recorded by The Strawbs! This version features Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby on vocals and guitar, respectively. A "sitting around the pub having a few beers classic." WORRIED MAN BLUES--The final cut is a 28 second skiffle ditty. Where is the banjo player from "Deliverance" when we need him? Another "must-have" CD for John Ford AND Strawbs fans everywhere!