Marc Ford is too uninteresting for me. Joni Mitchell's guitar playing is so eclectic, her open tunings give the songs more life. I'm going with Joni. _________________
Well, I nominated Marc Ford because he's a throwback. He began in an 80's LA band called Burning Tree, which put out one really good album that sold maybe a handful of copies.
It's notable that in a time when pretty much all of the LA guitarists of the time were emulating Eddie Van Halen, Ford was a straight ahead rock player. The album was good enough to get them an opening slot for The Black Crowes, where Chris & Rich Robinson fell in love with his playing. Ford played lead guitar on three Crowes albums...their most interesting albums, and their best work. His playing with the Crowes can be heard here:
Ford had some drug problems, and was kicked out of the band. He returned briefly in 2005-06, but left again after that. His biggest career problem has been that he can't seem to stay in one place long enough to be recognized. He's gone through many different phases of solo career: The Sinners, The Fuzz Machine, Burning Tree reunions, working with his son, working with his wife, sideman for Ben Harper, Gov't Mule, producer for Pawnshop Kings and Ryan Bingham.
What stands out the most about Ford is his tone. The sound he gets is reminiscent of the old school players like Hendrix and Steve Marriott. His most recognizable work is with The Crowes, but there is also some great stuff from his scattered solo career as well. He's not well known because he simply has never planted his feet firmly on any one spot. But his playing, and his tone, are simply badass when he's at his best.
Here are some examples of his fine playing on songs by The Crowes that aren't as well known:
I love Joni and her music, and her career, but I think that Ford deserves consideration. For me, one of the better players of the 90's. _________________ May we all get to heaven
'Fore the devil knows we're dead...
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