Best Ever Albums

Re: [Closed] Best Ever Guitarist: Marc Ford vs. Joni Mitchell

RockyRaccoon — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:32:38 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 09/11/2014 21:32

Joni Mitchell wins

16-5

Re: [Closed] Best Ever Guitarist: Marc Ford vs. Joni Mitchell

WindowAbove — Mon, 8 Sep 2014 11:07:17 GMT

Author: WindowAbove

Posted: 09/08/2014 15:07

Joni

Re: [Closed] Best Ever Guitarist: Marc Ford vs. Joni Mitchell

Anonymous — Sun, 7 Sep 2014 23:29:08 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 09/08/2014 03:29

Ford. While I prefer Joni's music overall, Ford sounds to me like the better guitarist.

Re: [Closed] Best Ever Guitarist: Marc Ford vs. Joni Mitchell

Romanelli — Sun, 7 Sep 2014 10:40:26 GMT

Author: Romanelli

Posted: 09/07/2014 14:40

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.

Burning Tree by Burning Tree

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:

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The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion by The Black Crowes

Amorica by The Black Crowes

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Three Snakes And One Charm by The Black Crowes

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:

Link

Link

Link

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.

Re: [Closed] Best Ever Guitarist: Marc Ford vs. Joni Mitchell

HazeyTwilight — Sun, 7 Sep 2014 07:38:01 GMT

Author: HazeyTwilight

Posted: 09/07/2014 11:38

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.

[Closed] Best Ever Guitarist: Marc Ford vs. Joni Mitchell

RockyRaccoon — Sat, 6 Sep 2014 23:55:29 GMT

Author: RockyRaccoon

Posted: 09/07/2014 03:55

Marc Ford (of The Black Crowes)

Nominated by Romanelli

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vs.

Joni Mitchell

Nominated by dividesbyzero

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