Keep Your Eye on Marc Ford’s “Vulture”

Marc Ford and the Neptune Blues Club’s The Vulture might the best roots rock album of 2016.  I listened to the disc with self-confessed ignorance (I blame the lack of liner notes in the digital download age) and I really should have known of Ford’s guitar history with the Black Crowes and his collaborations with Ryan Bingham, Izzy Stradlin, Gov’t Mule, the Jayhawks, and Widespread Panic. Needless to say I missed his Kickstarter campaign which included the amusing, and I assume sincere, promise: “I will think a happy thought about you” for a two-dollar pledge.

That project was funded and The Vulture (self-released Sep. 13) was recorded computer-free on analog tape at John Vanderslide’s Tiny Telephone Studios. Little Walter must be smiling at the skillful use of electronic distortion and over amplification that recalls the feel of  his classic Chess Studio blues recordings, e.g. “Mellow Down Easy”. Ford’s guitar shines as he touches most genres of roots music: “Same Coming Up”  and “The Ride” lean country and recall Steve Earle circa I Feel Alright, “Ghetto is Everywhere” is a slice of funky soul, “The Vulture” rocks hard,  and “Deep Water” dips into the gospel pool.  The Vulture might be the best roots rock album of 2016? I take that back. It is. 

 

Marc Ford and the Neptune Blues Club is:

Marc Ford-vocals, guitar and piano

John Bazz-bass guitar

Anthony Arvizu-drums and vocals

Mike Malone-vocals, keys and harmonica

with Andrew McGuire-percussion, Maria Rice-vocals, and Rob Shelton-synth