Robben Ford & Bill Evans: “Sentimental Mode” from upcoming album Common Ground released

Common Ground will be released as a digipak, 2 LP gatefold and digitally on September 30th, 2022.

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Robben Ford & Bill Evans present the latest single “Sentimental Mode” from their upcoming album Common Ground today. The laid-back instrumental track was written by Robben Ford and it’s the second single from their jazz-rock album which will be released on September 30th, 2022, on MPS (Edel). This soulful dialogue between Ford’s guitar and Evans’ saxophone provides the space for both artists to showcase their outstanding individual skills.
Listen to the single “Sentimental Mode”: https://MPS.lnk.to/SentimentalModePR

Watch the video for their first single “Common Ground”: https://youtu.be/jlGui_PWD_k

The multiple times Grammy nominees Ford and Evans have shared the stage in Europe, North America and even Japan and already released a collaborative album called The Sun Room together in 2019 (earMUSIC). With the jazz rock album Common Ground they continue their creative relationship as Evans explains.

“Every now and then, like-minded musicians are able to get together in the studio or on the same stage and create interesting music together. It’s the blending of each other’s influences and styles, and the will to create something new and fresh that can turn this ‘creative meeting’ into something special. I believe myself and Robben share that same ideology. We both love all kinds of music whether it’s classic blues, soul, rock and roll, you name it. This openness to combine different kinds of music and create something musical and special is what brought me and Robben together in the first place. Robben composed some of the most inspiring music I’ve played in a long time. Our writing styles blend seamlessly.”

Recorded in Nashville, the jazz-rock album features a first-class rhythm section with bassist Darryl Jones(recording and touring with the Rolling Stones since 1993 and former sideman of Miles David and Sting) and drummer Keith Carlock (currently a touring member of Steely Dan). It was produced by Bill Evans and Clifford Carter, who also took over the piano and organ on the title track.

Robben Ford about the recording: “It’s always a great and sought-after pleasure to work with some of the best musicians in contemporary music, and making this record was for me one of those occasions. We have, each of us, worked with one another in different configurations in the past, so, there is a comfort level in that. But more importantly, everyone involved is a dedicated musician whose first thought is to make the best music possible in any situation. Such a joy for me, personally, to play with these gents! Bill and I have worked quite a lot together over the past several years. But, the opportunity given to us by Edel to finally document the music has happily resulted in two recordings that we are very proud of the first being ‘Sun Room’ released on earMUSIC and now ‘Common Ground’ on MPS.
I feel the music presented here is ‘fresh’ in both composition and performance with all of the musicians being versatile, true improvisers and having a strong sense of groove, as well. These are the qualities that make you want to play! I’m so happy to have been a part of what lead to this record.”

TRACKLISTING

1 Ever Ready Sunday / 2 Crabshaw Don't Care / 3 Sentimental Mood / 4 Hearts of Havana / 5 Common Ground / 6 Passaic / 7 Stanley / 8 Dennis Menace / 9 The Little Boxer

Robben Ford – Guitar
Bill Evans – Saxophone, Keys
Darryl Jones - Bass
Keith Carlock – Drums
Produced by Bill Evans & Clifford Carter

Robben Ford is an American rock, blues and jazz guitarist. Ex-member of fusion pioneers Yellowjackets, he is admired for his solo works but also known for his collaborations with giants of music like Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison and many others. He comes from a generation of Californian musicians who contributed to eliminate boundaries between different genres, often writing and performing timeless music that will stand the test of time.

Bill Evans is an American saxophonist, pianist and producer who has recorded 26 solo albums to date. He has played, toured and recorded with artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin to name a few before spending the last 30 years touring with his own groups worldwide and receiving wide recognition as a true renaissance man.