The latest in the world of the Jack Fords.....
We'll update the happenings within the Fords camp as often as possible. We've got a lot of great shows coming up so check out our "gigs" page.
1/2/12
You knew it wouldn't be long. You know that eventually the roar of the Jack Fords would be back. At this point, the band's turning into a hallowed Cleveland institution. Sure, there are plenty of great bands in Cleveland (some of them our very good friends!) but who exactly rocks like the Jack Fords? Someone once said the band sounded like "Tom Petty backed by the Allman Brothers"; and certainly, the band's got that lean Petty touch with songwriting backed by the fierce Allman-style energy of Jack Fords members Bobby Latina and Jim Wall.
The end result, however, is pure Cleveland. And it wouldn't be Cleveland 2012 without a Jack Fords gig. So on Saturday, January 14th, bring you and yours down to Smedley's Bar and Grille for an entire night of loud n' rowdy rock n' roll. Make sure you tell your friends, too. The band appreciates all the love and friendship we experienced last year, but would also like to see some new faces as well. Makes for a better party, doesn't it?
The Jack Fords will be playing tunes from their CDs, Bent Outta Shape and The Way Things Should Be; they'll also be playing tunes from their new album, which they'll be recording in a few weeks. They'll also be playing covers by The Byrds, Gram Parsons, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, Bob Dylan, and many more classic rock all-stars. Forget winter warnings - it's gonna be a hot one at this one-of-a-kind blue-collar West Side biker bar.
Smedley's is at 17004 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111). Music starts at 10 pm, and there's no cover.
11/7/11
Given the holiday sales blitz you'll witness in the next few months, we're not gonna hit you with the hard sell. But let's face facts, folks: you're looking at the last three Jack Fords shows of 2011. No joke. So before you embark on the gluttony, merriment, and hubbub of the Thanksgiving holiday, don't forget to stoke your appetite on not one, two, but three courses of Jack Fords rock n' roll. Pack some Pepto; but from what we've heard, a shot of good whiskey helps the Fords go down smoother, and keeps your feet a-movin'!
These feasts of fun start on Saturday, November 12th, when the Jack Fords perform at the Happy Dog (5801 Detroit Avenue) with roots trio oldboy. After that, look to Friday, November 18th at Smedley's (17004 Lorain Road) or Saturday, November 19th at the Greenville Inn (7150 Pine Street, Chagrin Falls).
Come on out and give praise to whatever forces of great music and good-natured debauchery you choose to follow! The Jack Fords have plenty of thanks to give, too. Despite a variety of health woes, the Fords boys are stronger than ever: their spectacular drummer Jim Wall had a bit of foot surgery, but that hasn't slowed down his ass-kicking ways; guitarist Bobby Latina wore out his back from lifting some of the heaviest riffs in Cleveland; singer Brent Kirby bounced back from a hand injury to release a solo album (Coming Back To Life), and to lead another one of Cleveland's hottest bands, the Gram Parsons tribute known as the New Soft Shoe. Bassist Ed Sotelo keeps losing more hair and more of his hearing -- can't do much about that, though!
But the Jack Fords are mostly thankful for all the love, support, and energy that you, proud members of Northeast Ohio's music-loving community, have shown. Every night the Jack Fords play requires loads of energy that doesn't just come from sheer willpower and beer carbs (thought that helps); it comes from the dancers, the drinkers, and everyone in between who come out to see them play. Without YOU, those wild and unforgettable nights of loud joy could never happen. And for that, the Jack Fords are very, very thankful!
January will see more shows and -- keep your fingers crossed -- some studio sessions that'll become the next Jack Fords full-length release. But for now, please remember these Novembershows. Share this email and the band's Facebook page to everyone you know, and let's make this a November to remember.
Have a happy and healthy 2012!
The Jack Fords
10/3/11
The Jack Fords like to play a swingin', jumpin' version of a song by a little band called "Led Zeppelin". You might have heard of them. Part of the lyrics run, "been a long time since I rock and rolled" (the rest of it's a bunch of glorious gibberish). In the case of the Jack Fords, it does seems like a long time since these guys have rocked and/or rolled as a unit; not just any unit, mind you, but one of CLE's premier ensembles for drinking, dancing, and debauchery.
It's not like the individual members haven't been sitting idle: frontman Brent Kirby has been gigging thoroughly around town, either as a solo artist; as curator of various open mic nights (like his 10 X 3 at Brothers' Lounge); or as the head man behind his "New Soft Shoe" Gram Parsons tribute night at the Happy Dog. Brent and New Soft Shoe collaborator Al Moss recently took their take on this roots rock innovator out on the road; they participated in the annual Gram Parsons Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival located in Parsons' hometown of Waycross, Georgia.
Drummer Jim Wall has been gigging with the Bad Boys of Blues and G.S. Harper and getting foot operations; bassist Edward A. Sotelo has been performing with Cobra Verde, Doug Gillard (ex-Guided By Voices lead guitarist), and his new group, We The People; rumor has it that guitarist Bobby Latina is adding more fuzz pedals to his pedalboard.
This coming Friday, these fantastic four will be coming together at The Greenville Inn (7150 Pine Street, Chagrin Falls. 440-247-8068.). They'll return to Smedley's Bar and Grill (17004 Lorain Road, Cleveland. 216-941-0124). If you've never been to either one, the 'Ville in Chagrin has a great college town feel; Smedley's is a warm-hearted, BS-free biker bar located in the thriving West Park area. The vibe at both places is truly something to behold, as they're both variations on the good-natured rowdy fun that always follows in the wake of the powerhouse Jack Fords. In other words, don't bring your mama -- unless your mama likes to get down!
8/9/11
Nothing goes better with the Cleveland heat than Jack Fords-brand rock n’ roll, and a cold beverage of your choice. But you’d better act fast this time, because the band’s got only two dates this August. Experience your last chance to dig this powerhouse sound in the summer swelter, before Fall arrives!
This Friday, August 12th, sweat yourself silly, with the Jack Fords at Smedley’s in West Park (17004 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111). Prepare yourself for some good-natured rowdiness, or as the old country tune says, “dim lights, thick smoke, and loud, loud music”. The Fords go on ‘round 10 pm, and the cover is free. Just make you sure you get to tippin’, or Smedley’s bossman Stibbs might go a-tossin’ (you out the door, that is).
On Friday, August 19th, the Jack Fords get their back-to-school outfits on; this time, Jim won’t cut class and Bobby won’t be hanging out in the parking lot in his rockabilly hot-rod. The Jack Fords will be rollin’ down to Kent, Ohio, to play at the Water Street Tavern, a big ol’ bar full of great food and a fine beer selection. And if the weather’s fine, check out the rooftop patio. Make a day of it, sightseeing the lovely Kent area, and then end up at the Water Street Tavern. See a menu and more at http://www.waterstreettavern.com/
For more information on upcoming gigs, merch, and to learn more about the band, go to www.jackfords.com. Find us at http://www.facebook.com/jackfords, too!
7/7/11
It's been a month since you've seen, heard, and felt the Jack Fords, but this July, you'll get plenty of chances on both sides of the Cuyahoga, and even in the legendary suburban hamlet of Parma, Ohio.
While the band hasn't been out in the bars and clubs for several weeks, all has been quite busy in Fordlandia. Brent Kirby (www.brentkirby.comwww.brentkirby.com) has been charming and crooning his way all around town, whether with his Gram Parsons tribute, The New Soft Shoe, or with his own solo backing band, The Lost Fortunes. He's even been in movies recently--you'll just have to ask him. Jack Fords guitar-slinger Bobby Latina was, not unlike AC/DC, shot down in flames by an unfortunate back ailment. What happened to him specifically is between him, the Cleveland Clinic, and some daring NASA engineers who hooked up his spinal cord to his pedalboard. Just wait 'til you see this futuristic doohickey in action! Meanwhile, drummer Jim Wall has been twirling his sticks with a variety of working bands in the Northeast Ohio area, while bassist Edward Ángel Sotelo is out and about performing with his bands The New Lou Reeds and We The People.
This Saturday, The Jack Fords hold it down and tear it up at Smedley's Bar and Grille in West Park. On Friday, July 22nd, the Jack Fords return to lovely Chagrin Falls to perform at the Greenville Inn. And on Saturday, July 23rd, the Jack Fords will play the Hot Rod Rock N' Bowl III at Yorktown Lanes, in Parma, Ohio. Starting at noon, Yorktown Lanes will have cars, bikes, scooters, bands, and of course, bowling. Here's a link to the event: http://www.yorktownlanes.com/events.shtml#hotrod. And if you're on Facebook, here's the link to the event: http://on.fb.me/qpUz8M.
5/9/10
Are we finally allowed to say, “It’s springtime!” It’s been drippy and dismal for the last several weeks, as many of you know. Yet, regardless of the weather, the Chagrin Falls Jaycees-- organizers of that town’s annual Blossom Time festival - can’t be stopped. Kinda just like the Jack Fords!
For decades, the charming town of Chagrin Falls has labored to bring one of the area’s best summer fests to Ohio. From May 26th to May 29th, there’ll be street vendors, carnival rides, food, drink, a hot air balloon flight, and live music with bands like The Jack Fords.
On Sunday, May 29th, we’ll play twice - once under the big tent (we forgot what it’s called, but you can’t miss it!) around 3 pm, and then later ‘round 10 pm at theGreenville Inn. The afternoon set is usually pretty family-friendly, but that night, the kid gloves come off, and the shots go down. Expect nothing but raucous drinkin’, dancin’, and god-knows-what-else as the Fords get down to business with tunes from their CDs Way Things Should Be and Bent Outta Shape, plus a selection of the great rock tunes ever recorded!
No rock n’ roll stone is ever left unturned with the Jack Fords. And no stoner is ever left unturned-on, especially at Smedley’s in West Park. It was Joe Walsh who once said, “the smoker you are, the drinker you get”; frankly, we can think of no better place this phrase applies to than Smedley’s Bar & Grille, at 7004 Lorain Avenue.
If you can’t make it to Blossom Time, don’t miss us on Saturday, June 4th. Park behind the bar or across the street. If it’s a nice night, dust off yourmotorcycle - you’ll find plenty of friends here. If you like rock n’ roll, you’ll find even more friends - and the Jack Fords!
4/5/11
Ah, the crack of a baseball bat, the whiff of warmth in the air...all these are immemorial signs of spring. We’ve got another one for you: the roar of electric guitars. The Jack Fords will shake, rattle and roll that grimy Cleveland cold right out of your soul with two shows: The Greenville Inn (Friday, April 8th) and at Smedley’s (Saturday, April 9th).
Those of you who haven’t experienced the Jack Fords at either of these fine drinkeries are in for a real treat. There’s something about a band that’s just a little bit too loud mixed up with a crowd who’s a little bit too, er, lubricated, in a very small room that always inspires a party that’s just a little bit out of control. Ask anyone who’s seen the Fords tear it up for 3 - 4 hours at a pop. It’s like being at the center of a rock n’ roll tornado, no matter where you go.
The Fords fellas - Brent, Bobby, Ed and Jim - will be playing original tunes from their CDs Bent Outta Shape, Way Things Should Be, along with the new tunes set for a future release. In addition, there’ll be loads of cool covers: Dylan, the Boss, Tom Petty, and many other gems.
These are the only April gigs for the Jack Fords. The individual band members gig around quite a bit - Jim holds it down with the Bad Boys of the Blues and Kristine Jackson; Ed’s got groups like The New Lou Reeds; and Brent’s just released a new solo album, Coming Back To Life, which he’s supporting with a Kickstarter.com page. Read about it at http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/brentkirby.
But if you want that real genuine rock n’ roll article that is the Jack Fords, see them this Friday at the Greenville Inn (7150 Pine Street in Chagrin Falls) or Saturday at Smedley’s Bar and Grille (17004 Lorain Avenue, in Cleveland).
3/1/11
To paraphrase Charlie Sheen, The Jack Fords - who are playing two times this weekend - are winning here, and winning there. This Friday, The Jack Fords set the rafters of The Greenville Tavern afire; on Saturday, The Jack Fords roll out to one of Cleveland's hardest-partying bars, Smedley's, located in West Park.
If you're on the East Side, or on the West Side looking for a scenic jaunt, check out the Jack Fords in Chagrin Falls' beloved Greenville Inn, located on 7150 Pine Street. Call (440) 247-8068 for directions if you haven't been there before. The trip can be a real doozy. Speaking of doozies, Smedley's Bar and Grill (17004 Lorain Ave) is always a good time on the weekends. Here, a mixture of bikers, rock n' rollers, and folks from the West Park neighborhood get down to the nitty-gritty and 'til the wee hours.
Both of these joints bring out a brunch of Jack Fords regulars who are not only well-versed in the band's seemingly infinite playlist of kick-ass covers (No "Brown Eyed Girl", though the Fords love them some Van Morrison), but originals from their Bent Outta Shape and Way Things Should Be CDs, both of which will be on sale at these gigs. This time around, the band hopes to throw in a few new numbers to keep the drinkers and the dancers guessing.
Looking for some rockin' rowdiness? Come see the Jack Fords this weekend. And if you look closely, maybe even Mr. Goodtime Charlie Sheen will be there, too!
2/8/11
So it's February, and you're wondering, 'Just where the hell are The Jack Fords?" Like any good runaway rock n' roll vehicle, you might have just missed them. Brent, Bobby, Jim and Ed recently tore through beloved West Side hotspot The Happy Dog this past January 28th. It was a dancin' and drinkin' demolition derby that kicked off with very special Pittsburgh guests The Wheels in the opening slot. The Fords followed up with a truckload of originals from their two CDs - Way Things Should Be and Bent Outta Shape - plus a slew of tunes slated for an upcoming, yet unnamed release. If you made it to this Happy Dog show, you surely dug these numbers; if not, check out some footage from the gig at http://www.youtube.com/user/kingofthecastle7#p/u/38/wYsT7fQf88E.
This writing of this highly-anticipated upcoming release is how Brent and Bobby from The Jack Fords will be spending their February. March and April, however, feature the band returning to the bandstand. They'll be at the Greenville Inn in Chagrin Falls on Friday, March 4th; the next night, The Jack Fords return to one of Cleveland's great blue-collar watering holes, Smedley's Bar and Grille, in West Park.
In early April, the band will also be taking part in the annual LoveMuffinPalooza music festival. From March 31st to April 2nd, The Barking Spider (University Circle), The Symposium (Lakewood), and Wilbert's (Downtown Cleveland) will host over a dozen bands while donating a portion of the proceeds to the Animal Protective League of Cleveland. The Jack Fords will be sharing a bill with Jane Dough and The Flavor at Wilbert's on Saturday, April 2nd. Read about the lineup and the benefit at http://www.clevelandapl.org/Fun-things-benefit-APL.html.
For more information on these gigs, to purchase music, or to just be part of The Jack Fords' community (and get a FREE song in the process!), head to http://www.jackfords.com.
1/3/11
Happy New Year Fords Fans! We must say that 2010 was probably the best year for the band ever since we started in 2005. We released our long awaited Eric "Roscoe" Ambel produced CD, "The Way Things Should Be" in May. We have had some amazing shows thoughout the year and we cannot thank you all enough for the love and support. Our plan is to record another record this spring with a late 2011 release. Our show schedule with be a little light the first part of the year while we spend time to write for the new record. The band is excited to add new songs both originals and covers to the live show. We will keep you all posted as things progress. Until then stay warm and keep rockin'!
12/1/10
Last time we checked in with the Jack Fords boys, singer Brent Kirby had grown a cybernetic finger to replace one he'd lost in a fight with an avocado; Jim Wall toured the Europe and caught an unshakeable cold somewhere between Luxembourg and Lyon; Fords lead guitarist Bobby Latina was trying gigging with his old band the Cowslingers and growing a beard; bassist Edward Sotelo had disappeared somewhere in the wilds of Tremont. This fierce foursome, however, regrouped to play a few numbers at Harley dealership for WNCX's annual "Feed A Family" food drive, while Brent and Bobby began gigging with Cleveland's bards of holiday cheer, the Ohio City Singers. Check out the YouTube videos by our pal Ken Dixon:
http://www.youtube.com/user/clevelandlivemusic#p/u/6/Qvrc0mXrHkA
Despite all this hubbub, The Jack Fords are getting it together for a Smedley's gig this Saturday, December 4th. The idea, of course, is to once again bring down the roof with blazin' hot renditions of tunes by Springsteen, Dylan, Parsons, the Byrds, in addition to the Fords' extensive repertoire, i.e. The Way Things Should Be and Bent Outta Shape. If you're an East Sider, and daunted by thoughts of long sleigh rides across the Cuyahoga, fear not: The Jack Fords will be throwing down at their East Side home, The Greenville Inn, on Friday, December 17th. On the other hand, Smedley's is a premier working-class institution, and nothing goes down better at this bar than The Jack Fords (well, a cold one, a shot of Jack, and some dancing ladies never hurt, either). It's a sight to behold, and a rock n' roll sound to ring Christmas bells near and far, as only The Jack Fords can do!
Smedley's Bar and Grill
17004 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44111-5513
(216) 941-0124
The Greenville Inn
7150 Pine Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
(440) 247-8068
10/28/10
Witness the sounds and sights of the Fall season: the crunching of leaves underfoot; the smell of good, home-cooked food; the sight of footballs being thrown, and the return of the Jack Fords to Mojo's on November 20th.
Since the boys last made the trip to Jamestown NY from Cleveland, quite a bit has happened. Singer Brent Kirby damaged one of his left fingers in a cooking accident, but is happily on his way to making a full recovery. Drummer Jim Wall toured the roads of Europe playing drums for the legendary Big Brother and the Holding Company, while bassist Ed Sotelo released a vinyl album with one of his other bands, The New Lou Reeds. Bobby Latina and Brent also found time to do some East Coast touring with their friend Chris Allen and the Guilty Hearts.
In spite of all their different adventures, the boys still haven't forgotten how to rock in a Jack Fords style, a tough but tender mixture of The Band's funk, Springsteen's epic storytelling, and Allman Brothers-seque guitar workouts. The Fords will performing tunes from their latest CD, The Way Things Should Be, but this Mojo's appearance will feature a batch of new tunes slated for a future Jack Fords album, yet to be unnamed.
This is going to be the last Jack Fords gig at Mojo's for the year, so if you need classic rock n' roll with only the highest standards, quench your thirst on November 20th!
9/28/10
While the summer of 2010 was a scorcher, this early October seems to tilt on the chilly side. That's why The Jack Fords are bringing some of their hot-rod heat and fat backbeats to the Greenville Inn and Smedley's on Friday and Saturday!
It was a slow September, the Fords' only gig a Brother's Lounge set with the Steepwater Band, from Chicago. Gigs, kids, jobs, and the like can cut into rock n' roll fun. That's exactly what happened to Fords' frontman Brent Kirby. A tussle with some avocados left one of Kirby's fingers in stitches. You can imagine the rest. Fortunately, Brent's healing up quite nicely. The avocado...well, not so good.
So, the temporarily nine-fingered Brent Kirby and the Jack Fords will be playing Friday at the gregarious Greenville Inn (Chagrin Falls) and free-ridin' Smedley's (West Park) on Saturday night. While Brent's hand heals, the band will lean on the powerhouse solo guitar of Bobby Latina; but we're sure Brent will work on his new stage persona, one that's a little bit David Lee Roth, a little bit Dean Martin.
The Jack Fords will play tunes off their latest CD, Way Things Should Be (which you can buy here), and plow through a slew of classic tunes by artists like The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and of course, Tom Petty. But don't expect bar-band boredom and reverence. With the help of world-class session drummer Jim Wall, these tunes will burn brightly into the cold Cleveland night. Don't miss out!
The Greenville Inn
7150 Pine St, Chagrin Falls, OH
Smedley's Bar and Grill
17004 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111-551
9/1/10
As uttered frequenly in hit sci-fi flick, The Highlander, “there can only be one.” There can only be one Jack Fords, and this month, the band has only ONE gig. It’s at Brothers Lounge, on Saturday, September 11th at 9:30 pm.
The Jack Fords have been quite busy since their new CD, Way Things Should Be, has fallen into the laps and loving ears of Northeast Ohioans thirsty to hear gutsy roots rock delivered sometimes full-throttle, and at other times, with a gentle, soulful touch. The band’s been rocking crosstown, from the smoky confines of Smedley’s in West Park to the good-natured Greenville Inn, in Chagrin Falls. They’ve played downtown, ‘neath the shadow of the WCPN / Ideastream building in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square District; they’ve even gone beyond their hometown to towns such as Jamestown, New York, and Erie, PA.
Chicago’s Steepwater Band, a power trio who does Southern rock, Midwestern-style, should fit the bill perfectly with the Fords’ big sound. The Steepwater Band has released four full-length records, and received radio airplay across the Midwest; meanwhile, their songs have been placed in network television shows, a major motion picture, and a 3 year national ad campaign that debuted during the World Series. They have shared the stage with acts as diverse as Buddy Guy, Wilco, Gov't Mule, ZZ Top, and Cheap Trick. Their 2008 album, Grace and Melody, was produced by former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford; their latest is The Stars Look Good Tonight.
If you haven’t gotten hip to the Jack Fords yet, get over to www.jackfords.com. Better yet, befriend them on their Facebook page. If you’re already a fan, feel free to post video and audio from the Fords’ shows. Share the love, and share the rock and roll you’ll be hearing Saturday, September 11th at Brothers’ Lounge.
8/2/10
JACK FORDS IN AUGUST
Let’s play a little word-association game here: Cleveland. Downtown. Summer. Food. Beer. Jack Fords. FREE. All of these fine concepts converge this THURSDAY as The Jack Fords play the DUNDEE CONCERT SERIES from 5 - 8 pm at Star Plaza, on Euclid Avenue right across from famed Playhouse Square. Need a map? Not a problem. You’ll have to look around a bit for parking, so we suggest getting there early and keeping your options open. Or, you could park at certain Red Line stops throughout Cleveland, and for a total of five bucks, take the RTA to and from this show. That way, you can drink and eat in relative safety!
Now, we’ve covered Playhouse Square, Star Plaza, and the Jack Fords (who’ll have copies of their latest CD, The Way Things Should Be, for sale). Let’s talk about who the hell Dundee is--and we’re not talking Crocodile, either! Dundee Beer is a NY-based brewery known for their delicious Summer Wheat Beer, and a Kolsch-Style Ale, among others. Summer Wheat Beers will be on sale for this special gig, along with Labatt, Seagram Wine Coolers, and various non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, there’ll be food carts, such as (perhaps) the delicious Dim and Den Sum; furthermore, another notable sponsor, great rock n’ roll radio station 107.3 The Boom will also be in attendance (maybe they’ll play some Jack Fords tunes on the air!)
The best part of this all? It’s FREE. Get there early, check out our city’s Downtown, get some Jack Fords in your system, and then explore the rest of your city, with feasting, fun, and good friends.
On the 13th of August, The Jack Fords pack up their conestoga wagons of rock and head out to the fine town of Erie, Pennsylvania, to perform at a quality little joint called The Docksider. Anyone say road trip? And hey, if the money from the gig is good enough, look for the boys to be gambling away their kids’ college savings at Presque Isle Casino...well, we’re kidding, but we hear that tourist hotspot’s got a great budget buffet ideal for hungry musicians.
Finally, the Fords wrap up their August with a double-shot weekend of August 20 - 21, beginning with the Greenville Inn in lovely Chagrin Falls, and end at the notorious but loveable Smedley’s Bar and Grille. See you there!
8/5/2010- Dundee Outdoor Summer Concert Series -Star Plaza at Playhouse Square- 5pm till 8pm FREE!
8/13/2010 -The Docksider, Erie, PA
8/20/2010- The Greenville- Chagrin Falls OH
8/21/2010- Smedleys Bar- Cleveland OH
7/12/10
Damn that was a kick ass time this weekend. We successfully pulled off three full shows within a 48 hours period. Nothing like rocking out on three hours sleep, but hey it's only rock and roll. There are a lot of great pictures and videos from the shows this weekend on our Facebook page. Thanks to all who came out!
In other news, the Jack Fords were chosen to be a part of LimeWire Store's: Ear to the Ground compellation series Cleveland edition. LimeWire puts these comps out in every major US city featuring local acts of that respective city. Check it out right here . The downloads are FREE!
7/2/10
Louder than a World Cup vuvuzela come the Jack Fords, Cleveland's champion heroes of rock and roll, American style. That means big guitar stompers, heartrending ballads, and a variety of songs by the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Flying Burrito Brothers, the Band, Dylan, and various others. But make no mistake--the Fords are no mere cover band. The tunes off their newest CD, The Way Things Should Be, hold their own in the category of "songs that should be on radio in a better world". From the full-on boozy flirtations of "Done You Right" to bar fave "Last Call Whistle", to the soaring love testimonial, "Together We Rise", the Fords please the ear of any classic rock lover around.
This weekend, the Fords take on THREE gigs, starting with a night at incomparable East Side watering den The Greenville Inn (Friday, June 9th), then back to the West Side (Saturday, June 10) for some lunchtime rock at Ohio City's annual summer Saturday festival, Open Air At Market Square (11am to 2pm). Grab a bite from the West Side Market or one of the neighborhood's fine restaurants while you're at it, too. Later that Saturday night, the Fords take it back to Smedley's Bar and Grille for the kind of geniune hell-raising you just don't see anymore, even in grimy ol' Cleveland. By this time, the band will be warm and the crowd will be wild.
So don't let yourself get yellowcarded for a sloppy play, folks. Fun will be your goooooooooal...!
6/14/10
This just in....Jack Fords digital downloads are NOW available!! Go here to purchase our music.
Also thanks to Mojo's Bar, King Rail and the city of Jamestown NY for showing us the love last Friday night. We'll be back this fall for sure!
6/7/10
-This Friday, June 11th, the Jack Fords return to one of their favorite stomping grounds, the fair town of Jamestown NY and the swingin' little club called Mojo's. Small but mighty, shows at Mojo's are always packed with area listeners thirsty for original live music and whatever the bartenders throw at them. This time they'll be drinking deep from the Jack Fords' musical well. The band's latest CD, The Way Things Should Be, packs a high rock n' roll percentage with flavors that run from roots to garage. And in a live setting, these tunes explode with the help of new Fords drummer, Jim Wall, known in Cleveland for his rocksteady backbeat and fiery improvisations. Opening are the J-Fords' pals, King Rail.
On Wednesday, June 23rd, the Fords reacquaint themselves with the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, in Cleveland's North Collinwood neighborhood. They'll be opening for country-rockers Truth and Salvage Company. Truth & Salvage Company were signed to Silver Arrow Records (The Black Crowes Indie label) and Megaforce Records and have recorded their debut record with Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes. These boys have knocked 'em dead in their adopted city of Los Angeles (they're from North Carolina originally), and the Fords have blown the doors off many a Cleveland joint, so suffice it to say that this meeting of Midwest muscle and Southern soul will be a can't-miss affair!
5/27/10
-This weekend the Jack Fords will be able to enjoy the festivities at the famous Blossom Time Festival in Chagrin Falls OH. This Sunday night (5/30) we will be playing under the Chagrin Valley Jaycees tent located right by the falls from 6pm till 8pm. Then we'll hop in our cars and rock out yet again at the Greenville from 9:30p to 1:30a. We've been playing the Blossom Time Fest for the past 4 years at the Ville and it is always a kick ass time. We will have T-Shirts and CD's available for sale at the shows or you can buy one here
