Marc Ford
Album: Holy Ghost
Label: Naim Edge
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.marcfordmusic.com

"yes, I used to be in The Black Crowes. Doing other stuff now" - Official Marc Ford [Twitter] account. Well, as he mentioned it first, Marc Ford was the lead guitarist for The Black Crowes for three albums; Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, Amorica and Three Snakes and a Charm which means he played on Descending. The Black Crowes had many, many second best tracks but the slide guitar on Descending shone brighter than any other. As for the other stuff, a couple of years ago he hooked up with a band from Bristol called Phantom Limb and produced their second album The Pines which was as fine a country soul album as you will ever hear.

On Holy Ghost Ford enlisted Stew Jackson from the now sadly disbanded Phantom Limb to produce and the rest of the guys to play. The result is a lot more laid back than you would expect and, as such, takes a little bit of getting into. Perseverance is the key here, this is an album for the long haul; those seeking instance gratification may wish to look elsewhere.

There is plenty of pedal steel, the odd banjo and an abundance of understated guitar. The only time that Ford threatens to be expansive is on I'm Free but mainly, with Dream No.26 and Call Me Faithful being the best examples, are lessons in how to be chilled.

John 'The Jacket' Hawes