Introducing ex-Black Crowes guitarist MARC FORD new album HOLY GHOST
Posted by: Simon Drake on 27 January 2014
"I have some of the best songs I've ever written - Marc Ford" - Country Music Magazine
Naim Edge Records are proud to announce that Marc Ford, widely hailed as one of the most gifted, in-demand rock guitarists of his generation, has switched gears to deliver Holy Ghost, an album that has already been described by influential music writer Paul Sexton (of Classic Rock magazine and Sunday Times) as "the Americana album of 2014".
The fabled former lead guitarist with the Black Crowes has been the leader of his own bands, a session player of choice with Govt. Mule, Ben Harper and many others, and producer of acclaimed acts from Ryan Bingham to Naim label mates Phantom Limb. His outstanding new album will delight a legion of admirers who never knew he could embrace the wide open spaces of American roots music so brilliantly.
Holy Ghost is the next chapter in a unique Anglo-American collaboration. After producing the second album The Pines (also available on Naim Edge Records) by Bristolian country-soul talents Phantom Limb in 2012, Marc asked the band's Stew Jackson to return the favour. In sessions at Rockfield in Wales and the Shed in Bath, with his fellow Limb members, he helped Ford create this new career landmark. Marc's wife Kirsten contributes vocals, and his son Elijah, who's been working with Jackson on his own album project, adds guitars.
Ford, now living the quieter life in the Californian surf town of San Clemente, says: "One day it just dawned on me, wait a minute, Phantom Limb is the perfect band for this. I said ‘Stew, you allowed me to pull your baby apart and put it back together. I've never had a producer produce my own stuff. How about payback? You can do me now. I think I have some of the best songs I've ever written, and you've got a bitchin' band.' He just said ‘Get here.'"
As Ford himself says of the inspiring results, "it's hopeful, in a dark way sometimes." It's the work of an artist who's found the inner strength to recharge, personally and professionally. "It's a reflection of my life," he says. Ford plans UK dates around the release of Holy Ghost, an album which is all set to amplify his already unparalleled reputation and add to his distinguished body of work.
Pre-order Holy Ghost (released on 14th April 2014) on CD, 180gm LP (with free Hi Def download code) HERE.