Oh, for the love of guitar. Legendary electric slingers (Steely Dan, Fourplay, Billy Joel) and (Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, George Harrison) shared the stage and their love of the blues, jazz, groove and tone to a receptive audience at the on Saturday.
This was not a tour stop, but rather a single evening gig that gave the two friends, who haven’t played together on stage for a year or two, a chance to “catch up” and converse through their picks, fingers and frets. Channeling strains of Steve Ray Vaughn, Ford demonstrated his mastery of the blues through searing leads and soulful vocals. Carlton, however, flirted with jazz, be-bop and aching patches of extreme restraint sporadically interrupted by sudden outbursts of notes slid neatly into unexpected places.
Two distinct voices. One lively interaction. And a captivated crowd who shook their heads, shouted and rose to their feet as the two traded leads and the spotlight for a fast-moving hour and a half. By the time it was over, the guitars had spoken… and everything that needed to be said had been said.
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Alan Cox is the president/creative director of Cox Creative, a Highlands Ranch-based creative shop. He works too much, sleeps too little and spends every free moment coaching baseball, shooting images and hanging out with his rowdy sons and rowdier wife. Check out his photos .
