John Ford Press & Show Reviews

JOHN FORD PRESS & SHOW REVIEWS

See Actual Press Reviews Below - MORE BEING ADDED SOON FROM PAST SHOWS!

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2005 SHOWS

Dec. 17, 2005 Pisces Café - Babylon, NY -The John Ford Christmas Extravaganza Fiasco Nuclear Meltdown! by Ken Stasion

We made it to the Pisces Cafe in Babylon, Long Island, NY…a sweet oasis of friendly people, great comestibles and great music.

Opening was singer/guitarist Kevin Mcleod performing a number of his own compositions. Kevin is a master guitarist with a wide knowledge of chord voicings and finger style guitar. This guy plays! His over all style to me is a mix of Peter Yarrow, Kenny Rankin, and Dave Mathews. He did a very enjoyable hour set.

The little Pisces Cafe was getting packed. Amanda and her very cool dad, Dave arrived with none other than JOHN HAWKEN in tow. WOW!! John Ford up next. He opened with several numbers from his new seasonal "Whatever Happened To Christmas" release putting everyone in great Christmas spirit. He was then joined by his son John Ford Jr. on bass. John went through a rousing set of his standards including "Kissed By The Sun", "Nice Legs, Shame About The Face" and many others. There was lots of humorous banter from John including his now famous Elvis "My Way" take. John launched into one of my fave's “A Whiter Shade of Pale." Well, with Hawken in attendance and a piano available "Part of The Union" was given a great delivery with audience clapping and singing loudly along. It was great! Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolf Run" was done with Hawken doing a boogie woogie piano. A word about the piano. It is an old old upright which I thought was a prop! It fit perfectly! It had the slightly detuned ragtime sound. John commented “Slightly detuned"? "It's all detuned"!! The piano looked a bit rough but John "Iron Fingers" Hawken was masterful. I had the great thrill of sitting beside John Hawken all night. It was so wonderful to me to chat about "Illusion" and Mellotrons. John Hawken is the coolest guy on the planet.

There was a lot of love in The Pisces. No one wanted to leave. After John's last song, about an hour passed by and Jill convinced John to take the stage again. Well earlier in the evening Kevin Mcleod had joined John for several numbers...this time it was John Hawken, John Jr., Kevin Mcleod and John's drummer showed up with a tambourine. They all played sort of highlights set with again "Part of The Union" and several Christmas classics. Kevin took the lead guitar spot on "Run Rudolf Run" and we all sang along to Lennon's "So This is Christmas" A great gig, a great time, we all left happy with more great memories and a cheerful sense of anticipation for new things to come and that we can't wait to do it again with the same great artists and even greater friends! Cheers, Ken/NY

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Dec. 17, 2005 John Ford @ The Pisces Café - Babylon, NY - Review by Mark Loebl

What if I told you that a world-class touring musician with many albums (yes, vinyl!) to his credit rolled into an intimate venue in
Babylon Village with some of his former band mates and his son, and proceeded to charm the packed house?

Well, it happened last night at The Pisces Café!

The evening began with a typically strong set of original tunes (and a cover or two) from our friend Kevin Mcleod.

John Ford on guitar and his son John on bass began their set with both Christmas songs and Strawbs favorites. After a while, John brought up John Hawken to play the infamous Pisces Piano, Steve Ward on tambourine and Kevin Mcleod for some acoustic lead work for, among other tunes, a loud and cheery "Part of the Union" and a somber but powerful "New World" accompanied by various audience members on the chorus.

Also in attendance were a collection of Mr. Fords' former partners-in-crime and family members (whose names I didn't catch-apologies, all!) and various Usual Suspects.

Wishing you all a hearty MERRY CHRISTMAS,
I remain, Mark Loebl.

Dec. 17, 2005 John Ford @ The Pisces Café - Babylon, NY

A View From The Couch

by Amanda Baughn

This past Saturday evening I attended John Ford's concert at the Pisces Cafe in Babylon, NY.  Upon walking into the

cafe, my first thought was this place is tiny AND packed.  There were several familiar faces there including Lisa and

Ken, John's official T-shirt model!  Most of the seats were taken, but, luckily for my friend Amanda and myself a black

leather sofa beside (and practically on) the stage became available before it was time for John to go on.

John went on and did a solo set first, performing four Christmas songs which included covers and originals which can

be found on his new album "Whatever Happened to Christmas" He was later joined by his son, John Jr. on bass.

Together, father and son performed John's original songs from previous albums, some more Christmas songs and

even a few covers which included Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale," which ALWAYS goes over well with the crowd.  They also shared some very

comical on stage banter which was even more evident being as close as I was.

Later on in the evening, John and John Jr. were joined on stage by singer/songwriter/guitarist Kevin McLeod, who

opened for John, as well as, John Hawken, Keyboard Wizard of The Strawbs on piano.  Together they

did an outstanding job on "Run Rudolph Run," as well as "Happy Christmas (War is Over)," and "Part of The Union" which

got the entire coffee house singing along.  (We were singing so loud that the Transit Workers heard us all the way from New York City, chanting "Out, Brothers Out!" and took us seriously!)

As Ken mentioned in his review, it was evident that no one wanted to leave, even after the show came to an end.

The friendly atmosphere left everyone chatting away and when it was clear that nobody would be leaving anytime

soon, Jill persuaded John to perform a few more songs with John Jr. and they were later rejoined by John Hawken,

Kevin McLeod and a tambourine player, who I believe is John's regular drummer.

Although the venue was small, the entertainment was huge!  The staff and the food at Pisces were wonderful and

the Christmas Spirit born out of the wonderful music and warm friendship on a cold New York night will be long

remembered.

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Oct. 19, 2005 - Strawbs / John Ford Show at Satalla

(over 300 photos are in - now have to sort out)

John Ford's Set list (courtesy Lindsay Sorrell)

Runaway Train Wonderwall Love is a Highway Strange Universe Together Apart Kissed by the Sun I Don't Understand Whiter Shade of Pale New World Witchwood Heavy Disguise I'll Be Home for Christmas Christmas Rendezvous Rain\ Tomorrow Never Knows It's so Hard Nice Legs Part Of The Union

Review of the John Ford Show at Satalla Oct. 19, 2005
by Amanda Baughn

Those of you unfortunate souls who weren't able to attend the John Ford show
at the Satalla on Wednesday night, really missed out!

John, as usual, performed a fabulous set with the help of his son, John Jr.,
on bass and Joe Cesare on guitar. I never saw John perform anything other
than solo sets, so to see John with accompaniment was a real treat!

The set performed was made up of both original songs and covers. Some of the
original songs included "Love Is A Highway," "Kissed By The Sun," and the
crowd favorite, "Nice Legs, Shame About The Face." The Beatles' "Rain" and John
Lennon's "Sometimes I Feel Like Going Down" were among the covers. John also
performed two songs off his new CD "Whatever Happened to Christmas." One of
the songs being the Christmas classic, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and the
other song "Christmas Rendezvous," which is a John Ford original and a new
favorite of mine! (It's just too good!!!)

John also performed some Strawbs' classics. Among them were "Witchwood,"
"Heavy Disguise," "New World," and "Part of the Union." Much to his surprise,
John was joined on stage with Dave Cousins and Dave Lambert during the Part Of The Union
finale. It was the perfect ending to such a fantastic evening!

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John Ford Solo Show

July 9, 2005 - New Jersey Double Graduation Party Review - (Private Function)

by Amanda Baughn

On the afternoon of July 9th, 2005 I received the best graduation present anyone could ask for... having their FAVORITE singer perform live at their graduation party! I didn't have just "any" singer either... I had JOHN FORD!!! Knowing what a big fan I am of John's music and how much my parents enjoy it too, they decided to book John as the entertainment at the pool party, which celebrated my graduation from High School and my brother, Patrick's, graduation from Junior High School.

The party was held in my Aunt and Uncle's back yard, which rests on 3/4 of an acre and provided enough space for the 30 X 30 tent that John's concert was held under. The concert which John gave, included two sets, which were well suited for the audience.

The audience that was present for the first set was made up of a few members of "Witchwood," the Strawbs Online Chat Group, who are very familiar with John's music as well as several family members who have never heard his music before! The first set included a few songs John himself wrote (Love is a Highway, Kissed By The Sun, Ready To Roll, Together Apart, Don't Blame Me) to give those who were new to his music a sample of what his original work sounded like as well some Beatles songs and several Kinks songs at the request of friend and fellow Witchwooder, Judi Cuervo. This set was enjoyed by old and young alike from my 88 year old Aunt Minnie to my youngest brother Timothy, who at 8 years old is perhaps a bigger John Ford fan than I am!

John's second set was special for Witchwooders and those familiar with Strawbs. Some of the songs featured included Benedictus, Witchwood, Part of The Union, Heavy Disguise, and Grave New World (which is featured on John's new maxi-single "New World.") Those able to stay later in the night were also entertained by some of John's anecdotes about growing up and getting his start in the music business. The night closed with a few skiffle numbers in honor of Joe Langer, a Witchwooder who unfortunately at the last minute was unable to make it to the party.

After the second set, there was a small autograph signing where everyone could take pictures and get their CD's, which were given out as favors, signed.

Thanks to John, the graduation party will be a memorable day for everyone who was able to attend. It is always wonderful to hear him and know that by having him as the entertainment our family was able to take part in bringing this terrific music to other people who otherwise might not have heard him.

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John Ford Solo Show

July 9, 2005 - New Jersey Double Graduation Party Review - (Private Function)

by Judi Cuervo

It's just not fair. For my high school graduation, I got a lame stereo with an 8-track cassette player (that was obsolete about 20 minutes later) and Amanda gets a full - blown John Ford concert!

Amanda's parents booked Ford for the gig and also provided John Ford CDs as favors at the pool party that marked Amanda's high school graduation and her brother Patrick's graduation from Junior High School. (Beware: Patrick announced that he intends to win the haiku contest and then auction off the lunch with DC on ebay.)

Ford did two sets during the party, both of which kicked off with Runaway Train. He repeated the song because the WW guest of honor wasn't in the 30' x 30' tent at the start of the first set.

The coolest thing is that John contacted Amanda a few weeks before the show asking for special requests. At that time, Amanda asked if I wanted to hear anything special and I suggested some Kinks stuff, which I thought John would do superbly. I am SOOO smart: Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Tired of Waiting and Deadend Street should become standard, particularly the last one.

Finally heard A Whiter Shade of Pale, something that everyone who went to the JF/BW/CC show at Joe Langer's were all abuzz about after that show and it was startling. We all know how amazed we are by Strawbs bringing all the electronic stuff down to acoustic and this falls firmly into that category. WSofP working without that organ intro?? It somehow does. God, I wish I knew something...ANYTHING...about music technically! Ford could pull something like that off flawlessly and yet he didn't perform Cold Steel or America You're Home to Me because he feels it wouldn't work with just one guitar. I don't get it...

John's the only one who can get away with doing a ton of Beatles stuff without making it sound like Stars on 45. I know I simply forget some of the brilliant songs they've done, songs that haven't been turned into elevator music, so when he launches into Rain or You've Got To Hide You Love Away or Carry that Weight, they combine the wow of hearing them by John with the "oh yeah! I love that song!" of the Beatles.

Strawbs-wise, we heard Witchwood, New World, Part of the Union, and a dulcimer-less Benedictus. And, unlike the Strawbs Bristol gig in February, he didn't forget Nice Legs this time.

The second set ended with a few skiffle tunes and, in fact, he mentioned Joe Langer's love of skiffle in their intro. Unfortunately, Joe and Kathy didn't make the party since Joe was sick...I've no doubt John's sets would have made him feel better.

The healthy Witchwooders in attendance were me, Joannie, Ken, Jodi, Jon (the youngest Witchwooder on the list I'm told) and, of course, Amanda.

Such a great party, such a great show, such a great family who put it on. I know Jodi wants Amanda's parents to adopt her. I wouldn't mind either...having access to that swimming pool, alone, would make it worthwhile.

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JOE LANGER PRESENTS JOE'S ACOUSTIC BAR-B-QUE - AMERICAN LEGION HALL, BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, APRIL 17, 2005
JOHN FORD/CRAIG & WILLOUGHBY DOUBLE BILL

THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE BEST 2 DAYS IN MY LIFE

Review by Joe Langer

Day 1 - the show

Well it is back to the real world for me. I just had possibly the best 2 days in my life. Once the work aspect of this adventure ended and the music started, all I can say is WOW, you all missed one hell of a show.

CC & BW and Mr. Ford were in a word, fantastic! And so very humble and gracious. BW gave my nephew Jason a guitar lesson and then let him play his guitar. The only word I can come up with to describe CC is angel. She sings like one and is just the sweetest person. John Ford is a master showman. And a very funny man.

The people running the venue actually asked me to please do this again. They were blown away by the quality of the music and how peaceful everything was.

Our very own Ken Station was the sound man and did a fantastic job running things as one would expect from the CEO of STRAWBSCO HEAVY INDUSTRIES! [Witchwood in-joke!]

After I review the tapes I will add a set list.

Day 2 - the studio

Got up way to early. I had taken the liberty to book studio time at the place I rented the equipment from. Ken, Amanda, her Mom, Veronica and myself accompanied CC & BW and JF and Jill Morrison, JF's manager to Audio Works. We proceeded to get a lesson on what it is like to watch the masters at work!

I am awed and at a loss for words to describe what it is like to sit 5 feet away, all alone with CC & BW in the booth as they play. To have Cathryn say "can I play you something"

And then follow with JF! Amanda and Jill joined me in the booth as John did a bunch of Beatles covers, originals, "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", and "Runaway Train".

To everyone in Witchwood I stated, Miss This At Your Own Risk! This may have been the best 2 days in my life! And I have had a wonderful life!

YOU JUST HAD TO BE THERE - review by Ken Prospero

If they were giving an award for the greatest fan of Strawbs and related bands, Joe Langer would probably win. Many of us buy their albums, others go to their concerts, but Joe …. Joe outdoes us all, he throws a party and invites the bands. Flush from his success in bringing the Acoustic Strawbs and John Ford to Bristol, CT last February, Joe followed up with a barbecue, featuring the music of Craig & Willoughby (or is it Willoughby & Craig) and John Ford at the American Legion Hall in Bristol.

The shows that Joe arranges are truly amazing. Attended mainly by devotees, many of who know each other from prior gigs (but open to all), the day is more like an intimate party of friends and family than a typical concert. This afternoon, Joe invited us for lunch/dinner, with fantastic music by talented musicians in between.

Willoughby & Craig

Fans of Strawbs who have followed the band over the past, ummmmm quarter of a century are well familiar with Brian Willoughby. Simply put, he is one of the most talented acoustic guitar players on the planet. Over the past seven years, in addition to his Strawbs' work, Brian has recorded and toured with Cathryn Craig, an exceptionally talented singer (and a pretty good guitar player in her own right).

Last year, Brian announced that he would be leaving Strawbs, to concentrate full time on his work with Cathryn both in the UK and the US. For fans of Strawbs, this was a bittersweet announcement which mixed the sadness of seeing Brian leave the Strawbs with the anticipation of bigger and better things for Brian.

Though Craig & Willoughby have performed many times in the UK over the past year, they had not performed together in the U.S. until the beginning of the all-too-short promotional tour currently going on.

Being generally unfamiliar with their work as a duo, I came to the concert with more questions than expectations. As the show got underway, I was mildly (though very pleasantly) surprised. Rather than the progressive/folk undercurrents of that I had expected, the Willoughby & Craig's material was folk-based with heavy country influences. This influence should not have been surprising, given that Cathryn is a native of Virginia, but for someone who had heard Brian play many times before, it certainly showed another facet to his talents.

Musically Cathryn and Brian make a phenomenal team. More than a duo, they are musical soul-mates, the kind of pairing which multiplies the incredible talent of each. In today's show, Brian's guitar work was … well, it was Brian and that really says it all. I was particularly impressed by Cathryn's voice and her interpretative powers. This is a voice I could listen to forever.

The show itself had material, most of which I was hearing for the first time. The show started with three songs from Cathryn's Porch Songs album: "Two Hearts (One Love)"; "Walk Slowly Through This Life"; and "That Old Guitar" (also on Craig & Willoughby's "I Will"). It continued with a rendition of "Alice's Song" (from Baroque & Roll), and another ,"Mr. Jefferson" (I Will) a song written from the point of view of one of Jefferson's children with his slave/mistress Sally Hemmings.

The afternoon progressed with two songs from Brian's recent solo album (Fingers Crossed), after which Cathryn rejoined Brian for a rendition of "Rumours of Rain", and my personal favorite song of the set. "I Will", a song that deals with having the courage to make difficult life-altering decisions.

After the show, Brian was as gracious as always, talking with everyone in the audience and signing autographs. Having chatted with him at previous concerts, to day was an opportunity to renew an old friendship. Cathryn likewise talked about her music and whatever other topics came up with those in attendance. Meeting her for the first time was an opportunity to make a new friend.

My overall reaction was one of excitement. As sad as I am to see Brian leave Strawbs, hearing this performance, and this collaboration makes it understandable. Musically, he (and Cathryn) have a lot to say. It is unlikely that Brian could have done this had he remained with Strawbs, striking out with Cathryn seems like the best move for him. As a fan, I'm thrilled to be along for the ride. Though this was the first time I've seen Brian and Cathryn perform, it certainly won't be the last.

John Ford

John Ford took us through a tour of his musical career, from his time with the Strawbs, through Hudson Ford, The Monks, Ritchie Blackmore's Band and his solo career as well as other songs that he performs excellently and 'wishes he had written'.

This is the second time I have seen John solo (having been at Joe's February party too). On stage, he is a consummate performer. Of course none of this would work absent the talent he has as a performer as well as the deep repertoire of hit songs from his career.

At this show, which, was as much a gathering of friends as a concert, John was in particularly high spirits, mugging for the photographers, joking with the audience, teasing his former band-mate Brian Willoughby. Something like this happening on stage is infectious and can make a concert concert great.

The numbers John chose to play show John's extreme versatility as a musician. For example, if we didn't know better, it would be hard to imagine that "Ready To Roll", an emotion-filled ballad or "Together Apart" were written by the same composer as … say "Nice Legs Shame About the Face". These are completely different to the Strawbs classic "Heavy Disguise". Yet we know that John composed all four songs, and all were in his set on Sunday. These, of course are just a few examples of the styles John Ford has mastered.

Possibly because of the Strawbs connection, the set included several numbers first recorded by this band, including, as previously mentioned, "Heavy Disguise", the Dave Cousins songs "Witchwood" and "New World", and as an encore where he was joined onstage by Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig, "Part Of The Union"

The Hudson-Ford Years were represented by "Floating In The Wind". John's stint with Ritchie Blackmore, was remembered by the song "Bread & Fishes" (also on John's first solo album). Several songs were included from John's solo career including "Strange Universe", "Love Is A Highway" and "When Did I Ever Let You Down." We were also treated to John's versions of 'songs he wished he wrote' by other groups, including, Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale" and John Lennon's "It's So Hard".

In all, the set by John Ford was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon by a master performer at his peak. Add Cathryn and Brian's excellent performance, and you have an event. Top it all off with Joe Langer's world famous chili dogs (well … they're world famous in Bristol, Connecticut) and, you just had to be there.

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AS PERFECT A DAY AS COULD BE - review by Ken Station

It was as perfect a day as could be. The beauty of the weather and the warm personalities of all those in attendance was made only more resplendent by the unparalleled talents of Cathryn, Brian, and John.

To those here, Brian and John are most familiar friends and I know all quite rightly think highly of them. Brian played several compositions from his new solo album , Fingers Crossed. About the title track, Brian stated he wrote it when he was 18! Why was I not surprised. Brian is a world class player and he demonstrated his boundless affinity with guitar in his solo spots and his performances with Cathryn Craig. I had never really heard Cathryn until that day. She is an outstanding talent with a truly angelic voice. A very sweet vibrato and a vocal quality which is languid and immediate. She delivers the spirit and emotion of each song while being an able guitarist to Brian's virtuosic wizardry. This with a personality so sweet, I think she is a source of global warming! I have described Brian as being elegant and indeed he is. He is also quite funny, talkative, and engages the audience with his own road stories. This is a side of Brian that we have not seen relative to the Strawbs. Cathryn and Brian are complementary indeed.

John Ford, well of course a major talent, great musician and really a great performer. I had seen John before, both with his band and solo. He gave it all. From his solo albums, to the Strawbs and several covers including Oasis and much to my great surprise Procol Harum. John did an absolutely stunning version of "A Whiter Shade Of Pale". As a massive Procol fan I was doubly delighted.. John performed with the highest level of command and competence - giving each number it's true worth of emotion and fun. He was at his most animated. John is also quite hilarious. Some of the between song banter was just hysterical not to mention his now famous Elvis, "My Way".

The concert was ended by a great trio performance of "Part Of The Union". It was a union indeed of great musicians and great fans. A momentous time which all those in attendance will never forget.

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Craig & Willoughby/John Ford @ Joe’s Barbecue – American Legion Hall, Bristol Connecticut

By Ken Prospero

This afternoon, Joe invited us for lunch/dinner, with fantastic music by talented musicians in between.

Willoughby & Craig

Fans of Strawbs who have followed the band over the past, ummmmm quarter of a century are well familiar with Brian Willoughby. Simply put, he is one of the most talented acoustic guitar players on the planet. Over the past seven years, in addition to his Strawbs’ work, Brian has recorded and toured with Cathryn Craig, an exceptionally talented singer (and a pretty good guitar player in her own right).

Being generally unfamiliar with their work as a duo, I came to the concert with more questions than expectations. As the show got underway, I was mildly (though very pleasantly) surprised. Rather than the progressive/folk undercurrents of that I had expected, the Willoughby & Craig’s material was folk-based with heavy country influences. This influence should not have been surprising, given that Cathryn is a native of Virginia, but for someone who had heard Brian play many times before, it certainly showed another facet to his talents.

Musically, Cathryn and Brian make a phenomenal team. More than a duo, they are musical soul-mates, the kind of pairing which multiplies the incredible talent of each. In today’s show, Brian’s guitar work was … well, it was Brian and that really says it all. I was particularly impressed by Cathryn’s voice and her interpretative powers. This is a voice I could listen to forever.

The show itself had material, most of which I was hearing for the first time. The show started with three songs from Cathryn’s “Porch Songs” album: Two Hearts (one love); Walk Slowly Through This Life; and That Old Guitar (also on Craig Willoughby’s “I Will”). It continued with a rendition of Alice’s Song (from “Baroque & Roll”), and another Mr. Jefferson (“I will”) a song written from the point of view of one of Jefferson’s children with his slave/mistress Sally Hemmings.

The afternoon progressed with two songs from Brian’s recent solo album (“Fingers Crossed”), after which Cathryn rejoined Brian for a rendition of “Rumours of Rain”, and my personal favorite song of the set. “I Will”, a song that deals with having the courage to make difficult life-altering decisions.

My overall reaction was one of excitement. As sad as I am to see Brian leave Strawbs, hearing this performance, and this collaboration makes it understandable. Musically, he (and Cathryn) have a lot to say. It is unlikely that Brian could have done this had he remained with Strawbs, striking out with Cathryn seems like the best move for him. As a fan, I’m thrilled to be along for the ride. Though this was the first time I’ve seen Brian and Cathryn perform, it certainly won’t be the last.

John Ford

John Ford took us through a tour of his musical career, from his time with the Strawbs, through Hudson & Ford, The Monks, Ritchie Blackmore’s Band and his Solo Career as well as other songs that he performs excellently and ‘wishes he had written’.

This is the second time I have seen John solo (having been at Joe’s February party too). On stage, he is a consummate performer. Of course none of this would work absent the talent he has as a performer as well as the deep repertoire of hit songs from his career.

The numbers John chose to play show John’s extreme versatility as a musician. For example, if we didn’t know better, it would be hard to imagine that “Ready to Roll”, an emotion-filled ballad or “Together Apart” were written by the same composer as … say “Nice Legs Shame About the Face”. These are completely different than Strawbs classic “Heavy Surprise”. Yet we know that John composed all four songs, and all were in his set on Sunday. These, of course are just a few examples of the styles John Ford has mastered.

Possibly because of the Strawbs connection, the set included several numbers first recorded by this band, including, as previously mentioned, “Heavy Disguise”, the Dave Cousins songs “Witchwood” and “New World”, and as an encore where he was joined onstage by Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig, “Part of the Union”

The Hudson-Ford Years were represented by “Floating in the Wind”. John’s stint with Ritchie Blackmore, was remembered by the song Bread & Fishes. Several songs were included from John’s Solo Career including “Strange Universe”, “Love is a Highway” and “When Did I Ever Let You Down.” We were also treated to John’s versions of ‘songs he wished he wrote’ by other groups, including, Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale” and John Lennon’s “It’s So Hard”.

In all, the set by John Ford was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon by a master performer at his peak. Add Cathryn and Brian’s excellent performance, and you have an event. Top it all off with Joe Langer’s world famous chili dogs (well … they’re world famous in Bristol, Connecticut) and, you just had to be there.

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MORE TO COME!