Marc Ford - Holy Ghost
by Carl Bookstein
published: 1 / 3 / 2014

Label:
Naim Label
Format: CD
intro
Thoughtful and rich Americana on debut solo album from former Black Crowes guitarist, Marc Ford
The album 'Holy Ghost' is immersed in alternating shades of darkness and light. Former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford delivers this solid new Americana recording- a down-to-earth, roots-based affair with nimble lead guitar. 'If I’d Waited' starts the effort a touch sombre, but is resonant with Ford’s lyrics focusing on intention and loss. 'Blue Sky' is upbeat and easy - the positive side of the coin, combining poignant guitar licks with lyrics about faith and love shining down: “A hard rain’s still falling down/I see blue skies coming around.” Ford’s songs are introspective and touching- rich Americana with subtle, but piercing guitar leads. An almost gospel vibe is present on 'Dream #26', the narrator being saved by his muse. We hear singing about trouble and inspiration: “We’re all just hanging on a guitar string.” 'In You' is heartfelt, forging a connection of love. 'I’m Free' is an album highlight with a rollicking beat. The narrator emerges from hell into ecstasy, love freeing him from the darkness. “I was living in shadows/I was catching my breath/ Just couldn’t shake that shadow of death.” 'Turquoise Blue' also speaks to recovery from heartache, telling its audience to “Find your ship and set sail.” A gritty blues tinged blend of rock, 'Sometimes' is about winning and losing and “Sometimes it just don’t matter what you do.” The album 'Holy Ghost' is filled with varying textures of mood and shades of black, white and grey. The closer 'Call Me Faithful' ends in a moving swirl of keyboards and consolation: “Call me faithful and call me true./ Call me in the distance, I’m coming back to you.”
Track Listing:-
1 If I'd Waited2 Blue Sky
3 Dancing Shoes
4 Dream #26
5 In You
6 I'm Free
7 Just a Girl
8 You Know What I Mean
9 Turquoise Blue
10 Sometimes
11 Badge of Descension
12 Call Me Faithful
Band Links:-
http://marcfordmusic.com/https://www.facebook.com/marcfordmusic
https://twitter.com/MarcFordMusic
https://plus.google.com/u/0/100470300031390371609/posts
Label Links:-
https://www.naimaudio.com/naim-labelhttps://twitter.com/naimlabel
https://naimlabel.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/naimlabel
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCarty
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Loft - Interview
Vapors - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Shaw's Trailer Park - I Thought I Saw You
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Leon Bridges - Leon
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart