- 歌曲
- 时长
简介
Ken Ford was first introduced to the violin at the tender age of nine. Consistent practicing helped him to develop and nurture a talent that would take him on a journey that he never imagined. "It was not my intent to play the violin as a career, and jazz violin wasn't even a thought, it was something I just fell into and in love with", commented Ford. As time went on, Ford became one of the founding members of the DeKalb Youth Pop Orchestra where he began to learn the basics in orchestral performances. He began to take steps in expanding his experience by joining the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, and by enlisting in outside training from various members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Ford endeavored and moved on to join the African American Philharmonic Orchestra where he participated in performances that included the background orchestral styling for Barry White, and featured orchestral performances throughout the Southeast Region, several of which were held by Atlanta's historic Morehouse College. Before leaving the orchestra Ken was promoted to Concert Master. Although Ford was grounded classically, he yearned to play the music he enjoyed most, which is contemporary jazz. He bravely branched out into the jazz clubs, sitting in with various local artists. "It was sort of easy for me to make the transition from classical to jazz. I forced myself to play by ear by trying to play songs from the radio," stated Ford. His persistence molded himself into an exceptionally talented jazz performer in the Atlanta area, catching the eye of some very important people around town, not just because of his soulful and funky sound, but also from his unique sensual, soulful, and electrical stage presence. A recent comment from a fan: "When you play, I can feel it in my soul!" Because of his large and rapidly growing following, this resident of Atlanta has been highly requested and recommended to perform as the opening act for jazz artists Boney James and Norman Brown, funkster D'Angelo at Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell's Super Bowl Party, and jazz artist Kirk Whalum at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. In addition, Ford was the opening performer at the 24th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park, performed during the 14th Annual Montreux Atlanta Music Festival, and was also invited to perform during the 59th Annual Rich's-Macy's Great Tree Lighting Pre-Show Concert at Lenox Mall. He has also been personally invited by Wyclef Jean and appeared on television's nationally broadcasted "VH-1 Storytellers" to perform an acapella duet of " til' November" from Wyclef's CD "The Carnival". He has also performed a tribute to Stevie Wonder just before the performance of the living legend himself at the home of baseball legend Hank Aaron for the newly established "The Cochran Firm" headed by Johnnie Cochran, which benefited the Atlanta Apex Museum. Ford was also invited to perform at the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation's All Star Weekend 2003 Presidential Brunch featuring guest speaker President Bill Clinton. In addition, Ken Ford was asked to perform the National Anthem at Philips Arena prior to the Atlanta Hawks taking on the Orlando Magic. Ford has a long list of credits which include appearances on the local TV News Show FOX5 "Good Day Atlanta", WSB-TV's Family to Family Parade, WXIA-TV/11Alive Noon News, The Trumpet Awards, studio projects with labels such as LaFace and SoSo Def Recordings, and string arrangements/solos for hip-hop artist Goodie Mob, r&b singer Laurnea, and Maxwell. Radio station interviews included Atlanta's V103 with Joyce Littel, and WCLK 91.9 with Ken Batie. Ford has shared the stage with artists such as Eric Benet, Roy Ayers, Caren Wheeler, Rachelle Farrell, Jean Carne, Regina Carter, and Jonathan Butler. The list goes on and on. Added to Ken Ford's impressive list of significant accomplishments is the successful debut of Ford's chart-topping debut CD, Burnt Toast. The sweet, soulful and funky sounds spread on Ford's Burnt Toast clearly capture his undying passion for playing the electric jazz violin. Furthermore, his ability to incorporate his smooth and sensual moves, which are often displayed during his live performances emanates from every track on his debut CD. Prior to Ford's release of Burnt Toast he continued to develop a very strong and loyal following who awaited the release of his debut CD. Nevertheless, Ford's desire to keep the Toast in the oven a little longer than most had hoped was the best decision he could have made. As a result, the final product was served to mere perfection and ready to satisfy the musical appetite of those hungering for a taste of Burnt Toast. On the heels of Ford's incredibly successful release of Burnt Toast came the opportunity for Ford to share the stage with Hidden Beach recording artist and saxophonist Mike Phillips as his special guest performer during the opening of Jill Scott's Words & Sounds 2001 Summer Concert at Atlanta's Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Ken Ford's desire to consistently produce and deliver quality music to the masses remains apparent. In August 2003 Ford released his sophomore CD entitled Chevelle Lane. This work of musical art captures the essence of Ken Ford's musical genius as an accomplished Electronic Jazz Violinist. This CD was truly a labor of love for Ford as he poured his mind, body and soul into Chevelle Lane. He not only proudly claims performing artist credits on his latest CD, but he also displays his talent as an executive producer. Despite Ford's undeniable success, he remains "TRUE" to himself and understands that his talent is a mere blessing and because of that he continues to be thankful and knows there is still room to grow in his craft as Ken Ford, Electric Jazz Violinist.