Elijah Ford & The Bloom

Wednesday night, San Antonio was the place to be for an acoustic performance by Elijah Ford, currently a member of Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses.

The night started a few minutes after 7:00pm at a little known gem that overlooks the Riverwalk. Making good use of the intimate lounge setting at Ocho bar at Hotel Havana, http://havanasanantonio.com visitors gathered for a night of smooth, melodic rock. The dimly candlelit locale created the perfect atmosphere as he serenaded the audience with songs from his debut album, Upon Waking, as they enjoyed a drink or two. His clear, Bob Dylan-like voice carried across the room so that every seat in the house was a good seat. In between sets, he made time to meet his audience, take pictures and sign autographs. The night ended close to 10:00pm as he played most of the songs on his playlist.

The combination of the location’s laid back feel and the relaxing music made it a pleasant experience. No doubt San Antonio would welcome Elijah Ford back. - Examiner.com

Wednesday night, San Antonio was the place to be for an acoustic performance by Elijah Ford, currently a member of Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses.

The night started a few minutes after 7:00pm at a little known gem that overlooks the Riverwalk. Making good use of the intimate lounge setting at Ocho bar at Hotel Havana, http://havanasanantonio.com visitors gathered for a night of smooth, melodic rock. The dimly candlelit locale created the perfect atmosphere as he serenaded the audience with songs from his debut album, Upon Waking, as they enjoyed a drink or two. His clear, Bob Dylan-like voice carried across the room so that every seat in the house was a good seat. In between sets, he made time to meet his audience, take pictures and sign autographs. The night ended close to 10:00pm as he played most of the songs on his playlist.

The combination of the location’s laid back feel and the relaxing music made it a pleasant experience. No doubt San Antonio would welcome Elijah Ford back. - Examiner.com

Upon Waking is the debut solo record from California native turned Austin, TX based musician, Elijah Ford. Ford began work on his solo career on his break from touring with Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses, and released Upon Waking in October 2011. Ford’s unique vocals and dynamic melodies are immediately reminiscent of Canadian crooner- Rufus Wainwright, while honest and poetic.

With musical inspiration from The Shins, St. Vincent and The Strokes, his new record is packaged into a cohesive, melodic and cinematic rock record produced by ex-Black Crowes guitarist and Elijah’s father, Marc Ford. Elijah wrote all ten compositions on new disc that was recorded at Pitchfork Sound in Anahuac, Texas.

The melodic “Surprise Surprise” opens album and promises green pastures ahead–one of this collection’s strongest tracks. The song features real DNA osmosis between Ford the Elder and Younger on the genetic-coded guitar playing. “Damn The Days” begins with a melancholy intro that morphs into a courageous footstomper where Ford sings: “Damn the days with open eyes/Denial is no place to hide.”

The mandolin-laced “On Your Side” emits a slick hillbilly pop-quality. “Rejoice”, a moody gem, features Marc Ford playing some incandescent pedal steel as well as Elijah Ford’s resonating lyrical images. “Realistic” emerges as a driving song that veers towards a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers avenue. This track features only Marc & Elijah Ford with Matthew Smith playing drums.

“Concerning Your Request” retains a 60s-English vibe regarding the stripped down sonic quality, but the message proves timeless in “ethics of the present day”. Elijah Ford plays solo acoustic guitar and sings alone on “The Distance Between”, which verifies his songwriting ability and musical aptitude. No fluff on this fine number.

“Let Me Count The Ways” injects a shot of soulful funk in the mix where Elijah Ford handles the piano and organ duties, while his father plays bass and slicing guitar. The sharp and venemous tune called “A Common Place” emits a subterranean spook. On the closer, “Skeptik”, Elijah Ford plays all the instruments. - Exystence Music Blog

Upon Waking is the debut solo record from California native turned Austin, TX based musician, Elijah Ford. Ford began work on his solo career on his break from touring with Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses, and released Upon Waking in October 2011. Ford’s unique vocals and dynamic melodies are immediately reminiscent of Canadian crooner- Rufus Wainwright, while honest and poetic.

With musical inspiration from The Shins, St. Vincent and The Strokes, his new record is packaged into a cohesive, melodic and cinematic rock record produced by ex-Black Crowes guitarist and Elijah’s father, Marc Ford. Elijah wrote all ten compositions on new disc that was recorded at Pitchfork Sound in Anahuac, Texas.

The melodic “Surprise Surprise” opens album and promises green pastures ahead–one of this collection’s strongest tracks. The song features real DNA osmosis between Ford the Elder and Younger on the genetic-coded guitar playing. “Damn The Days” begins with a melancholy intro that morphs into a courageous footstomper where Ford sings: “Damn the days with open eyes/Denial is no place to hide.”

The mandolin-laced “On Your Side” emits a slick hillbilly pop-quality. “Rejoice”, a moody gem, features Marc Ford playing some incandescent pedal steel as well as Elijah Ford’s resonating lyrical images. “Realistic” emerges as a driving song that veers towards a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers avenue. This track features only Marc & Elijah Ford with Matthew Smith playing drums.

“Concerning Your Request” retains a 60s-English vibe regarding the stripped down sonic quality, but the message proves timeless in “ethics of the present day”. Elijah Ford plays solo acoustic guitar and sings alone on “The Distance Between”, which verifies his songwriting ability and musical aptitude. No fluff on this fine number.

“Let Me Count The Ways” injects a shot of soulful funk in the mix where Elijah Ford handles the piano and organ duties, while his father plays bass and slicing guitar. The sharp and venemous tune called “A Common Place” emits a subterranean spook. On the closer, “Skeptik”, Elijah Ford plays all the instruments. - Exystence Music Blog

I met Elijah Ford a few years ago when he was 18 during a tour with his father Marc Ford (Black Crowes, Ben Harper). At that time, Elijah Ford was already an amazing musician. Elijah also toured as Ryan Bingham's bassist in The Dead Horses.

Elijah Ford's debut album, Upon Waking, showcases his rare musicianship. Ford wrote all ten compositions on this new disc that was recorded at Pitchfork Sound in Anahuac, Texas. Marc Ford produced Upon Waking, and plays on 8 of the 10 tunes.

The melodic "Surprise Surprise" opens Upon Waking and promises green pastures ahead--one of this collection's strongest tracks. The song features real DNA osmosis between Ford the Elder and Younger on the genetic-coded guitar playing. "Damn The Days" begins with a melancholy intro that morphs into a courageous footstomper where Ford sings: "Damn the days with open eyes/Denial is no place to hide."

The mandolin-laced "On Your Side" emits a slick hillbilly pop-quality. "Rejoice", a moody gem, features Marc Ford playing some incandescent pedal steel as well as Elijah Ford's resonating lyrical images. "Realistic" emerges as a driving song that veers towards a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers avenue. This track features only Marc & Elijah Ford with Matthew Smith playing drums.

"Concerning Your Request" retains a 60s-English vibe regarding the stripped down sonic quality, but the message proves timeless in "ethics of the present day". Elijah Ford plays solo acoustic guitar and sings alone on "The Distance Between", which verifies his songwriting ability and musical aptitude. No fluff on this fine number.

"Let Me Count The Ways" injects a shot of soulful funk in the mix where Elijah Ford handles the piano and organ duties, while his father plays bass and slicing guitar. The sharp and venemous tune called "A Common Place" emits a subterranean spook. On the closer, "Skeptik", Elijah Ford plays all the instruments.

The colorful musical tapestry of Upon Waking creates a patchwork quilt of interesting sounds.

James Calemine - Swampland

I met Elijah Ford a few years ago when he was 18 during a tour with his father Marc Ford (Black Crowes, Ben Harper). At that time, Elijah Ford was already an amazing musician. Elijah also toured as Ryan Bingham's bassist in The Dead Horses.

Elijah Ford's debut album, Upon Waking, showcases his rare musicianship. Ford wrote all ten compositions on this new disc that was recorded at Pitchfork Sound in Anahuac, Texas. Marc Ford produced Upon Waking, and plays on 8 of the 10 tunes.

The melodic "Surprise Surprise" opens Upon Waking and promises green pastures ahead--one of this collection's strongest tracks. The song features real DNA osmosis between Ford the Elder and Younger on the genetic-coded guitar playing. "Damn The Days" begins with a melancholy intro that morphs into a courageous footstomper where Ford sings: "Damn the days with open eyes/Denial is no place to hide."

The mandolin-laced "On Your Side" emits a slick hillbilly pop-quality. "Rejoice", a moody gem, features Marc Ford playing some incandescent pedal steel as well as Elijah Ford's resonating lyrical images. "Realistic" emerges as a driving song that veers towards a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers avenue. This track features only Marc & Elijah Ford with Matthew Smith playing drums.

"Concerning Your Request" retains a 60s-English vibe regarding the stripped down sonic quality, but the message proves timeless in "ethics of the present day". Elijah Ford plays solo acoustic guitar and sings alone on "The Distance Between", which verifies his songwriting ability and musical aptitude. No fluff on this fine number.

"Let Me Count The Ways" injects a shot of soulful funk in the mix where Elijah Ford handles the piano and organ duties, while his father plays bass and slicing guitar. The sharp and venemous tune called "A Common Place" emits a subterranean spook. On the closer, "Skeptik", Elijah Ford plays all the instruments.

The colorful musical tapestry of Upon Waking creates a patchwork quilt of interesting sounds.

James Calemine - Swampland

Elijah Ford
Magnolia Motor Lounge
February 16th, 2012

Thanks to our good friends over at Magnolia Motor Lounge, Fort Worth was given a go around with up and comer Elijah Ford. Originally from California, Ford has relocated to Austin. His new album, Upon Waking is available on Spotify and bandcamp.

Into the set, I am instantly struck by the way the ringing gauzy pieces use starry melodies to balance out the heart worn harmonies. Each layer issued from the group draws your listening in closer, as though peering into a pool of wonder.

“We’ll just play the whole record for ya.” there’s no reason to argue with that type of logic. And so they did, with a solid array of songs. Mr. Ford is able to play with a sweet slagging off, comfortably set up with a perpetual pop machine hanging out behind him. “Hey, its two and a half minutes for radio.”

Over my shoulder I hear two women whisper-shouting something about love gone wrong, seems as though everyone could use some good tunes. The show slows down into an even pace allowing the rock to recline. Underneath it all, we are treated to well-played keys so delicately filling out the space around the song.

At one point, Elijah crosses the room all the way back to the sound booth to fix the monitors. He even goes as far as to ask, “is that ridiculous sounding?” It cannot be said that our leader is not a true steward of sound.

With a voice that has shades of Rufus Wainwright, he slurs with a pop sensibility, made all the more crispy with well-smacked drums back behind him. The band has solidified some real count-yourself-lucky rhythms, saturating the tunes so much so that you’ve no idea how they will conclude.

Bar customers usher past, smacking at the counter in time with the heavy rhythm. The inertia is fulfilled by truly ascendant vocals, seemingly sung from another place. After hearing the fragments of a hundred brief interactions around me, I think that maybe we’ll all make it, either way I know our time is made better by music.

Inherently, I want to sing along, but I lack the lyrical familiarity, but that does not stop me from tapping my toe. The album allows you to really hear the architecture holding the compositions together; it is a great sounding collection of songs. Worth picking up, cause you are going to want to sing along when they are back in the Fort.

Building up a titanic rise, the group develops the drama with carefully drawn strumming. A gallant sideways performer, Elijah seems to take nothing for granted. The songs roll past in marvelous form. All caught up with the stray potency of his lead vocals. Beneath which the guitar suffuses into chorus splinters.

The song “Skeptik” opens with sublime organs that coat the tune. Your head can’t help but spin through this performance. Ford rocks the system into a sleepy storm driven to fruition by a biting rash of chords. Along the back of the room a couple can’t help but dance to the swirling groove. Even if it is the kind of dancing that is more the recollection of dancing.

Last rounders approach for white wine and whatever beers, closing out their tabs on their way into the night and I offer the tender a nod to further affirm the performance.

-Lyle Brooks - Fort Live: The Source for Live Music in Fort Worth

Elijah Ford
Magnolia Motor Lounge
February 16th, 2012

Thanks to our good friends over at Magnolia Motor Lounge, Fort Worth was given a go around with up and comer Elijah Ford. Originally from California, Ford has relocated to Austin. His new album, Upon Waking is available on Spotify and bandcamp.

Into the set, I am instantly struck by the way the ringing gauzy pieces use starry melodies to balance out the heart worn harmonies. Each layer issued from the group draws your listening in closer, as though peering into a pool of wonder.

“We’ll just play the whole record for ya.” there’s no reason to argue with that type of logic. And so they did, with a solid array of songs. Mr. Ford is able to play with a sweet slagging off, comfortably set up with a perpetual pop machine hanging out behind him. “Hey, its two and a half minutes for radio.”

Over my shoulder I hear two women whisper-shouting something about love gone wrong, seems as though everyone could use some good tunes. The show slows down into an even pace allowing the rock to recline. Underneath it all, we are treated to well-played keys so delicately filling out the space around the song.

At one point, Elijah crosses the room all the way back to the sound booth to fix the monitors. He even goes as far as to ask, “is that ridiculous sounding?” It cannot be said that our leader is not a true steward of sound.

With a voice that has shades of Rufus Wainwright, he slurs with a pop sensibility, made all the more crispy with well-smacked drums back behind him. The band has solidified some real count-yourself-lucky rhythms, saturating the tunes so much so that you’ve no idea how they will conclude.

Bar customers usher past, smacking at the counter in time with the heavy rhythm. The inertia is fulfilled by truly ascendant vocals, seemingly sung from another place. After hearing the fragments of a hundred brief interactions around me, I think that maybe we’ll all make it, either way I know our time is made better by music.

Inherently, I want to sing along, but I lack the lyrical familiarity, but that does not stop me from tapping my toe. The album allows you to really hear the architecture holding the compositions together; it is a great sounding collection of songs. Worth picking up, cause you are going to want to sing along when they are back in the Fort.

Building up a titanic rise, the group develops the drama with carefully drawn strumming. A gallant sideways performer, Elijah seems to take nothing for granted. The songs roll past in marvelous form. All caught up with the stray potency of his lead vocals. Beneath which the guitar suffuses into chorus splinters.

The song “Skeptik” opens with sublime organs that coat the tune. Your head can’t help but spin through this performance. Ford rocks the system into a sleepy storm driven to fruition by a biting rash of chords. Along the back of the room a couple can’t help but dance to the swirling groove. Even if it is the kind of dancing that is more the recollection of dancing.

Last rounders approach for white wine and whatever beers, closing out their tabs on their way into the night and I offer the tender a nod to further affirm the performance.

-Lyle Brooks - Fort Live: The Source for Live Music in Fort Worth

Like father, like son: Elijah Ford follows in the footsteps of his guitarist dad Marc without treading the exact path and turns up a real winner with his debut record, Upon Waking. With a similar style and penchant for undeniable hooks and melodies, the younger Ford reveals he is far more than the son of a great musician- he is one in his own right. In ten short tracks, the singer/guitarist gives listeners more than some acts are able to turn in with double the material on their hands.

Whether it be the Beatle-esque approach of "Concerning Your Request," the Goldrush-era Neil Young vibe of "The Distance Between" or the early-Byrds subtlety of opener "Surprise Surprise," Ford shows that he can incorporate his influences without blatantly copping from them. But that's not to say that all of his inspirations walk hand in hand with his father's- on the contrary, Ford also hints at the best elements of more modern outfits like later-era Flaming Lips ("Damn the Days") and the Black Keys ("Realistic") to add more colors to his already bright palette and put the final flourishes on his already enviable sound. Wrap them all up with his distinctive sounding voice and you've got yourself one winner of an album.

Elijah Ford might be forging his first few miles down the solo artist highway with Upon Waking, but he has certainly done so with all the necessary supplies. There can only be similar satisfaction down the road.

-Ian Rice - Hittin' The Note Magazine

Like father, like son: Elijah Ford follows in the footsteps of his guitarist dad Marc without treading the exact path and turns up a real winner with his debut record, Upon Waking. With a similar style and penchant for undeniable hooks and melodies, the younger Ford reveals he is far more than the son of a great musician- he is one in his own right. In ten short tracks, the singer/guitarist gives listeners more than some acts are able to turn in with double the material on their hands.

Whether it be the Beatle-esque approach of "Concerning Your Request," the Goldrush-era Neil Young vibe of "The Distance Between" or the early-Byrds subtlety of opener "Surprise Surprise," Ford shows that he can incorporate his influences without blatantly copping from them. But that's not to say that all of his inspirations walk hand in hand with his father's- on the contrary, Ford also hints at the best elements of more modern outfits like later-era Flaming Lips ("Damn the Days") and the Black Keys ("Realistic") to add more colors to his already bright palette and put the final flourishes on his already enviable sound. Wrap them all up with his distinctive sounding voice and you've got yourself one winner of an album.

Elijah Ford might be forging his first few miles down the solo artist highway with Upon Waking, but he has certainly done so with all the necessary supplies. There can only be similar satisfaction down the road.

-Ian Rice - Hittin' The Note Magazine

Fresh from playing bass and guitar with Ryan Bingham in the Jeff Bridges' flick Crazy Heart and touring with Bingham's Dead Horses band, Elijah Ford launches his debut album. His original songs are melodic, cinematic rock with searing guitar and production from his father, Marc Ford, the former lead guitarist of the Black Crowes -MD - Vintage Guitar Magazine

Elijah Ford has made a good old-fashioned sideman’s record, but it’s so good he might not be a sideman for long. Upon Waking is Ford’s debut and it is produced by his dad, former Black Crowe Marc Ford, who has also produced a couple of records for Elijah’s boss, Ryan Bingham. Ford plays bass in Bingham’s band, but here he proves to be a multi-instrumentalist, quite a good songwriter and a more than serviceable singer. The album showcases young Ford in a variety of settings. “Surprise, Surprise” would be right at home on one of the good Ryan Adams records — until you get to the maniacal guitar duel between Ford and his dad at the end that takes it into the stratosphere. “Realistic” has a real Crowded House vibe, but again the guitar work elevates it to something quite unique. “Concerning Your Request” melds a beautiful McCartney-esque melody with a vitriolic set of lyrics adding some sour to the sweet, and the album-closing “Skeptik,” on which Ford plays everything, features a pre-Kid A Radiohead feel. All in all, Upon Waking is a most pleasant wakeup call announcing the arrival of a very talented up-and-comer. — GREG ELLIS - Lone Star Music

Elijah Ford has made a good old-fashioned sideman’s record, but it’s so good he might not be a sideman for long. Upon Waking is Ford’s debut and it is produced by his dad, former Black Crowe Marc Ford, who has also produced a couple of records for Elijah’s boss, Ryan Bingham. Ford plays bass in Bingham’s band, but here he proves to be a multi-instrumentalist, quite a good songwriter and a more than serviceable singer. The album showcases young Ford in a variety of settings. “Surprise, Surprise” would be right at home on one of the good Ryan Adams records — until you get to the maniacal guitar duel between Ford and his dad at the end that takes it into the stratosphere. “Realistic” has a real Crowded House vibe, but again the guitar work elevates it to something quite unique. “Concerning Your Request” melds a beautiful McCartney-esque melody with a vitriolic set of lyrics adding some sour to the sweet, and the album-closing “Skeptik,” on which Ford plays everything, features a pre-Kid A Radiohead feel. All in all, Upon Waking is a most pleasant wakeup call announcing the arrival of a very talented up-and-comer. — GREG ELLIS - Lone Star Music