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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 artist Boney James,
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,
and also performed during the 14th Annual Montreux Atlanta Music Festival
at Piedmont Park. 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 has a long list of credits
which include appearances on the local TV News Show "Good Day
Atlanta", WSB-TV's Family to Family Parade, The Trumpet Awards,
studio projects with labels such as LaFace and SoSo Def Records, 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 Farell,
Jean Carne, Jerald Daemon, and Regina Carter. The list goes on and on.
Ford's recent accomplishment is the release
of his eagerly anticipated chart-topping debut CD entitled 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 Amphitheater.
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.
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