The Kim Richmond/Kimberly Ford Ensemble – July 9, 2017
Well, it’s hard to beat yesterday’s concert at SOhO! It was billed as a tribute to Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell, but it was much, much more! Kim Richmond, along with Kimberly Ford and four great young musicians, put on a stunning concert. Richmond quipped that he brought the “young lions” from LA… and that he did! Kim, number 1 (Richmond), winner of many Grammys, wrote some of the most exciting and beautiful arrangements around for these super players to perform. It was quite something, for my way of thinking, to combine the likes of Joni Mitchell with Hancock’s compositions and get away with it. And added to the mix was Kim, number 2 (Ford), who sang the complicated lyrics and notes composed by both. I must admit, I am not a Joni Mitchell fan, but when Kimberly sang Richmond’s haunting arrangement of Both Sides Now the audience was transported to another place. Unusual pairings like Tell Me a Bedtime Story with Jericho and Dolphin Dance and I Had a King were the story of the day. Among others, Kim Ford also sang Joni’s lyrics to the Charles Mingus tune, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, another tribute this time to saxophonist, Lester Young.
The pianist, Scott Healy, was superb on every tune, but treated us to a gorgeous solo piece, My Foolish Heart, by Victor Young. And leader, Richmond, paid tribute to another great sax player, Johnny Hodges, with the lovely Ishfahan, by Billy Strayhorn. Amazing guitarist, Will Brahm, soloed on most every tune, but really glowed on Maiden Voyage. Adding to excitement and keeping it all together were excellent percussionist, James Yoshizawa and bassist, Jordan Richards. It was a surprising and exciting afternoon, to be sure!
-Natalie Wilson
Photos of the show by Mark McDonald are available at
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