Backtracking by John Ford

He joined the Strawbs in May 1970. John Ford's influence with The Strawbs, primarily known as a Folk Rock group, shifted into a new direction in the Prog-Art Rock Scene. John penned perennial favorites, "Heavy Disguise" and "Part of the Union," The Strawbs biggest Chart Hit, included on the Album, released as a Single and spent 59 weeks on the album charts, rising to Top of the Pops fame, working with Bowie/T-Rex Producer, Tony Visconti on A&M. John Ford received three Gold Records and Platinum, to boot. A few years later, John Ford and Richard Hudson, formed Hudson-Ford, with Top 10 Pop Chart Hits, Pick Up The Pieces, along with "Burn Baby Burn" and "Floating In The Wind" also on A&M.

In 1979, found John Ford hitting the Charts again. This time with The Monks, a punk project of sorts picked up by EMI and along came surprise hits, "Nice Legs Shame About The Face" and Suspended Animation. In contrast, JF also developed an alter ego in High Society with classic 30s style melodies, releasing a self-titled album in 1984. In 1986, John Ford relocated to the US and started working on his solo project and shows.

John teamed up again with The Strawbs 30 Year Reunion Tour in 1998, performing as bass guitarist and vocalist, after a hiatus since the late 80s with the Strawbs, following Johns move to the US, then again for the 2001 Strawbs UK Spring Tour. In between, in 1999, John played on Ritchie Blackmore's band Blackmore's Night release Under A Violet Moon, their second international release, featured John in the beautiful "Wind in the Willows" and played some shows.

January 2004, John Ford opened to a packed house for Dave Mason at a Long Island concert venue.

July 2004, the STRAWBS SUMMER UK ELECTRIC TOUR in England, featured John on bass and vocals with the original UK electric lineup from the 70s, Highpoints of the tour included The 30th Trowbridge Pump Festival with The Strawbs, doing both the Electric and Acoustic line-ups, headlining for two nights to over 6,000 fans. THE STRAWBS UK ELECTRIC TOUR performed to sold-out shows at venues ranging from richly, restored performing arts theatres like Huntingdon Hall to trendy hot spots, such as The Under World in London and others throughout the UK, with much success. Aside from the dozens of recordings Johns been on, some of his live performances can be viewed on DVD with Strawbs Live In Tokyo '75" & GRAVE NEW WORLD - The Movie and The Complete Strawbs - Live at Chiswick House and other Top of the Pops videos.

March 2006, John Ford was featured on the Strawbs UK Electric March 2006 Tour which included a DVD filming for upcoming release.

In addition to his numerous discography of album credits with band projects and session player throughout the years, John has released seven solo albums of his own work:

1998 - Love Is A Highway

2000 - Heading For A High

2002 - Natural High

2005 - Backtracking - all John Ford original, redux of his classic hits with JF performing virtually all the vocals, instrumentation and producing the albums.

2005 - New World Maxi-Single EP

2005 - What Ever Happened to Christmas - a collection of Holiday songs, this album features an array of Christmas Classics with some newly released original (future) classics penned by John Ford.

John Ford releases for 2005 -

What Ever Happened to Christmas a collection of holiday songs, JF originals.

John Ford also appears on ROCK 4 XMAS ALL STARS Compilation - including John Fords rockin version of White Christmas," along with tracks from Quit Riots Paul Shortino, Cheap Trick, Larry Hoppen (Orleans), Eddie Money & Ronnie Spector & more!

New for 2006 include: A CHRISTMAS TRILOGY - features two NEW John Ford originals

UPCOMING: JOHN FORD: LIVE AT THE BOTTOM LINE and Best of John Ford in the works.

All released on ©Whole Shot Records.

SPECIAL THANKS to Dick Greener, The Strawbs Webmaster & Archivist.

For details & history on The Strawbs & John Ford info at http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk

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