Jamming at their rehearsal space on Ford’s road with the windows open, one day a friend exclaimed, “Man you guys are so loud, you’re going to rock Ford’s road!”
Boom, instant moniker.
Rooted in Richmond, Virginia, since 2013 the members of the Classic-Rock outfit known as, Rockford Road, have passionately made music inspired by their love for the 60’s–70’s era of the genre.
Founded by Bob Mahan, (former bassist for George Thorogood), with the intention of writing original, storytelling-style music about life experiences, the group currently consists of, Bob Mahan (lead & rhythm guitar, synth, keyboard, vocals), Mike Lara (rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, vocals), Tom Wisneski (bass guitar, vocals), Jim Davidson (drums & percussion), Victoria Cottrell (vocals), Paul Marquez (saxophone), and Matt Traecy (vocals).
Previous recorded material includes, 2016’s Up The Stairs And Down The Hall, as a prelude to their latest release, Road To Sabittis, which was recorded at the legendary Sound of Music Studio in Richmond, by local hero John Moran.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Sabattis opens with, Best Woman I Never Knew, a track that is very much a Traveling Wilburys-esque sounding tale of love that never was. Super cool way to open an album.
Totally digging the grimy tone on the guitar solo at 2:10 in Boys Like Me.
Freight Train feels like some kind of CCR thing with a bit of a folksy, back-porch, twist.
Great composition and a nostalgic late 70’s/early 80’s-style rock-melody make Back To There our 2nd favorite track on the record, and quite possibly the most radio-ready piece of the collection. It’s a cool track ripe for the repeat button.
Damn, I love a good instrumental. Music has become far to lyricized these days. The album’s title track, Road To Sabittis, is a refreshing bit of vocal silence. Which, ironically, I never really realize how much I miss until I hear a piece like this. Particularly, the section from 1:26—2:50, which, at certain moments, feels a bit like Allman Brothers.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Victoria Cottrell’s smokey and sultry vocals unite with another fine bit of production and mixing in the ever-so-slightly jazzy/cocktail lounge number, Feels Like Rain. Sax, keys, synth, bass, it’s all happening in the right way, and it’s our favorite track by far…
“The sun is high and there are no clouds
But there’s still no light on this house
Now the skies are growing dark again
Been sunny all day, but it feels like rain…”
Sax, cowbell, and even a bass solo concludes the album with, Jeffy’s Key Mobile, with more classic 70’s-era rock. (Think: Warren Zevon.)
IN CONCLUSION…
Raw in the best of ways. Nostalgic and reminiscent-worthy. Light-hearted even in its darkest moments. Rockford Road’s sophomore studio album, Road To Sabittis, is a refreshing bit of full instrumentation and yesteryear composition in an age of looped, cookie-cutter-measures and cheap hooks. With tales of real life—written by people who really live them—the album has a tangible quality that’s rare in today’s music market. Fans of 70’s style Classic-Rock and Folk-Rock alike will find solace here.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
The Traveling Wilburys meets Warren Zevon…
BELOW: Listen to Rockford Road’s album, Road to Sabittis, and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Rockford Road by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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