Fri 3/6 @ 8PM
Cleveland band the Jack Fords got their start more than 20 years ago, and quickly became a big local favorite. Started by guitarist Bobby Latina who’d played with local county punk ragers the Cowslingers for more than decade (most of the other members went on to the still-extant Whiskey Daredevils), he was soon joined by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Brent Kirby, relatively new to town then, but soon to become a driving force in the local music scene.
The band rapidly became part of the scene at the Town Fryer where they met, which was a mecca for the Americana/roots rock scene (and really unhealthy food). That’s where they recorded their live album Bent Outta Shape, released in 2006. The band’s continued over the years, some years more active than others, releasing a couple more albums including 2010’s The Way Things Should Be, and There It is in 2015. It hasn’t performed much since COVID.
But with its 20th anniversary the band is looking at a comeback. Kirby says, “There’s nothing better than being in a band with your friends and playing music you made up together. It’s truly a brotherhood. Twenty years is a long time to be connected to something like this, and all the wonderful subtle musical things happen when you have that kind of history.”
Kirby and Latina are joined by the band’s longtime drummer Greg Campoleti and a new bassist Alfredo Guerrieri to record at new album this year featuring tunes mostly written by Kirby and Latina together. “I want the Fords to finish writing the new songs, record and release them, and get back to performing at the frequency we had been at for so many years,” says Latina. “It’s an important part of the balance in my life.”
They’ll kick off their return with a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Bent Outta Shape, taking place at the Beachland Tavern, with Justin Gorksi’s Big Hoke opening. Go here for tickets.