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Marcus Ford Acoustic Guitarist

ALBUM REVIEW BY AWARD WINNING JAZZ GUITARIST MARTIN TAYLOR 

A nice plug for Marcus Ford’ solo album by world class guitarist, Martin Taylor on the Martin Taylor Guitar Academy site…

“Marcus Ford has  released his first solo CD. It’s a beautifully reflective album of standards played on nylon string guitar. Although this is a solo guitar CD I was delighted to be able to play on one track with Marcus, a duo version of “Two For The Road” a tune popular among students here at the MTGA.

Marcus has a beautiful touch and tone on nylon string guitar, very reminiscent of Earl Klugh and Gene Bertoncini, and he also has a great knowledge of re-harmonisation. I recommend this CD to all solo guitar players, there’s a lot of inspiring playing here. Congratulations Marcus!

This solo recording features arrangements of great melodies by some of the most influential song writers and lyricists including Richard Rodgers, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, George and Ira Gershwin and Jerome Kern. I have grown up with these songs and in their day some were pop tunes such as Alfie and What A Wonderful World, the latter being a song I performed on the guitar at school my first gig! The opening track, With A Song In My Heart, became famous in the UK as the theme tune for the long-running BBC radio show, Family Favourites, which I clearly remember hearing most Sunday evenings!

Two For The Road by Henry Mancini, which I heard on a Pat Metheny album a few years back and more recently on a recording by Martin Taylor and Alan Barnes, is relatively new to me. I was delighted at having the opportunity of recording this song with Martin on my album. He has been a huge influence for me over many years, in particularly his sense of jazz harmony and rhythm and yet staying true to both the song and melody.

I considered calling this album “Melody Matters” as melody is important to me and my music. Harmonically I have always been drawn to chordal arrangements whether it be in the context of a big band or smaller ensembles and soloists such as Oscar Petersen Joe Pass or Pat Metheny. One of the less well known songs on this recording is “Evening In Paris” by Quincy Jones. I originally heard this as a big band number but have always been impressed by the haunting melody and the original big band arrangement.

I do hope you enjoy my interpretations of these classic tunes.

“GOING SOLO” ON SALE!

CD costs £8.50 plus (£1.00 postage Mainland UK).


Alternatively you can buy a copy through CD BabyiTunes and Amazon.

Acoustic guitarist Marcus Ford, has been performing across the UK for the past two decades and is a well known face on the Scottish music scene.

As well as playing in a number of ensembles including the Ritz Trio, Marcus regularly performs as a solo guitarist for

  • Wedding Ceremonies & Drinks Receptions
  • Corporate Events
  • Solo Recitals

Whilst his influences come from the jazz genre, he has a broad spectrum of music interests. This can be seen in his repertoire of arrangements which include everything from the Beatles, Sting and Adele to Louis Armstrong, Gershwin and Carpenters!

Wedding Entertainment

If you are looking for an acoustic wedding guitarist in Scotland, then consider have one of  most accomplished solo guitarists Marcus Ford to perform his specially selected repertoire, which is sure to help to make your event unique and memorable.

He has played at some of the most prestigious venues in Scotland including Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, Hopetoun House, One Devonshire Gardens, Balbirnie HouseFormer Royal Yacht Britannia, The Balmoral and Gleneagles Hotel. Internationally he has performed in Italy, Germany, Switzerland and China.

The popularity of the guitar makes it the perfect wedding ceremony and reception instrument.  Being atmospheric and romantic it creates the perfect ambiance for a wedding in Scotland. The equipment used is discreet and highly flexible meaning Marcus is able to switch between rooms, for example following on from the ceremony within no time at all he can be set up and playing over the drinks reception if required.

A typical booking scenario for a wedding ceremony can involve music before the vows, drinks afterwards and/or the breakfast. Even music for the walk down the aisle can be included. Marcus will be happy to discuss this with clients to ensure that personal tastes and wishes are catered for in planning stages.

Guitar & Violin For Wedding Ceremonies

Marcus sometimes works with a violinist for wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions. The Duo are able to play the most often asked for wedding ceremony pieces such as Thousand Years,  (C.Perri), Air on a G String, Ave Maria and Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

He is happy to discuss arranging music specifically for each wedding, so please do ask if there is something special you want played.

A SET LIST WITH VARIETY SURE TO PLEASE MOST TASTES!

Take a look at this set list which highlights just a few of the many songs Marcus Ford is able to play. If there is something that you would especially like played please ask as this may be something Marcus can perform for you and your guests with notice.

Marcus Ford Acoustic Guitarist Set List HERE

MARCUS FORD ACOUSTIC GUITARIST AUDIO SAMPLES

Ritz Trio Audio Samples

Marcus Ford also writes his own music, here is a tune called “Strange Times” which was written during the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Gtr – Marcus Ford – Keyboard – Steve Hamilton Double Bass – Andy Mitchell

Marcus Ford Original Composition

2020

Marcus Ford Acoustic guitarist based in Scotland

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