David Ford

We live in an antiseptic musical era, devoid of passion and soul. David Ford brings these indefinable qualities in abundance to every show he performs.

Sometimes gut-wrenching, often heart-stopping, occasionally provocative and regularly hauntingly beautiful, Ford’s performances and his songs connect with an audience like few artists active today.

Whether fronting a band or alchemizing a wall of sound using only a loop pedal and a bucketload of talent, David Ford can cast a spell on a roomful of strangers. Without resorting to tired rock cliché or schlocky sentimentality, Ford creates concert experiences that sear themselves into the memories of all present.

Having educated himself via legendary showmen such as Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen, and possessing an ear for a tune that rivals Paul McCartney, Ford has carved out his own, idiosyncratic musical path and stuck to it tenaciously. He’s been rewarded by an ardent army of converts who return show after show, often enticing newcomers with the promise, “You’re not going to believe this...” From screaming down the house as regular showstopper State Of The Union reaches its crescendo to almost whispering lament of love and loss like I Don’t Care What You Call Me and The Way The Heart Breaks, Ford is a brave and audacious performer.

For anybody craving the exhilaration of witnessing an authentic entertainer pouring himself into finely-crafted songs of love, disgust and everything in between, an evening in the company of David Ford cannot fail to make the heart pump faster.

Tremendous gig from Mr Ford and his orchestra in front of a well-packed Gorilla audience. He played some new songs, but also plenty of his old stuff which had the crowd singing along (well, I was anyway!). It was a bit disconcerting not seeing him leaping round layering loops during State of the Union, but it still came across as a powerful protest song. And a word for his support, Australian Caitlin Park - a distinctive and strong voice, and some great original songs (plus an excellent cover of New York, New York). She also played in the DF orchestra. One of the best gigs I've seen this year.

I cannot understand why, despite critical acclaim, the world has not caught on to the outstanding talent that is David Ford! Not only does he make beautiful records with sometimes poignant, sometimes cutting but always politically astute lyrics but it is when he performs live that he comes into his own! He is mesmerising to watch solo but equally entertaining when performing with a band as he has on his most recent tour - I can't recommend him highly enough - take a chance and go and see for yourself the man that should be where Ed Sheeran is today!

David Ford was incredible. Not only does he sing from the heart, but he sings from the head as well. His thoughtful and well articulated messages are supported by a musician who set off a series of sounds on loops to produce a stunning sound. The only downside was that he was only on stage for 30 minutes as he was a support act. I admire the band he supported - he was truly an impossible act to follow.

He was amazing. He does a mix of powerful, well performed rock songs and lovely, moving ballads. His on stage presence is amazing and the banter with the crowd always makes you laugh.