Jimi Ford

My name is Jim Ford, and I was born of the Aries sign in 1981. I'm originally from Vernon Hills, IL. Over the past few years, I've managed to play dual roles - type designer by day, and musician by night. As of 2009, I'm in my 17th year in music. I began playing guitar at 12 years old, and switched my focus completely to bass when I was 18. Over the past few years, I've played with a handful of local bands, which include: The Big Nasty, Et cetera, Hit Me, Vital Element, and now, Three Machine. Recently I've been branching out with a new solo project called 'Ampersand' or '&' which could be defined as an experimental fusion band. Right now I'm the only permanent member, but so far it has allowed me the opportunity to experiment with sound and play several other instruments, which I enjoy.

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a close, spiritual connection with music. It's as if there is a soundtrack to my life. And it changes each day. Beautiful music touches the soul - it can bring you to tears or it can brighten your day. And there's a time and place for each. Improvisation is also very spiritual and significant to me. You are putting your emotions and instincts into the music, so it's very spontaneous. When you get into a groove, it's so fluid that you can just close your eyes and let your fingers guide the way. That is, by far, the best feeling in playing music.

My influences over the years have ranged from the simplest form, punk rock, to more complex jazz and classical styles. People that I have grown up with have seen me go through many 'phases.' They last anywhere from a year, up to four years. When I go into a phase, or become really interested in one style of music or one group, I become an understudy of that, to a nearly obsessive degree. My earliest musical interests (or phases) were in pop stars like The Beatles and even Michael Jackson! Today, I'm a student of the Miles Davis school of thought, and his theories about jazz and improvisation have made a huge impression on me and my recent work as a musician.

All musicians, if they are artists, grow and change as they get older. If you are a passionate and deep-thinking creative person, you spend a lot of time torturing yourself over how you can make things more beautiful, or just one thing. It's about creating something special, and stimulating a racy mind. I think I developed that quality in drawing from an early age. I don't talk a lot, mostly because I don't follow sports or politics, and I'm not big on small talk. But for the things I do care about, I sure have a lot to say.

The way I keep music fresh is by constantly opening myself to new music. One method that has introduced me to many new places is studying the bands I'm currently into, and finding out what they're interests are. This is how many people have made it onto the list below. If you haven't heard some of these bands or musicians, you should check them out, because they are something else.

Groups:

Allman Brothers Band
Band of Gypsys
The Beatles
Black Flag
Bloc Party
Blonde Redhead
Bob Marley & The Wailers
The Clash
De Facto
Galactic
Interpol
King Crimson
Led Zeppelin
Mahavishnu Orchestra
The Mars Volta
Minutemen
Pink Floyd
The Police
Primus
Queens of the Stone Age
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rush
Santana
Wu Tang Clan
Yes

Individuals:

Michael "Flea" Balzary
Jeff Beck
Jack Bruce
Ron Carter
Johnny Cash
Paul Chambers
Stanley Clarke
Les Claypool
Billy Cobham
Avishai Cohen
Billy Cox
John Coltrane
Ornette Coleman
Tim Commerford
Paco de Lucia
Miles Davis
Al di Meola
Jack de Jonette
Gil Evans
John Frusciante
Herbie Hancock
Keith Jarrett
John Paul Jones
BB King
Charlie Parker
Billy Preston
John McLaughlin
Rick Rubin
Jon Theodore
Tom Waits
Tony Williams
Frank Zappa