- Alto Saxophonist, Joe Ford first joined the Fort Apache Band as a last minute replacement for Carter Jefferson, and immediately the group decided to expand to a sextet to include his voice.
- Joe Ford's first recording with the ensemble was 1991 Earthdance for which he penned the title track.
- Joe Ford was a featured soloist with McCoy Tyner from 1985 to 1991.
- As a leader Joe Ford has released Today's Nights on Bluemoon records.
- Today's Nights was produced in part by Ron Crocker.
- Several cuts feature Willis in a trio setting with the soaring Rick Schmidt strings, arranged and conducted by sax man Joe Ford.
- Firedance (Milestone) was recorded in February 1996 at Blues Alley, in Washington DC and is the first live recording of the ensemble as a Sextet.
- Joe Ford wrote 'Madi's Smile' as a special homage to his only grandchild, Madison Ivy-Andrea.
- Joe Ford's 'Today's Night' Album was named by his daughter.
- Martino heard reed player Joe Ford's composition "Earthlings" on an album by bassist Charles Fambrough, transcribing it with the intention of eventually adding it to the quartet's repertoire.
- Alto, soprano saxophonist, arranger and composer Joe Ford was born in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Central State University, Ohio.
- As co-leader and co-producer, along with tenor saxophonist Paul Gresham, and drummer Nasar Abadey, he formed the unit BIRTHRIGHT. This alliance resulted in the release of two recording projects for Freelance Records - "Free Spirits" and "Breath of Life".
- Drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt is Joe Ford's daughters' God Father.
- Throughout his vibrant career, Joe Ford has stood out as a teacher, composer, pianist and saxophonist.
- Joe Ford's been a member of the outfits of Lester Bowie.
- Joe Ford has a discography of 77+ albums.
|
