Tonic of The Week: Oh So Intoxicating

JazzTonic's "Tonic of The Week"  will be our opportunity to share with you those artists,  and occasionally a drink or dessert recipe,  whose music will be a soothing elixir for your mind and soul.  Something that will allow you to sit back and relax – or sway your hips from side to side — whatever method soothes!  If anyone has a song or artist suggestion - your personal balm – please share.

To that end, when I thought about who   my  "Tonic of The Week" would be,  the artist that was foremost in my mind,  was the musically intoxicating, rhythmically gifted - Ken Ford.  Ken Ford is the — oh so talented – Electric Violinist from Atlanta, GA.  If you have ever seen a performance by this amazing musician you understand why he was the perfect choice for "Tonic of The Week".  His performances are nothing short of mesmerizing!  I had the pleasure of seeing this high energy, smile provoking, "no he didn't", musician for the first time on the Capital Jazz SuperCruise in 2009.  His show was electrifying!  To my dismay, I recently missed Ken Ford perform at the 2011 Seabreeze Jazz Festival held in Panama City Beach, Fl, April 14 -17.   Lesson learned – I will always thoroughly read my mail.  Seabreeze Jazz Festival sent a last minute mailing that, in addition to other things, mentioned the scheduling change between Ken Ford and Mindy Abair.  Because I skimmed the letter,  I missed that vital piece of information.  Everyone sitting near me at the Festival,  seemed to derive some "sick" joy in describing what I had missed.   Anyway, I guess I am finally over that.  I'm just sayin' – you never…ever want to miss a Ken Ford show!

Besides being a great performer with an infectious smile, Ken Ford also has a big heart.  Through his efforts, and with the assistance of volunteers, the Ken Ford Foundation is helping to make a difference in the lives of young people.  His foundation is based on his desire to  "keep music education alive" in the schools.  I am certain that because of his generosity in sharing his talent, many young people will be forever blessed.

I hope you enjoy this Tonic as much as I do.

Ken Ford talks about his foundation:

Ken Ford performs "Get Busy" from his Right Now CD:

Picture by Julian III, Flickr