There is A Light That Never Goes Out

David Ford at Joe's Pub Wednesday night, previewing songs from his forthcoming album.

In addition to writing aching and beautiful songs of melancholy about people making their way in a world paved with obstacles, Ford is one of those artists who--in performance--occasionally uses looping effects to create enough sound for an entire band. Given the loneliness and sad desperation of his songs, not to mention his overwhelming skill at a technique which can be a gimmick when not done well, the effect is both strongly musical and powerful, as if he's demonstrating a way to make something out of nothing.