Cleveland's Best Rock Band- 2007 Free Times Music Awards, 2009 Cleveland Scene Awards

What People Are Saying:

“One of the most celebrated original acts to come out of Cleveland this past decade” Chatauqua Star

“The Jack Fords cultivate a sound and attitude that’s been sorely lacking in the music industry for more that a decade” –Jason Sample, Chatauqua Star

“The Jack Fords have solidified its place among Cleveland’s most enduring acts” – Jason Burchaski, 52 Weeks in Cleveland

“The album is a stellar achievement ranking with the best rock releases of any band this year” –John Hannibal, Hannibal Radio

“The Ford’s music has a mean streak that appeals to both bikers and hipsters” Jeff Neisel, Cleveland Scene

“Foot stompin, beer drinkin barroom rock that will get you dancing” – Muffin Man, Rock Capitol Radio

“They meld definite Bob Dylan/Jack Kerouac, stream-of-conscious songwriting influences with greasy, hard-pumping rock” David Richards, Erie Times

“The Jack Fords spit out a brand of roots rock that is sure to energize any crowd that come through the door to see them perform” Dave Emke, Post Journal

 “If you want to hear Cleveland rock, the Jack Fords won’t disappoint” –John Benson, Plain Dealer

“My favorite rock band in Cleveland”- Michael Stanley


Who Are They?:
Formed in 2005 at the welcoming roots rock Cleveland confines of the Town Fryer , the Jack Fords were formed when Bobby Latina and Brent Kirby met and started playing music together that seared with the influence of Gram Parsons/Flying Burrito Brothers, the Band, Bob Dylan, Faces, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Uncle Tupelo, Springsteen, to name a few.

Rounding out the seasoned lineup is Ed “Angel” Sotelo on bass (New Lou Reeds, Cobra Verde), and  Greg Campolieti on drums (River Junction, The Shizz and many others). This solid rhythm section supplies the foundation for Brent and Bobby to present the tunes with a charismatic, confident swagger.


The band’s first record, “Bent Outta Shape” was recorded live at the Town Fryer, consisting of songs written and performed in such a raw, honest fashion that you can hear the beer bottles clink and the floor creak. The ambitious recording, turned around and released within a month, quickly established the band as a solid fixture in the Cleveland music scene.

Their debut studio record, “The Way Things Should Be” was recorded at the legendary Suma Recording with acclaimed roots producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (Steve Earle, Ryan Adams, Bottlerockets) at the helm. Released in May 2010, the terrific collection of barroom rock’n’roll tunes has given the band plenty of deserved attention.

The Jack Fords have shared stages with Marah, Joe Bonamassa, James Gang, Leslie West, Ian McLagan and the Bump Band, Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, The Trews, Heartless Bastards, Bobby Keys and the Suffering Bastards, The Bottle Rockets, Shurman, Will Hoge, Augustana, Devon Allman, The Yayhoos, Stacie Collins, Limbeck, The Damnwells, Michael Stanley, The Steepwater Band, The Truth and Salvage Co,  Jefferson Starship, The Del Fuegos, among many others.


Pride: 
    2012 Cleveland Scene-  Brent Kirby Winner of Best Musician in Cleveland Award 

 2009 Free Times Awards- Winner Best Rock Band, Nominations include Brent Kirby for Best Singer/Songwriter, Bobby Latina for Best Guitar Player

 2007 Free Times Awards- Winner Best Rock Band, Nominations include Brent Kirby for Best Vocalist, Bobby Latina for Best Guitar Player

 Best Up & Coming Band- Free Times Readers Poll 2006

 2006 Free Times Awards- Nominations include Best Americana Band, Bobby Latina for Best Guitar Player


The Boys:
Brent Kirby- Lead Vocals, Guitar
Bobby Latina- Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ed Sotelo- Bass
Greg Campolieti- Drums, Backing Vocals