10 QUESTIONS WITH SONNY LANDRETH

Sonny Landreth is one of the premier slide guitarists in the world. Fresh off multiple performances in New Orleans, including a Jazzfest Fairgrounds set and a sit-in with the Gov't Mule Deepest End show, Sonny is on tour this summer throughout the USA. Dont miss catching this true guitar master. We caught up with Sonny a few weeks back to gain some insight into what has gotten him to this point in his career.

JamBase: What have you felt to be your most important musical collaborations? What artist would you like to work with that you haven't had an opportunity to?

Sonny Landreth: Working with Junior Wells, Mark Knopfler, and Dr. John are some highlights. I would like to work with Eric Clapton.

JB: How has the music scene in New Orleans changed in the past few years and in particular, and what do you think about the addition of the "jambands" scene at Jazz fest and late night gigs?

SL: I think the addition of the jambands at jazzfest has sparked some really cool collaborations. I’m looking forward to working with Warren Haynes on his CD/DVD project at the Sanger Theater on May 3rd.

JB: What artists excite you?

SL: Robben Ford, because of his soul and signature sound. Other favorites that I’ve worked with recently are Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Little Feat.

JB: As a child, what influenced you to become interested in music and in slide guitar? Where did you study guitar?

SL: As I was a kid growing up in MISS(issippi), Elvis was a king and his guitar player Scotty Moore became my hero and inspired me to play. Though I never had anyone teach me I did listen to a lot of blues albums that turned me on to playing slide.

JB: Is the reaction to your music different in other countries than it is in USA?

SL: Though European audiences are sometimes a bit more reserved, they are enthusiastic and seem to be more familiar with different sessions and gigs that I’ve done. Still, there’s nothing like playing at home, especially when people know your songs so well they get into singing along.

JB: What kinds of crowds do you play to around the world?

SL: We play a lot of festivals throughout this country and abroad. It’s definitely a great vibe when a crowd gets into the spirit of listening to music outside. We also play a lot of clubs so that people can get up close and it’s more of an intimate setting.

JB: What's your favorite place to play?

SL: I have a lot of favorites that would include Festival Internationale de Louisiane in Lafayette, LA, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Fitzgerald's in Chicago.

JB: What album do you feel defines you most as a player?

SL: Levee Town because the narrative form of the story songs inspired me to stretch out more.

JB: What live show sticks out in your mind as the best you ever witnessed? Ever played?

SL: Jimi Hendrix at Independence Hall in Baton Rouge, LA in 1967 and The Band at the Houston Music Hall in 1971 sure had a big influence on me. Fast forward to October 14, 2002, it was great to be one of the special guests along with Levon Helm for Little Feat's 25th Anniversary celebration of the Waiting for Columbus album.

JB: What are your thoughts on the internet and its effect on the music business?

SL: I really like the connection that my website has given us with fans and audiences. We really see the difference in the crowds everywhere that we go. I enjoy the opportunity that the Internet provides for getting music and information to fans, but wonder what impact MP3-swapping will have on the future. Meanwhile we’ll just keep rockin’ on.