Music Spotlight - David Lindley

In the first of my spotlights, I am showcasing the American multi (or maxi as some say) instrumentalist, David Lindley who can play anything with strings and some things without them. If you are a Lindley fan, look inside for some cool live footage, if not, then prepare to become a fan!

David Lindley - Minglewood Blues, Johnson Boys, Mercury Blues, Your Old Lady

David Lindley is an American multi-instrumentalist, who plays just about anything with strings, as well as some instruments without them. Lindley fronted a band called El Rayo-X until they broke up in 1989, and later would tour solo or with another musician (Hani Naser or Wally Ingram.) He has been very in demand as a session player, but has also put put a lot of his own material, so if you like him, there's a lot to listen to. His Wikipedia page has a complete list of his recordings if you get interested.

I was first introduced to his music by one of my uncles in the mid 80s and I have been a big fan ever since. When I was in Tokyo in 1989, I was lucky enough to spot a flyer and go see him play with Hani Naser at a small intimate place, and got to see him again at the Fillmore when I was in San Francisco around 2000. I managed to miss him the last time he was in NYC, a few years back, which is a mistake I hope to never repeat.

Here is a video of him performing solo fairly recently (2015) playing "Minglewood Blues" on one of his many, many stringed instruments, "a modified 11 string fretless Oud" according to the person who posted the video. I have to say that it's not just how well he plays the Oud, his voice, or his choice of material that stands out to me. What impresses me the most is the tone he gets.

Here's another from the same show, this time he's playing a Bouzouki, but like it's a Banjo, and is doing the song "Johnson Boys." He's just an amazingly inventive player and very fun to see and hear.

Here is a video of him playing "Mercury Blues" as well as "Your Old Lady" in 1981, both showcasing his slide guitar playing. This was with his band El-Rayo X, and the energy on stage is astounding. I love when I find footage from this era because I just wasn't lucky enough to see it live and this is as close as I can get. One thing to note about Lindley when watching old videos, he has been very consistent in his style of dress: polyester and loud.

Lindley's website is here I encourage you to go there, buy music, buy merchandise, and most importantly check the tour dates, the man is a national treasure.