As a result, it's no surprise that Landreth has emerged as a much-in-demand session player for artists that span the gamut from Beausoleil to Dolly Parton, or from Muddy Waters to Mark Knopfler. It's also why a multitude of more-famous contemporaries frequently describe Landreth as one of the most criminally underrated guitarists playing today.
These days, those kinds of accolades keep Landreth extremely busy. In addition to recently completing another tour with Hiatt and being in the midst of one with the Goners, a few weeks ago Landreth learned that his album, The Road We're On, nabbed a Grammy nomination — his first — for "Best Contemporary Blues Recording."
But as we found out, Landreth isn't just a great musician — he's also a great guy, as he proved when the tape of his original StarPolish interview — conducted just prior to a show at the Stephen Talkhouse out in eastern Long Island more than a year ago — was stolen from a car. With typical graciousness, Landreth agreed to a follow-up interview with StarPolish editorial director James K. Willcox a few months ago, answering many of the same questions with understanding, consideration and a sense of humor.
Back at the Talkhouse
STARPOLISH: When I first met you, it was before a show at the Talkhouse out on Long Island, a place I've seen you play before. It seems to be a decent venue for you — and it appears to be more packed each time you come through.
LANDRETH: Well, it is a really cool place. You can run the gambit between the worst of places and the best, and sometimes a venue will just have a vibe and the people who run it are really nice and it really is a great experience. And that's been the case there for us; we really had a great time.
STARPOLISH: Do you think it's because you've become sort of like a regular there, that having people know that at least once a summer you're going come through helps you out?
LANDRETH: Probably so, I guess. I kind of picked up on an element of community [out there]. Everyone lives in the area, so there's kind of a small-town feel to it, which I like; it's more personable that way. So I would think that that would play into it as well.
STARPOLISH: The funny thing is that it's in one of the richest areas on Long Island, so there's this weird — but cool — mix of people. Half of them are fishermen and laborers, and the other half are rich people from Manhattan who have vacation houses there. But somehow it seems to mix a lot better than in other places I've been, where there's a real tension between the townies and the city people.
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1 - jorge luis
hola