StarPolish Interview: Sonny Landreth - Page 6

STARPOLISH: It seems like it was a pretty good springboard for your career, what you've been able to do since.

LANDRETH: Well, I've thanked John many times for opening the door for me. That gave people the opportunity to hear me play in a setting that was a larger venue, in larger context.

STARPOLISH: I've seen you play with John a couple times — it seems like every once in a while you guys regroup, and the chemistry is always there.

LANDRETH: For example, we worked together for two years, and then didn't play together for 14 years, maybe more.

STARPOLISH: Wow — but aren't music years are like dog years... (laughing)

LANDRETH: (Laughing) You're right, a lot happens in 10 years. So we just picked up where we left off... that's the beauty of that.

Sideman versus Leader

STARPOLISH: One of the things that's interesting to me is that you seem to be able to balance careers as both a sideman and as a leader of your own band. Is it difficult doing that? And do you enjoy doing both? I'm also curious how it works: Do you look at the sideman thing as a way of paying the bills, or is it an opportunity to play with musicians you really respect and enjoy?

LANDRETH: Well, I do really enjoy it. It's given me a lot of opportunities to play with my heroes, and meet my heroes and work with them. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, it's kind of like a dream come true. That's the real payoff for me, and in terms of the financial realms it's definitely helped me out. And it's given me more exposure, too. It is a bit of a stretch, because it takes a lot of planning; the logistical aspect of that is pretty thick. But I do honestly enjoy it, and I just don't want to miss out on anything. There's fun to be had, new experience to learn from, an opportunity to meet people I just don't want to miss out on, and although that's kind of a blessing and a curse, I've been blessed in that regard.

STARPOLISH: So is that something you see yourself continuing to do?

LANDRETH: Oh sure, as long as they'll have me, I'll show up.

STARPOLISH: I think one of the other things we talked about last time was gaining a rep as a preeminent slide player. As great as that is, is that limiting at all? Do you feel you are pigeon-holed as a slide player, and that people may not regard you as a complete musician or songwriter?

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