MicControl Interview: Blues Guitarist David Lamar

Thursday, 2 July 2009, 0 Comments

David Lamar; talented guitarist, singer, songwriter, and composer... has been hailed both by fans and critics as "the best kept cultural secret in the Western Hemisphere." Luckily enough, I was able to connect with David for an interview about himself, his music and his plans for the future:

MicControl: How long have you been playing the guitar? David Lamar: I've been playing guitar since i was about 12 yrs. old. MC: Who was your first influence? DL: My first influences on the guitar were carlos montoya, sabicas, manitas de plata, and andres segovia. later, joe pass, kenny burrell, james burton, b.b. king , albert king, and later larry carlton. MC: Clearly blues is your style, has it always been that way? Or did you start playing something else? DL: I began playing classical , and flamenco guitar, and played only that until i was 20 yrs. MC: Have you always been a solo artist? If not, can you name some projects that you have been involved with? DL: I worked as a sideman until 1983 or so. i basically lived outside of the usa from 1974, until 2000, i did sessions, and backed up different artists mostly in south america, and europe. Also did some back up, and session work in the usa on my visits home. i worked with the very famous, and the totally unknown. also played in some country bands back in the day. MC: How do you feel about the popular music of today? What do you think of John Mayer as a blues guitarist? DL: To be honest, I don't listen to much of today's music. a lot of it I finds a bit shallow. Sadly there seems to be an absence of roots. I don't want to sound lick a prick, but if music dosen't move me emotionally, it's just not something i'm interested in hearing. John Mayer is a gifted musician. (note his roots).Some of today's country is very well written, well sung, and well played. As to john mayer as a blues guy, you can hear the influences, but guitar seems to me to be just one element of his music output. his songs, and singing, are also excellent. MC: What is more important to you as a guitar player, your ear or music theory? DL: Frankly, the songwriting, and singing, are what define me as a musician. having said that, i'm as big of a guitar nut as anyone. For me, it's a blend of what my ears tell me, as well as the many years of harmony studies. I would say that i'm a reasonably intelligent musician, or educated might be a better way to put it. The real deal is how much feeling, and magic you can put into your output, especially shows, and recordings. MC: How many albums have you released? DL: I have 3 albums recorded, and released. the first being one for capitol records when I was a kid. One recorded live in sweden. (" the swedish sessions") and the last recorded in europe, ("david lamar live in europe") these were all commercial ventures recorded for companies. MC: Do you have any new projects in the works? DL: My main project is to be the very best that i can, by practicing, writing new tunes. I work a lot on the vocal aspect, and the open tuning slide guitar. and chording too. I had the honor of studying with joe pass when i was a young guy. Right now, im' looking into doing something serious here in the bay area, and santa cruz where we are living now. Also I have always taught a fair amount, and will continue to do so. MC: Where is your music available? DL: If someone would be interested in my stuff, they can email me at this address. FOR MORE INFO ON DAVID LAMAR PLEASE GO TO HIS MYSPACE or his WEBSITE

0 Comments