What set your favorite guitarist, singer or drummer on his or her path? Was it when they heard the Beatles, John Coltrane, Bach or Mozart? Maynard Ferguson or Hank Williams or the Velvet Underground?
We are asking artists from across the musical spectrum to pick three records that were particularly influential in their careers. Maybe it was the first time they heard something by an underground group on a college radio station, and then went and picked up the album. Perhaps something from Mom and Dad’s collection, whether it was Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats or Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite.” Different strokes for different folks, right?
Luke Winslow-King was touring the U.S. with fellow Americana musicians Seth Bernard and Daniel Kahn when their van with all their instruments was stolen in New Orleans. Forced to stay there while working to recover their instruments, Winslow-King fell in love with the Big Easy, making it his home for 15 years. He relocated to New York City for two years post-Katrina before moving back to New Orleans; he also spent a year in the Czech Republic. These days his home base is his original hometown of Cadillac, Michigan.
His music combines his classical studies from Interlochen, Western Michigan, and NYC with the myriad influences of New Orleans. He’s released five albums and tours frequently. Here are the albums that shaped Luke Winslow-King’s career:
BOB DYLAN – TIME OUT OF MIND (1997): Produced by Daniel Lanois, Time Out of Mind to me is one of the greatest breakup albums in the late 20th century and is widely considered to be Bob Dylan’s comeback into modern times. I love the production, his vocal phrasing and delivery, but most of all the lyrical mastery. Adele had a platinum-selling single covering “To Make You Feel My Love.” I first heard this album crossing Lake Pontchartrain into New Orleans for the very first time in my life. This record has followed me and has helped me through hard times. It is always revealing different meanings with each listen.
MARK KNOPFLER – TRACKER (2015): I love Knopfler’s soothing low vocal sounds on this album. It complements the icy sound of his slide Stratocaster playing. Modern designs and ideas are woven together with the sounds and traditions of old Scotland
RY COODER – BOOMER’S STORY (1972): “Dig my grave beside the railroad so I can hear the trains roll by.” I received a copy of this album from an old friend and mentor at the age of 16. It’s been an inspiration to me ever since. Old train songs and the mandolin style of “Yank” Rachell. This is truly the slide guitar Bible. One song about President Kennedy features blues hero Sleepy John Estes, as Ry Cooder tips his hat to the greats that came before him.
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