An interview with Sturgill Simpson's phenomenal guitarist Laur Joamets. His inspiring journey from Estonia to the top of Americana music, and all the bumps and bruises along the way.
Great interview. If you hadn't already seen it; Sturgill (and Dave Ferguson) were interviewed on Guitar Moves (attached). Sturgill talks about Laur's talents and how quickly he came up to speed w/ Sturgill and the band.
Thank you for this, Alan. We saw Laur with Sturgill at Terrapin Crossroads in April 2015; Laur gave my son Barry (who has Down's Syndrome) his guitar pick. Two nights later, we saw the band blow the roof off the Fillmore in SF; Sturgill leaned down and gave B his pick from the stage. They're framed with the poster from the Fillmore show. Insanely talented musicians and genuinely nice people as well.
Cool stuff! I have heard so many good things about both guitarists in Sturgill..er, Johnny’s band :) and you’ve confirmed all of them. Can’t wait to see them in May! Amazing that you detected and Laur acknowledged the absence of Duane & Derek’s slide influence. And good on him for forging his own identity.
Great piece, Laur's slide work meshes beautifully w Sturgill; great band indeed. Sturgill's tour late last year a 2024 live music highlight of the year imo -- and great word of mouth about the 3 hour set and band quality -- so critical to touring these days. Am especially intrigued by Johnny Blue Skies' fascinating, growing collaboration with Bobby Weir -- their jamming together at recent Dead-related events in Mexico really interesting... watching Sturgill rip the Garcia lead guitar parts and jamming on China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider are POTENT!
Great article. Big fan of Sturgil. Very cool to understand Laur’s story.
Thanks. I felt the same. It was so interesting that I really leaned into it.
Alan,
Great interview. If you hadn't already seen it; Sturgill (and Dave Ferguson) were interviewed on Guitar Moves (attached). Sturgill talks about Laur's talents and how quickly he came up to speed w/ Sturgill and the band.
https://youtu.be/d3Q0jqDGf2I?si=mj3M8z-a94-09SyY
Thanks. Have not seen!
Thank you for this, Alan. We saw Laur with Sturgill at Terrapin Crossroads in April 2015; Laur gave my son Barry (who has Down's Syndrome) his guitar pick. Two nights later, we saw the band blow the roof off the Fillmore in SF; Sturgill leaned down and gave B his pick from the stage. They're framed with the poster from the Fillmore show. Insanely talented musicians and genuinely nice people as well.
Cool stuff! I have heard so many good things about both guitarists in Sturgill..er, Johnny’s band :) and you’ve confirmed all of them. Can’t wait to see them in May! Amazing that you detected and Laur acknowledged the absence of Duane & Derek’s slide influence. And good on him for forging his own identity.
He is gooooooood! Thanks Alan- he's a new to me musician and i look forward to falling down this rabbit hole.
Great piece, Laur's slide work meshes beautifully w Sturgill; great band indeed. Sturgill's tour late last year a 2024 live music highlight of the year imo -- and great word of mouth about the 3 hour set and band quality -- so critical to touring these days. Am especially intrigued by Johnny Blue Skies' fascinating, growing collaboration with Bobby Weir -- their jamming together at recent Dead-related events in Mexico really interesting... watching Sturgill rip the Garcia lead guitar parts and jamming on China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider are POTENT!