Feature

Alligator Records’ Eric Lindell is no stranger to the ESho. When this soul singer/songwriter comes to town, the denizens of Fairhope are left shuckin’ and jivin’ for days. Born in California but schooled in New Orleans, Lindell is a favorite of New Orleans locals such as the Neville Brothers and Branford Marsalis along with numerous music lovers across the U.S. Songs on his Alligator Records debut “Change in the Weather” earned him a spot on one of the main stages at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and his latest masterpiece “Low on Cash, Rich in Love” is due out on Alligator on Jan. 15. Lindell is kicking off the holiday season with two-nights of French Quarter jams on the ESho and was more than willing to give Lagniappe some insight into his past, present and future.

SC: When you first started playing, you were into what has been described as “skate-punk.” Then, you veered off of that path for R&B and blues. What was it about that music that drew you to it?

EL: (Laughing) Well, that was when I was younger, probably like 15 or something. When we first started our own bands and all…you ever listen to Fishbone?

SC: Oh yeah, absolutely, man.

EL: Well, they were like a band that for me kinda crossed genres seamlessly. They didn’t particularly do one thing. So, I’ve kinda always done that. I’ve been all over the place, and I still feel like I am all over the place. I love blues; I love good soul music, country, everything pretty much. I got into the blues stuff probably like in my early twenties.

Like I said, when I was younger, I had bands that…we really rocked out. We were really into rockin’ out, hard rockin’ stuff, but at the same time, we had horns, we played really soulful stuff as well. As I got older, I guess I leaned towards not as much ruckus and more honing in my sound.

SC: You moved from your home in California to New York City and eventually settled in New Orleans, where you started to come more into the public eye. What brought you to the Big Easy?

EL: My wife is from New Orleans, and we decided to move back there. And that was it.

SC: Well, you’ve definitely made your mark on the New Orleans music scene. What was it like making your way up the ladder in such a rich and diverse music scene?

EL: It was real humbling, and I was just talking about this the other day. Before I moved, I was playing with this certain group of guys, and we were really big fish in a small pond, if you will. We played our little circuit that we played and felt like we were doing something. So, when I moved to New Orleans, I wanted to take a break from playing for a living and being all over the place. I figured I would hunker down and do some playing locally. It was humbling, and it was awesome.

You know, New Orleans is like one big band. I just got to get out and play in front of nobody with some great players. This guy told me at one of my first gigs in New Orleans. He said, “New Orleans is built on sidemen.” It really is. There’s so many awesome players. People just love to play. Ain’t nobody making a bunch of money, but there’s a whole lot of playing going on. It was an eye-opener as well. I wasn’t really familiar with New Orleans music, you know, brass bands and that kind of stuff. So, it was pretty cool getting turned on to that for the first time. New Orleans drummers are pretty funky too.

SC: You made through the scene in New Orleans, and the next thing you know, you’re playing a main stage at the Jazz and Heritage Festival. What was that like?

EL: Incredible. You know, I play a lot of festivals, but I think that was one of my all-time favorites.

SC: How did it feel when you found out that people like the Neville Brothers and Branford Marsalis were among some of your fans?

EL: It was pretty awesome. One night a couple of years ago, I did Mardi Gras with the Neville Brothers. I play with Ivan, and I hang with those guys, Art’s son and Aaron’s son. I hadn’t really met those guys until I had played with them, and both Art and Aaron were very complimentary. In fact, the same night I went across the street, and I sat in with a band. I just played one song, but right when I got off stage, this guy stopped me, and he said, “Hey, I’m Branford Marsalis, man. I’ve been following you and love your music and love what you’re doing!” I was like, “Wow!” (laughing). I was pretty knocked out. I thought that was cool coming from a guy that’s such a diverse musician. It was a huge compliment.

SC: Well, you’re gearing up for your next release on Alligator Records called “Low on Cash, Rich in Love.” What can the fans expect off of this one?

EL: It’s funky. It’s got some really good songs and a lot of different grooves, just honing into the craft a little better. Y’all’s local boy Blake Nolte, a saxophone player, was nineteen when he came in and cut on the record with us for the new record. I met him in Alabama. When I would come to play Fairhope, he would come and sit with me, you know? He was really cool. As many horn players as I know in New Orleans and people I could’ve had, I picked this young kid from Alabama. He had never been over to New Orleans and was real nervous, and he came over and did a great job on the record. It’s just him doing both saxes. We didn’t do a trumpet or trombone. It’s a good record, and we’re real proud of it.

SC: You’re no stranger to Fairhope. What is it about the Fairhope crowd that keeps bringing you back?

EL: I really just like the people over there and the people that run the place and the local musicians. It’s always kinda been like for me…I live in Pensacola, now. I always liked getting over there when I was off from doing stuff on the road. They always kinda let me do whatever the heck I want to do. It’s kind of a gig for myself, you know. It’s not a big advertised gig, but I like going over there and jamming on my down time.

SC: You’re kicking off 2008 with “Low on Cash, Rich in Love.” What’s going to be the next step after the record is out?

EL: We’re gotta get out and tour behind this record a little bit, and I’m just looking forward to all the festivals and stuff coming up.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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