Ever since his self-titled album took home the 2008 Wammie for Best Contemporary Folk Album of the Year, Luke Brindley has been the most talked-about rocker in town.
This week he brings his guitar, a band of four top musicians and insatiable creativity to the Barns at Wolf Trap. And don’t be surprised if he singles out a couple of very special guests during the evening.
If you go
Luke Brindley with the Alternate Routes
Where: 8 p.m. Thursday
When: The Barns at Wolf Trap
Info: $16; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
His move from New Jersey to Virginia to join his brothers as a co-owner of Jammin’ Java not only provided a built-in venue for his music, but also boosted the musical reputation of Vienna, now the hometown of one of the Top 100 Clubs in the World, according to Pollstar magazine. The product of a musical family, Brindley cut his eyeteeth on Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn and other classic singer-songwriters of the ’70s. His curiosity and experimentation in world music styles coupled with the influence of literary giants set his music and lyrics apart. Trips to West Africa, Brazil and Eastern Europe added spice and rare nuances to his technique.
“Everything I’ve done along the way has been surprising,” he said. “I put everything into every performance and am always learning, trying to improve. Writing is my main thing, from introducing new songs to rearranging others. My ideas for lyrics come from life and having the time to reflect and process things happening around me. I read a lot, listen to new and old music, and am constantly inspired by my friends. I distill all that into songs and hope that others make sense of it and take out what is valuable to their lives.”
During his guitar studies with Ken Wessel at Rutgers University and later with Ornette Coleman, Brindley became intrigued by the guitar itself and began designing and building his own instruments. Today, he is happiest playing a handmade instrument like the Mythic Guitar OM and the cutaway model that took six years to complete.
“A big part of what I do is guitar playing,” he said. “People say they really like my solo work, so the Wolf Trap fans can look forward to hearing one or two numbers from my ‘Solo Guitar’ EP.”
With hundreds of songs completed and clamoring to be recorded, he has released only seven albums to date. Critics are unanimous in their praise. David Furst of WAMU cites Brindley’s “consistently smart songwriting,” while Buzz McClain of Playboy hails his music as “serious pop for anyone who feels lost in today’s musical wasteland.”
His upcoming album is being financed by a multitude of fans who eagerly respond to his Web site fundraising project. Already they have raised half the projected cost of $35,000. Elated by their support, Brindley says he anticipates that the total amount will be met in time to release the record by fall.
“This will be a big record for me,” he said. “I want to expand nationally and believe that this will be the one to do it. I just got back from England and look forward to more travel in this country and elsewhere in the future.”
