Starting off with Cadillac's own
Luke Winslow King. Mr. Winslow King is a guitarist, singer, composer, and lyricist known for his slide guitar work, and interest in pre-war blues and traditional jazz. Winslow King’s work consists of an eclectic mix, taking in delta-folk music, classical composition, ragtime, and rock and roll; juxtaposing original songs with those from a bygone era.
Following his critically acclaimed Bloodshot Records debut
The Coming Tide in 2013, LWK (for brevity’s sake) has been as hardworking a musician as they come. Subsequent tours in the United States and overseas with his singing partner (and now wife) Esther Rose and a mutating band (including the core of upright bassist Cassidy Holden, drummer Benji Bohannon, and trumpeter/keyboardist Ben Polcer) landed the group in front of larger audiences while sharing the stage with the likes of Jack White, Pokey Lafarge, Taj Mahal, Chris Thile, and Rebirth Brass Band. Winslow King’s second release for Bloodshot in as many years,
Everlasting Arms finds inspiration in the developmental experiences of life and has LWK and Co. building upon previous creative efforts with a wider scope, exploring a sonically and stylistically panoramic songwriting vision.
It is no secret that Winslow King is a student of the arts and an ambassador for New Orleans’s rich and colorful culture. As a teen he attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts near his hometown of Cadillac, MI. Later he studied music theory at University of New Orleans and eventually received a scholarship to study music abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. Following a chance 2001 move to New Orleans after becoming stranded when his tour van was ransacked, Winslow King’s education continued as he was schooled on the job from frequent, skin-thickening gigs on Royal Street, club performances at various spots along Frenchmen, and pick-up/recording sessions with local standouts including John Boutte, Roberto Luti, “Washboard” Chaz Leary, Little Freddy King, and George Porter, Jr. In 2013, LWK was nominated as best male performer by
Offbeat Magazine, alongside Dr. John and Boutte.
(biography from lukewinslowking.com)
LWK and his band are currently touring in support of
Everlasting Arms and will be in a midwest town near you very soon. Including this Thursday here in Chicago at
The Hideout! But, just in case you can't make that, here's the upcoming schedule:
2/16/2015 – The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
2/19/2015 – The Hideout (w/ Dun Dun Fest) – Chicago, IL
2/20/2015 – River Music Experience – Davenport, IA
2/21/2015 – The Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL
Recently Mr. Winslow King was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions about being a Michigander. As a man that's been to the Mystery Spot twice, I'd take what he has to say to heart:
Favorite Michigan city?
Cadillac
Favorite Michigan cultural institution?
Earthwork Music
Favorite Michigan venue?
The Log Jam in Munising or The Ark in Ann Arbor
Favorite Michigan band?
Steppin' in It
Number of times you've used your hand as a map?
Countless
Lake or ocean?
Both please
Favorite vacation spot?
Eagle River Inn, and trout fishing in undisclosed locations
Top 3 bands on your IPod?
Babe Stoval, Elliot Smith, Ry Cooder
Favorite album?
Boomer's Story, Ry Cooder
Favorite word?
Crank
Least favorite word?
Moisture
Second favorite instrument to play?
Organ
If you weren't playing in your current band, is there another band that you would love to play in?
HI-LO
Most inspirational musician?
Taj Mahal
In your career, what has been the best on stage moment for you?
Opening for Jack White at Shrine Auditorium in LA
Most embarrassing moment on the stage?
Hasn't happened yet.. Fingers crossed
Best part of being on the road?
Meeting Strangers
Worst part of being on the road?
Stranger Danger
Have you been to the Mystery Spot in St. Ignace?
Once at 5 years of age; Magical
Again at 25 years of age; Funny and Disappointing
Bandmate with the best fashion sense?
Esther Rose, check out her custom fashion line ladies..
Bandmate with the worst fashion sense?
Me
Best city to play in?
Rome, Italy
Worst city to play in?
Medford, Oregon
What do you do to unwind after a gig?
Drive
What can't Vernors cure?
A toothache
If you can't make it out to one of his upcoming shows, you can reminisce in his
2010 visit to the WIDR studios with us. The day involved a sousaphone, drum set, traveling amp and three grown men all crammed into a room that would be considered by some a sizable closet. You can read all about it and hear their in-studio set by
clicking here.
