Michael Landau – Guitar

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
I started playing in the dance clubs in Los Angeles when I was 16, the band was called “Spring Fever”. We were an R&B cover band, matching outfits for everyone, white leisure suits with wide bell bottoms… I was the youngster in the band, I was pleased…

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
I believe it was 1991. I started the same time Jimmy Johnson, Valerie Carter and Kate Markowitz joined James’s band, Carlos Vega brought us together.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
It was with the Keane Brothers in 1976, we opened up for Charo (the “Cuchi-Cuchi” Lady) in Las Vegas, again, I was pleased…

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
Loose leaf green tea.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
I usually buy guitars on eBay, check my email, sell guitars on eBay, have a bite to eat, watch Walt and Luis smoke cigars, pester the road manager about guest list tickets…

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
He’s the groovy-est guy on the planet. I get to play with this incredible band every night. I couldn’t be more pleased!

_{Photos: Michael Lutch}