For any live music aficionado, artist seeker, music history fan and person with an insatiable curiosity for new tech (I all of the above), NAMM Show provides a lovely maniacal mecca mothership I can’t wait to board annually. Delving into the list of artists scheduled to appear unabashedly filled me with glee as my eyes zeroed in on one name-Laurence (LJ) Juber. A Stepney UK born master guitarist, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone with his type of eclectic career, unique experiences, sharing stages with universally agreed upon legends, winning Grammys along the way and living to brilliantly photo document the ride. As a fellow photographer who treasures candid, behind-the scenes shots of music life, I’d recently encountered his wonderful photo memoir ‘Guitar with Wings’, chronicling his early life and special time with Paul McCartney’s Wings band in the 70’s and 80’s. Delighted by the touching, warm, sincere retrospective, I knew I’d need to connect with the fascinating fingerstyle figure.

Touching base with LJ earlier this year, I suspected he’d be a keeper of music history lore that he’d witnessed and experienced as a guitar maestro with a charming, natural sense of humor. Within minutes, suspicions confirmed, we covered it all below.

Listen to us chat about his early path into music, the historic concert for the people of Kampuchea playing with Wings and Pete Townshend, being on the “Dirty Dancing” and “Splash” soundtracks, his real experience being in Wings with Paul and Linda, WTF moments with B.B. King, experiences playing with Tommy Emmanuel, the Muppet Gonzo and Willie Nelson, his moments recording separately with Paul, Ringo Starr and George Harrison (who blessed and danced with his newborn daughter Ilsey), playing on a Harry Styles track and his new music. Check out his new album ‘LJ Is Still Playing The Beatles’ available on streaming services on May 15th! Get tix to see LJ live HERE!

Photo Credits: Michael Lamont, Juber Family Archive