17 - Benevolent Jedi Mind Tricks with Anders Osborne

Swedish born, New Orleans based “triple-threat” songwriter/guitarist/singer Anders Osborne has been a force to be reckoned with for nearly 30 years. When I watch Anders on stage I get the impression that he is playing music like his life depends on it, and I have a feeling it’s because he is. He’s the kind of versatile, raw and invigorating performer who sounds like he plays the truth. In his 3 decades as a professional musician he has toured the country (and beyond) countless times, has presently put out 15 records under his own name and played on numerous others, he has appeared on Grammy winning Albums (Keb Mo) and written #1 hit songs (Tim McGraw) and has collaborated with a cast of musicians that include Toots & The Maytals, The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Stanton Moore, North Mississippi Allstars, Warren Haynes and many many others.  He has also battled alcoholism and achieved sobriety, and has now founded a program called Send Me A Friend which helps musicians and others who work in the music industry get free support to stay clean at work. It was also clear after talking more with Anders that he has a deep spiritual connection that seeps into his life and music and he takes what he does very seriously and puts his all in everyday (and night). We drop in deep quick and stay the course. Enjoy the ride! www.andersosborne.com Ezra’s Note: I should mention that in the intro to this episode I mention that my family has been under evacuation from our home in the recent North Bay Wildfires. While this crisis is still ongoing and so many are in need of help and homes, I am grateful to report that since the recording of this introduction we are now safely back home with no damage. Sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on this podcast and all music related endeavors I’m involved in! http://bit.ly/EzsList P.S. If this podcast is giving you value would you please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Stitcher? It would mean a lot and helps spread the word and the love! Thanks! - Ezra