Philly luthier James Sturner picks The Dead, Alex Cameron, This Is Lorelei for Ears We Trust
Art educator James Sturner launched Sturner Guitars in 2015. His designs have garnered many fans and customers thanks to their eye-catching shapes, colors, and textures. He weighed in with a handful of selections for this week’s Ears We Trust, so check them out here.
James Sturner is the man behind Philadelphia’s Sturner Guitars. The Council Rock North art teacher and alumni of Temple’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture blends his love of guitars and art in his striking designs, focusing the body shapes and finishes on composition and rhythm.
We asked him what he’s been listening to for this week’s Ears We Trust. Check out his selections below:
The Grateful Dead — “Sugaree” (Live at Hartford, CT, May 28, 1977)
I (like many other “custie” millennials) only really came to know The Grateful Dead’s music through John Mayer and his work with Dead & Company. Specifically an Instagram Live sessions he did about eight years ago where he broke down this song. This specific version of “Sugaree” really made their music finally click for me. I still come back to it regularly and every time it reminds me of why this work has stood the test of time.
Friends of Jerry — 8-19-23 Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA: “Samson and Delilah” > “Pepper” > “Wharf Rat”
Honestly, I think Shakespeare is a good parallel for The Grateful Dead. Yes, the canon is incredible in its own right, but that is only half of the equation. The other (and arguably more important) half is the performers, their interpretation of that work, and how they play off of one another to create an experience for the audience that transforms that canon and breathes new life into it. Friends of Jerry are the epitome of that ethos. Their shows are electric, the scene is incredible, and the vibes are unparalleled. This whole show is amazing but “Samson and Delilah” > “Pepper” > “Wharf Rat” is such a killer grouping that it might just be enough to get you non-Deadheads on the bus.
This Is Lorelei — “Billy Came Back” (Official Video)
I’m pretty sure this is going to be my “song of the summer.” Nate has already made a name for himself as one of the best songwriters of the past few years. I love how he structures his songs. They manage to take these weird twists and turns while still having incredibly pop friendly hooks. I cannot wait to hear the rest of this album when it comes out.
Alex Cameron — “Statue Down”
I feel like few artists can pull off the tightrope walk between satire and parody as well as Alex does. His ability to get at the contradictions of modern life with a clever turn of phrase paired with just straight up good song writing always makes for an entertaining listen. I mean, “3D print a guillotine” has to be one of the best and funniest lyrics I’ve heard in a very long time.