Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Ever since recording his first album Rule the World two years ago, Max Gomez has been touring with legendary Americana musicians like Patty Griffin, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, and Shawn Mullins. However, being hand picked by James McMurtry to open for his Complicated Game tour was a pleasant surprise and a huge honor. Gomez has always admired the songwriting troubadours such as Kris Kristofferson and John Prine, so touring with James McMurtry is a perfect fit. Growing up in New Mexico didn’t stop him from loving the music from the deep south, starting with the classic blues of B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, and Robert Johnson. At 8 or 9 Gomez picked up his brother’s guitar and hasn’t stopped. Getting his first singing job at 15 shifted his focus to song writing and he began studying the best of the best, including Kristofferson and Prine, and he learned well. Having never had formal music training, it is clear that Gomez has an innate talent that is only going to grow through his experiences of playing with some of the best and touring non-stop. His melodic croon is reminiscent of the old folk musicians, and he is warm, easy-going, and feels like a wise old friend. Gomez is looking forward to working on his next album and hopes to have the recording done in the next six months. I can only hope that the album will be out in stores soon after, because we need to hear more from this talented young man of authentic Americana music.
Interview by Ione Singletary
Photography by Jen M. Silver
