Lindi Ortega celebrates 'Liberty' at the GRAMMY Museum

Lindi Ortega, left, discussing new album 'Liberty' with Scott
Goldman at the GRAMMY Museum on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

On March 27, photographer Bob Steshetz and yours truly were invited to the GRAMMY Museum to catch an intimate performance and conversation featuring Americana songstress Lindi Ortega. The special event was held in the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live's Clive Davis Theater in conjunction with the Americana

Music Association.

With the release of her terrific new three-part Spaghetti Western-infused concept album Liberty later this week (which will be available on Friday, March 30), there was plenty of interesting conversation between GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman and Ortega during the beginning of the program leading up to a performance featuring Ortega and several talented players (drummer-backing vocalist Ryan Brewer and guitarist Champagne James Robertson).

Ortega was first asked about the genesis of recording her first-ever concept LP (Liberty was recorded in Nashville and was produced by Skylar Wilson). She noted that every time she performs, audience members will talk to her about how "certain songs help them get through the dark times in their lives. So why not make a whole record to help them get through their struggles?"

Ortega is expert at writing and singing about the darker corners of our existence, as evidenced by some of her previous masterworks (2012's Cigarettes & Truckstops and 2015's Faded Gloryville immediately come to mind), but the beauty and depth of her songs as well as her emotive vocals makes it easy to find comfort in her recordings. The musical influence of famed composer Ennio Morricone can be heard on the tracks.

"For me, whenever I hear a sad song it makes me feel less alone," said Ortega, noting she finds it much more difficult to write a happy song than darker tales.

A few years ago, Ortega's life – consumed by music (including non-stop touring and the simple fact that she missed loved ones' birthdays) without necessarily achieving more widespread attention – almost led her to give up her career.

"I went back and read all the messages from supporters...the real reward is if I can have a song that helps someone; what better reason is there to make music."

Ortega also discussed how while growing up in Canada, she was strongly influenced by the a wide range of artists and styles, particularly the songwriting of fellow-Canadian Leonard Cohen.

"My mom was Northern Irish and was a fan of classic country (including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson). I grew up with her record collection; my (Mexican) dad liked the Gypsy Kings and Latin music."

The highlight of the night was getting to see Ortega perform in such an intimate and top-tier concert setting. Focusing on Liberty, she performed a handful of the selections she had discussed earlier.

The beautiful Americana-styled "Lovers In Love" served as a great opener. She then strapped on her acoustic guitar and used her hushed soprano to lead the musicians through "The Comeback Kid," bolstered by textured guitar work from Robertson.

"In The Clear," a strikingly beautiful ballad, blends traditional country and Celtic sounds. 

"I'm trying to remember all the words; they're all new songs," Ortega admitted in introducing the title track off Liberty. "Liberty" proved to be more upbeat than the previous selections, and was enhanced by Brewer's effective use of brushes (rather than sticks) to deliver a marching beat on his snare drum; he also added some sublime harmonies to Ortega's vocals on the Spaghetti-Western-styled original.

Ortega closed her regular set with "Gracias A La Vida" (which translates to "Thank You To Life"), which is the ending cut on Liberty. The song, composed by Chilean composer Violetta Parra, marks the first Spanish language track Ortega has recorded.

The crowd stood and cheered after the fast-moving set, and were rewarded when Ortega and her band performed the older song "Cigarettes & Truckstops." The descriptive lyrics were enveloped in a lush and evocative soundscape enhanced by her stunning voice and ability to connect with the audience.

Those of you in Southern California can catch Ortega at The Moroccan Lounge, 901 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018. For more information on Ortega, visit her official website here.


A special thank you to Bob Steshetz for the use of his photographs taken at the special event!

Article written by Robert Kinsler