Ten Questions for Michael Lington!
1. How old were you when you first started playing music?
I started playing Clarinet at 7 and switched to Sax at 14. I was trained classically but as I got older I became more interested in jazz, funk and soul music and the Clarinet just wasn’t cutting it.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
David Sanborn hands down! When I heard how versatile he and the sax was, I was hooked! I must have shredded those vinyl albums to pieces!
3. Where do you make your home?
I lived in LA for 32 years but recently moved to Carlsbad, CA. It's a great place to raise a family. People ask me all the time what it is like and my response is: Do you remember the tv show The Wonder Years? Well, I'm the dad and that’s my neighbor hood…haha!!
4. Do you have any pets?
We would love to have a dog but it's too hard to travel when you have one ...Maybe in the future!
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
Probably playing at Royal Albert Hall or Hollywood Bowl. My parents were at both and it was so beautiful to know they were in the audience. As a kid, one of our traditions as a family was to watch the Royal Philharmonics' concert on New Year's Eve live from Royal Albert Hall, so for me to play there one day with my parents there was such a cool and emotional moment.
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
My buddy Mark Schulman was the drummer for Pink and I went to see them at the Staples Center a few years ago - I was blown away…So Amazing! Also when I was 17, I went to a concert in Copenhagen (where I grew up) to see an amazing instrumental band from Iceland called Mezzoforte and that really inspired me to wanting to be a professional musician. They are still touring after all these years and we have become friends …How fun is that!!
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song or album?
David Sanborn’s Love And Happiness live album (Live from SIR) but my favorite song of his is actually called “Goodbye” from a later album. I also love EWF "In The Stone."
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
John Mayer! I just find him so talented and I think it would be a great collaboration! If you see him…Tell him for me please
9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
Probably A&R at a record label but I really don’t have a plan B.
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
The Nature, Beautiful views, Awesome people, overall amazing vibe. It’s been too long since I’ve been there and I’d love to come back soon!
Vickie van Dyke ~ middays