Levan Lomidze Guitar player Date of Birth: 30.06.1964 Country: Georgia

Levan Lomidze - Soviet, Georgian, and Russian guitarist and songwriter

Levan Lomidze is a renowned guitarist and songwriter from the Soviet Union, Georgia, and Russia. His journey into music began when he accidentally attended a B.B. King concert in Tbilisi in 1975. At the time, B.B. King's visit to Tbilisi was relatively unknown, even in Moscow. However, Georgia had more freedom in hosting Western rock/blues musicians, allowing artists like B.B. King, Luther Allison, and many others to perform there.

Inspired by B.B. King's concert, Lomidze developed a passion for blues music. Although he initially played the piano, he was captivated by the blues phrases he heard at the concert. A few years later, a neighbor and former drummer showed him how to play the blues scale on the piano. This discovery led Lomidze to improvise on the piano and later transfer the blues notes to the guitar.

Starting with minimal knowledge of playing the guitar, Lomidze gradually learned to find the blues notes on the guitar fretboard. He experimented with techniques like bending and discovered the magic behind the guitar's sound.

Lomidze's passion for the guitar grew, and he began exploring different instruments. His father occasionally gifted him acoustic guitars, but it was the electric guitar that caught his attention. He had a serendipitous encounter in his childhood when he stumbled upon a guitarist playing on a balcony in a dark concert hall. The sounds he heard fascinated him and instilled a desire to understand the essence of guitar music.

As he delved deeper into his musical journey, Lomidze analyzed recordings and taught himself to play. He had only one formal guitar lesson, which did not align with his blues interests. However, a chance encounter with a girl playing rock 'n' roll on the guitar introduced him to a new genre. This encounter, along with his continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills, allowed Lomidze to piece together fragments of his musical abilities.

Lomidze performed primarily in Georgian, singing and playing blues-infused folk music. He formed a band with two close friends and practiced in the office of Vakhtang Kikabidze, a famous Georgian musician and actor. Kikabidze mentored the band, providing them with instruments, recordings, and extensive knowledge of the blues genre. Under Kikabidze's guidance, Lomidze's band gained recognition and eventually performed at the Philharmonic Hall, opening for Kikabidze himself.

Lomidze's band, considered the first Georgian rock group to release a record, made a significant impact on the music scene. They released an album, creating a buzz and requiring approval from authorities in Moscow. Lomidze traveled to Moscow to present their music, which had been translated into Russian and reviewed for any controversial content.

The band's success continued, and they produced music videos and even a 40-minute film about their journey. Lomidze's dedication to his craft and his ability to combine elements of blues with modern music made him a prominent figure in Georgia's music industry.

Levan Lomidze's story showcases his passion for blues music and his determination to create music that resonates with audiences. His journey from a chance encounter with B.B. King to becoming a revered guitarist and songwriter is a testament to his talent and dedication.