Narrow Meets 5x Grammy Nominee Ottmar Liebert

Backstage with Liebert!

By Paitin Kleindl

On January 15th, 5-time Grammy award nominee Ottmar Liebert performed at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in St Augustine, Florida. Liebert is a German-born Flamenco-styled acoustic guitarist, songwriter and producer. He is best known for his Spanish influenced music, while currently living in Santa Fe New Mexico.

His performance with his band, Luna Negra (Black Moon) was done passionately and marvelously. Narrow was able to meet with Liebert after the show, and he shared how his love for music came from his hometown. He explained how his family didn’t have a television. “On Saturdays we would go to my grandparents and they had a TV, and there was a show called 'Beat Club.' It had weird video effects that were way ahead of its time and I asked for a guitar and they said no, but, I said how about I play classical guitar? And I think watching 'Beat Club' is what started that!”

Ottmar Liebert has always loved playing the guitar, along with the emotions derived from it. He also enjoys cooking! He shared his love for hanging at home and just making a “delicious” meal with his friends and how that helps him unwind from his day. “Thai food is definitely my favorite, it is always fresh,” Liebert shares. He is fortunate enough to be friends with several chefs from all over the world, so wherever he tours he’s got a chef de cuisine nearby. Liebert enjoys the art of photography as well. He enjoys capturing moments in time, and some even coincide with his music. “To me there’s no difference between food, a sunset, and a photo. I think photography is just a way of looking at the world, and it’s all about rhythms. I really don’t see a difference between music and photography.” This helps make him a true creative and multi-faceted in many different realms.

In May of 2006, Liebert was ordained as a Zen Monk. One of his true passions is meditation and the relaxation that comes with it. He finds it easier to write music and enjoy life in this manner. You can see the connection of meditation and music when he performs; his eyes are closed, his feet are bare, and it is as if he has gone into a trance. In fact, all of his band members on stage do this; the drummer, while beating rhythms on a box, and the bass player while tapping his foot. There is a definite calming presence that he and his band have.

When asked if he had gotten a chance to explore the beauty of St. Augustine, he expressed a desire to do so. He said since he is on the run with his tour he unfortunately doesn’t have time, but next time he is in the area he definitely will because he has heard great things about the local music scene. Narrow cannot wait to welcome him back!