The Best Blues Guitarist You Don't Know About

Last night, the blues band Indigenous rocked the State Theatre in Falls Church. Indigenous is led by guitarist Mato Nanji, a member of the Nakota Nation who grew up on the Yankton Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The original band, which was comprised of Mato's brother, sister, and cousin, broke up in 2006. After the split, Nanji decided to reform the band under the same name with new musicians to continue his own career. His musical influences are clear from his own style of playing: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Albert King:



I have listened to Indigenous for years, but had never seen them live. And while I originally had mixed feelings about seeing Mato with a new band (I'm a purist, I guess - 1998's Things We Do and 2000's Circle are must have albums), the new guys did not disappoint. All five members were a tight unit, but still allowed each other to demonstrate improvisation on creative solos.

The State Theatre was on fire. But unfortunately the place was also eerily empty. Looking around, it looked like no more than 150 people had shown up for a night of searing blues. And that's too bad, because Mato and Indigenous are truly some of the strongest blues musicians playing today. Despite the weak turnout, the band - true professionals - still seemed to be having a great time on stage and put on a great show for us in attendance. Hopefully they'll swing back again this way on their next tour - and hopefully the DC area will come and support them.

Maybe on a Saturday night next time, though?

For more about Indigenous, click here.