Who is Lyndon Gray?
I am a double bass and electric bass player, also a composer/bandleader and teacher. It is pretty common for people in music to alternate between these roles which expand and contract depending on the project or the time of year, and in many ways those are all expressions of the same thing.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I admire a lot of authors and filmmakers, but that feels like something I’m content to view from afar rather than have a crack at myself. Likewise, I really like comedians for the way they reshape ideas and are playful with language, which plays into the way jazz musician brains work, but I’m happy to be in the audience role for them too.
Tediously, I think it would be some area of music outside of jazz. I play with SA group St Morris Sinners which is a heavy, arty, experimental rock band, I could happily hang out in that space for a long time, or be more of a composer and throw myself into writing – string quartet would be fun!
Who inspires you and why?
Musically, I’m drawn to people who take big swings and can’t help but be themselves. It’s not necessarily that they are trying to beat people over the head with their personality, more that they are unashamed of their authentic voice and put it out into the world all the same.
I find that lack of looking over your shoulder appealing and something I try to emulate. I am also always moved by people who are principled even in a way that is very private and doesn’t gain them public attention, when ever I see that play out in the world I find it very powerful. Also, anyone who attempts to play the double bass because it is difficult.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think that music (and arts in general) do have the ability to make change in the world, though it may seem less direct than overt political action. When people engage with art they open up their minds to different ideas and other peoples perspectives which can help with our interactions with other people who we disagree with.
Also, teaching people to access their own creativity is important, it’s a form of agency that makes us feel like we are able to express our existence without resorting to conquering someone else’s country or needing to be the victor in a competition.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have just returned from Mexico with my wife which was absolutely brilliant to visit a place with such a strong identity and deep history, but I do love the city life of a place like Berlin or New York where it feels there is art bubbling away in every building you pass.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
(Speaking of Adelaide) Getting in a car and heading down to our amazing coastal areas (Myponga, Normanville, Second Valley) is a big one for me, you don’t have to go very far out of town before you are met with gorgeous scenery. On the way home: The Wheatsheaf Hotel for a COMA (Creative Original Musica Adelaide) night followed by Café De Vilis.
What are you currently reading?
A book about “Krautrock” by Christoph Dallach called Neu Klang and Rachel Cusk’s Outline.
What are you currently listening to?
Because of the Dallach book (mentioned in the above answer) I’ve been finally getting my head into Tangerine Dream and Can. For jazz I’m loving anything bassist Petter Eldh is putting out, also the SML record featuring Adelaide’s Anna Butterss, and my wife and I can’t stop listening to the sideways punky Cumbia of Meridian Brothers and Los Piranas.
Happiness is?
The answer to question 6 looks pretty good! Or excellent coffee and a vexing cryptic crossword. Or, playing in a band that is simultaneously able to coalesce into an effortless groove, then make inspired choices without dropping the momentum. Or, the most outlandishly circuitous joke made by someone else that you understand the tangential connection in.
What does the future hold for you?
Putting out and performing more music. I am really lucky to work with and have access to some tremendous musicians and I would love to get more SA music out there, not just my projects but expose the world to the creative music being generated in our part of the country.
Lyndon co-leads The Exhibits (with James Muller) – who are launching their hotly anticipated second album in the Space Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre on Friday 8 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Image: Lyndon Gray (supplied)