Spencer Ludwig at Mercury Lounge

A musician since childhood in Los Angeles, California, Spencer Ludwig began playing saxophone in the fourth grade, performed in his middle school's jazz band, then moved to french horn and trumpet while in high school. He studied jazz in college, paying his way by playing in local bands and teaching trumpet part-time at his former high school. In 2012, while playing in a band called Sister Rogers at a local music festival, Capital Cities invited Ludwig to become its trumpet player. Ludwig recorded and toured with Capital Cities for the next three years. Ludwig also performed with Foster the People, Portugal. The Man, Fitz and the Tantrums, RAC, St. Lucia, Cherub, and the Wailers. Going solo in 2016, his songs stood on their own but also were placed in film, television and game soundtracks and were featured in advertising campaigns; his songs have been featured in nearly 100 film and television placements. Ludwig also won a Latin Grammy for his collaboration on a Fonseca album. Now based in New York City, Ludwig hopes to release a debut album.

Spencer Ludwig announced at Mercury Lounge tonight that this was his first ticketed concert as a headliner. This may have been but a small landmark for an artist on his way up the ladder of success. Backed by guitarist Ross Clark, bassist and sousaphone player Ray Cetta, and drummer Ben Antelis, Ludwig’s funk/pop/jazz songs electrified the room with his wide vocal range, wailing trumpet lines, gripping dance grooves, and charming personality. Even his breakup lyrics sparkled with up-tempo grooves. Up to now, Ludwig has specialized in horn-based party music; midway through the set, he surprised his audience by playing guitar and showing a previously hidden side, the sensitive singer-songwriter. Ludwig promises to be a pop music phenomena, bridging the contemporary pop and jazz worlds like few musicians before him.