“blues poet is there to reflect what they observe and comment on the situation. They can offer a viewpoint expressed in a musical way that can make people really feel deeply about life.”

Larry Kurtz: Take A (Blues) Ride

Larry Kurtz grew up singing in the church and started playing harmonica as a teenager after hearing Little Walter on the radio. He is a solo artist with his band The Lawbreakers, and was previously co-front man in the award-winning band Trouble & Strife. They were voted Favourite Blues Band in the Canadian Independent Music Awards and nominated New Artist of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards. Kurtz is the founder & Artistic Director of The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. In 2016 he was named Blues Booster of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards in Toronto. Kurtz has performed at major events and festivals. Over the years he has opened for or performed with numerous artists including James Cotton, Lee Oskar, Muddy Waters drummer, Willie "Big Eyes” Smith, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rick Estrin, WC Clark, John Nemeth, Jeff Healey’s Blues Band, Downchild, Guy Davis, Curley Bridges, Little G Weevil, Jimmy D Lane, Jack de Keyzer, Fathead, David Gogo, Paul Desauriers, Brian Blain, Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin and many others.                                        (Photo: Larry Kurtz)

On May 16th, Larry Kurtz & The Lawbreakers will be releasing a new recording, aptly titled Take A Ride, featuring 15 all original blues and roots songs, delivered with exceptional musicality from Larry Kurtz & The Lawbreakers. "These blues rose up straight outta the rivers, farms, forests and hills of Headwaters in Dufferin County Ontario", says Kurtz. "No covers, no filters, just original raw blues stories. We leaned into what we do best - deep harp tones - soulful guitar and vocals that don't hold back."

Interview by Michael Limnios                      Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity 

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

Music has always been a positive force in my life. A way of expressing what you feel is important. For me, it's about treating people with kindness and respect even if you don't agree with them. It is also a way of standing up for yourself and not being pushed around. 

Discovering the harmonica as a teenager changed my musical life. I sang in church and played trumpet in school, but the harmonica has allowed so much freedom of expression.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Wha touched you from the sound of harmonica?

My approach to playing music is to try to support the song. I like to leave lots of space for the music to breathe. I am drawn to music that originates from the gut more than the head. I'm drawn to the expressive bluesy sound of the harmonica. It feels to me like an extension of the player's personality.

Why do you think that the Canadian Blues Scene music continues to generate such a devoted following?

We have great scene in Canada with some really cool festivals, blues societies and clubs. People here are drawn to the sheer number of excellent artists for a country of our size. You can find it in every province and territory.

”I think it's important to respect the art form that is the blues and learn the history of where it comes from. I like the idea of spreading it far and wide. A Lot of people have a view that blues is slow, sad music , but we know different. So many times at my festival after seeing a great act they did not before someone has said to me.. wow, I didn't know that was blues music!” (Photo: Larry Kurtz)

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation? 

I am not so good at imitating other famous musicians, but feel that my band is really good at being ourselves. We have a fresh approach as Canadians living in Ontario. I live in a small town surrounded by beautiful countryside. My area is called the Hills Of Headwaters and is the source of four major rivers that flow into the Great Lakes. I like to write songs about my experience of living in this under the radar area. I try to respect the tradition, while adding my own personl take of the blues.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I am the Founder/Artistic Director of the award winning Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival and we are going into our 21st year. I have had the chance to meet and present so many great acts over the years. Some of my highlights have been getting to play in Harp Attack shows along side amazing players such as Lee Oskar, Adam Gussow, Steve Marriner, Carlos DeJunco and many others. We backed up Texas Blues Legend WC Clark and played his song Cold Shot with him. We have played in all kinds of crazy weather including outside while it was snowing on New Year's Eve! On another New Year's Eve, in a club, the dance floor was packed and I noticed two women in the crowd playing harmonicas along with our band. I suddenly realized that they had grabbed them from my case right off the stage and were playing my harps! I said, "you realize that it's the same as using my toothbrush!" I told them they could keep the harmonicas.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I don't really miss anything from the past. I appreciate what has come before me, but I look forward to hearing what is new. We can go back and listen to our favourites anytime. I am not afraid of the future. Our ability to share and hear music by more and more artists is better than ever. I really hope that younger people will continue to learn an instrument and create their own music.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I have learned to appreciate the people who create music and put themselves out there. It is easy to sit back and criticize others and much harder to do it yourself.  Music is a way to connect with others and share all kinds of life experiences, but don't take it too seriously. It is supposed to be fun, and it is!

”Discovering the harmonica as a teenager changed my musical life. I sang in church and played trumpet in school, but the harmonica has allowed so much freedom of expression.”

(Photo: Larry Kurtz)

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of a poet in today’s society?

I think it's important to respect the art form that is the blues and learn the history of where it comes from. I like the idea of spreading it far and wide. A Lot of people have a view that blues is slow, sad music , but we know different. So many times at my festival after seeing a great act they did not before someone has said to me.. wow, I didn't know that was blues music!

A blues poet is there to reflect what they observe and comment on the situation. They can offer a viewpoint expressed in a musical way that can make people really feel deeply about life.

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