“I miss the mystery and curiosity in discovering how much good music we had from England and U.S.A, with a preference for African-American music, and the rediscovery of great forgotten artists. Today, blues music Is just one way to get some attention, superficiality and vanity are the true godfathers of the scene, to the detriment of culture and knowledge.”

Angelo “Leadbelly” Rossi: Blues Emotions 

Angelo Rossi, also known under the pseudonym of Leadbelly, is an italian singer, guitarist and record producer, considered one of the main italian blues performers. Originally from Cardano al Campo, he owes his nickname to the famous blues & folk singer Huddie William Leadbetter who inspired him. After years as a dance hall musician and rock dj (1967/1983) it’s time to get back to playing guitar and singing the blues. His solo exhibitions where he accompanies himself with acoustic guitar, electric guitar, kazoo and harmonica are linked to the tradition of the delta blues with real quote about his past in the land of Mississippi. It is, by far, considered the foremost interpreter of primitive guitar blues, and has participated in the main blues festivals held in Italy. At the end of eighties he worked for a long time with the American blues master Larry Johnson playng often in the United States. After a first self-produced cassette in 1985, he was contacted by Ernesto De Pascale with whom he made the first album for the Il Popolo del Blues label, (Jump UP Songs) composed of tracks recorded live.

(Photo: Angelo ‘Leadbellly’ Rossi)

In 2006, he released self-produced album “I Don't Want to Take Nothing With Me When I'm Gone”. In 2012, he promoted the Nerves & Muscles with Max Prandi, Tiziani Galli, Vittorio Giuffrida, Marcus Tondo, which led to the creation of Never Mind Revolution project produced by Paolo Cagnoni. Angelo Rossi lives up to the name with his remarkable musical versatility, blending the sacred expressiveness of gospel with the evocative Delta blues, all while showcasing a playful and ironic stage presence as a performer. In 2022, released his latest album "It Don't Always Matter How Good You Play” by Bloos Records. Angelo says: “My record faithfully reproduces all that music is meant for me! In the eight songs there are various influences have marked my experience from 1967 to today: Doors, Grateful Dead, Hank Williams, Allman Brothers, Gospel, Blues and so much more”.

Interview by Michael Limnios        Special Thanks: Simone Scifoni / BLOOS RECORDS

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What does the blues mean to you? 

Since I was a child..I learned to observe to understand what's happens around me, Music Is a part of my life, the Blues Is the act of pain … we can sing our hopes, and our worries.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My sound Is the sum of experience from 1968 to today, I’m a child of rock but I play the Blues... My sound Is imbued with everything I’ve heard and seen. It’s certainly not technique and study, but instinct and emotions.

Why do you think that Italian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

We are a strange, good and trendy people, the it alians blues scene is always on the move… but how much we are really interested on the blues I do not know, I’m..

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

I Remember so well, listening to a 45 RPM record owned by my uncle ...way back in 1965 by a black singer: his name Leadbelly, the beginning of it all!

“There are not recipes for transforming Blues music into something commercial and appropriate for our times. The blues was born as a cry of protest against human evil; It cannot and Will never be accessible to everyone… for a variety of reason. So my humble advice Is... of dont believe in what you do ... Change your profession!!” (Photo: Angelo ‘Leadbellly’ Rossi)

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

I miss the mystery and curiosity in discovering how much good music we had from England and U.S.A, with a preference for African-American music, and the rediscovery of great forgotten artists. Today, blues music Is just one way to get some attention, superficiality and vanity are the true godfathers of the scene, to the detriment of culture and knowledge.

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

The title of my latest work "It Don't Always Matter How Good You Play" (2022) release by Bloos Records... faithfully reflects my state of mind and thoughts on how to approach blues music. I think the same… about other genres as well (Rock). It doesn’t always matter how good you play)!!

How can a band/musician truly turn the blues into a commercial and popular genre of music for the today's audience?

There are not recipes for transforming Blues music into something commercial and appropriate for our times. The blues was born as a cry of protest against human evil; It cannot and Will never be accessible to everyone… for a variety of reason. So my humble advice Is... of dont believe in what you do ... Change your profession!!

What keeps a musician passionate after six decades in rock, blues? What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications?

As for me, after all these years spent playing, I must confess that the entusiasmo Is no longer the same, the tiredness combined with youthful illusions puts It to the test, but when I go on the stage...everything goes back to how It was 50 years ago!for a simple reason... I can't help It… we can call It: Blues Pathology…hahahaha.

As for sociocultural implications, I have to note that today selfishness and superficiality have take over... and music Is also subject ti this decay!!!

Angelo ‘Leadbellly’ Rossi (BLOOS Records - Home

(Angelo ‘Leadbellly’ Rossi / Photo by Cláudio Bertolin)