"I felt that The Blues from its infant years and birth was always about honestly expressing oneself. It would be great if we can get to that point. of honestly expressing ourselves. In our micro and macro relationships."

David Rotundo: Blues With Feeling!

Toronto blues harpist David Rotundo heard James Cotton perform at the El Mocambo in 1991. “He blew one note on the harmonica that hypnotized me…” The next day, Rotundo went out and bought a harmonica. “…and I’ve been playing the blues ever since.” Obsession with the blues led on a diesel-fueled roots tour of blues epicentres of the United States including – New Orleans, Clarksdale, Austin, Memphis and Chicago with little more than his wits and a bag full of harmonicas. “I wanted to hear and experience the real thing. He returned to Canada with a visceral perception of the blues and a deep knowledge of blues history. After making the stories his own, he earned the right to tell them. Rotundo has developed his own language of the blues, honing the technique that gives the voice power and authenticity. In 1997, Rotundo led a band called The Blue Canadians who played the Toronto circuit. In 2000, he was asked to join the legendary Jack de Keyzer Band, while continuing to tour internationally with the Blue Canadians. He was thrilled by the opportunity to play with “one of the best Canadian guitarists”.

(David Rotundo / Photo © by Stephen Uhraney)

Aside from de Keyzer, Rotundo has performed with Lee Oskar, Ronnie Hawkins, ex- Muddy Waters drummer Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Madagascar Slim, Mel Brown, Jeff Healey, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Finis Tasby, James Cotton, Magic Slim and The Tear Drops, Shakura S’Aida, members of Downchild, among many others. As a songwriter who easily pulls inspiration from the world around him that fuels his continual writing, Rotundo chose twelve new original songs that graced his fourth album, “No Looking Back”, which again featured Enrico Crivellaro on guitar as well as Jeff Healey’s keyboardist Dave Murphy on organ. In 2019, David became a Lee Oskar Harmonicas Featured Artist, and began working closely with Lee Oskar, to produce his latest album: “So Much Trouble” (Dreams We Share / Lee Oskar Productions, 2020).

Interview by Michael Limnios                    Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the Blues and Roots music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I wouldn't say that Blues and Roots music influenced the way I looked at the world as much as it influenced the way I wanted to live. The ones playing Blues and Roots music seemed to walk the walk. The great ones all seemed to have something in common. They seemed to be seeking a greater truth. A deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. They all seemed to be on an Odyssey. That lifestyle appealed to me so much that it led me on my own journeys. On my own Odyssey. I'm still on it...

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

My sound was based electric Chicago Blues. The philosophy was to try to get rid of any pretense. Easier said than done. Right from the start I decided to only record original material as I never thought I could do more justice to a song written by someone else. Not to say it’s not possible, it just wasn't something that appealed to me.

What touched me about the harmonica … Its Guttural sound. It sounded like I was inside the stomach of the person playing the harmonica... As close to the source as one can get. It possessed and haunted me.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There were so many great meetings over the years. It would be very hard to say which was the most important. All the greatest have all said the same thing, play what you feel! Play with feeling.

"My sound was based electric Chicago Blues. The philosophy was to try to get rid of any pretense. Easier said than done. Right from the start I decided to only record original material as I never thought I could do more justice to a song written by someone else. Not to say it’s not possible, it just wasn't something that appealed to me." (David Rotundo_/ Photo © by PIX)

Are there any memories from Ronnie Hawkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, and Jeff Healey which you’d like to share?

The Great Ronnie Hawkins. Of course. I was on tour with him and after hearing him tell a million great stories about everyone and everything someone cleverly asked Ronnie, you’ve seen and done everything. What's the greatest thing that happened in your musical career. He said... Seeing and listening to the old Blues guys play, Like Howling Wolf. He said, they played with such passion you were afraid for your life. He said, it’s hard to find that these days.

Willie “Big Eyes” Smith played every show like it was his first and last.

Jeff Healey, He was truly special and unique. He was always to kind to me. Always called me to his stage. I will never forget that. He had a huge heart. and was in a league of his own.

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

I miss the old bar days. The clubs. The people being shoulder to shoulder… My hope, or wish, is that we keep focusing on being authentic and honest in our pursuit of music, art and life in general.

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

I think Charlie Parker said it best. Practice your instrument as much as you can but when you get on that bandstand forget everything you practiced and just wail. More than preserving the Blues, I feel it's important to be authentic about your passion. That’s what was most compelling about the Blues when I first heard it. There was no pretense. No bullshit. It was raw and honest. It was pleading to be heard and understood. That's what makes great poetry. The raw and simple plea to be understood. No fancy words or esoteric jargon.

"I miss the old bar days. The clubs. The people being shoulder to shoulder… My hope, or wish, is that we keep focusing on being authentic and honest in our pursuit of music, art and life in general."

(David Rotundo / Photo © by Stephen Uhraney)

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

I'm still learning them... So much to learn. Be kind, for everyone is fighting a huge battle. I believe Plato said that.

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want it to affect people?

I felt that The Blues from its infant years and birth was always about honestly expressing oneself. It would be great if we can get to that point. of honestly expressing ourselves. In our micro and macro relationships.

David Rotundo - Home