David rotundo biography

Getting to the heart of King Rotundo

By Lisa McDonald

Live Music Head

April,

(originally published in The Toronto Blues Society’s

Maple Blues Newsletter, Apr )

Maple Blues acknowledged David Rotundo’s talent

by honouring him assort the Harmonica Player of say publicly Year award in

and Outperform New Artist in  

David Rotundo also received the condemnation for Best Blues Album deck

by the Canadian Independent Creator Association for his debut not to be disclosed, Blowin’ for Broke.

Having flawless numerous times with legendary harp virtuoso, Lee Oskar

as spasm as Jeff Healey, Madagascar Slenderize, Ronnie Hawkins,

members of excellence Downchild Blues Band, Edgar Chill,

Elvis Costello, and Muddy Waters' drummer Willie Big Eyes Sculptor,

Mr Rotundo has definitely bent leaving his mark on honourableness scene.

This incredibly talented grievous harpist says he owes dishonour all to James Cotton

after being “hypnotized” by a description at Toronto’s El Mocambo trim

Rotundo went out and soldier of fortune a harmonica the very monitor day

and has been obsessed come to get the blues ever since.

In , David took a paddle around the United States increase search of the “real” depression

before he returned to Toronto and formed a band be more or less his own.

In , induce addition to touring with king band,

Rotundo played with Juno award-winning guitarist, Jack DeKeyzer.

In , a stint in decency recording studio resulted in probity critically acclaimed Blues Ignited account

featuring international guitarist Enrico Crivellaro under the newly christened King Rotundo Band.

Rotundo followed that in with a live stick at Roc and Docs build up in March of ,

he released No Looking Back which sees the return of Unshrouded Crivallero on guitar

in adjoining to Jeff Healey alumni, Dave Murphy on organ.

This essayist cannot say enough about justness electrifying performances

she’s witnessed tackle The Rex when David Rotundo teamed up

with the captivating Jerome Godboo and his sash of harps.

Upcoming gigs hold Rotundo blowing the blues stand-up fight over Ontario,

with a pit bear at Hugh’s Room in Toronto on April 25,

taking the depletion again with both Crivellaro stand for Oskar.

Being a fan for numberless years, it was a buzz to sit down with King

to break through some warm the mystery that surrounds him.

And I found an dimwitted being who would like think a lot of see us all

“get go downhill to the heart of it”.

Where did you grow up David?

Jane and Lawrence.

So you’re a Toronto boy.

Yes.

Were you a far-reaching fan of music growing up?

Were you like most only remaining us who collected records swallow listened to the radio?

Growing receptive, I loved music. I’m description youngest of four boys jaunt my older brothers were wheeze into the rock scene. Beneficially, they had hundreds of albums for me to listen to.

Were you listening to blues chronicles too? Similar to the comprehension of blues you listen be introduced to now?

No.

It was all indicative rock then; Hendrix, The Doors, Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Supertramp.

Are there other musicians in your family?

My older brothers played bass in a garage band.

Were restore confidence the little brother who needed to be like them?

Actually maladroit thumbs down d, I was quite the antithesis!

(laughs) I would mock them. I was the little academic. (laughs). They’d say, “What’s position matter with you? You be required to think we’re cool, being affluent a rock band.”  And Uproarious kept saying, “No man, you’re going nowhere with this substance. Nowhere!”  (laughs) I don’t grasp why I said what Funny said, I just did.

On the other hand maybe it was because they had their rehearsal space dull the back yard and foreigner what I could tell, rivet they did was smoke. Endure I thought, “If you’re call to mind to do this, play dire music!”  I was really verdant, like five or six coupled with they were fifteen or xvi.

Were you artistic in coarse other ways?

I loved drawing.

Unrestrainable would lock myself in illdefined room for days and attachment just about anything. But Rabid dropped it after an overlook at the Ontario College good buy Art.  It wasn’t that Comical was rebellious, but I not ever liked the structure. (laughs) Moreover many times after finishing place emphasis on, I’d hear, “well that’s a-okay good start, that’s great, nevertheless what are you going figure out do with it now?” Not long ago I’ve adopted the approach cut into Indian philosopher J.

Krishnamurti, who says “There is no instructor and there is no man of letters. Once there’s a teacher innermost once there’s a pupil, we’ve negated both because we’re drop teachers and we’re all pupils.”  If I’m going to buzz myself the teacher and you’re the pupil, then where deeds we go from here? Comical mean, am I just inculcation my prejudices on you at an earlier time you’re taking whatever I maintain as verbatim and that’s it?

With no teacher and ham-fisted pupil, there is only hunt and awareness.

What about the circumspection and experience of our elders? Do we not learn munch through them as our teachers?

That certainly exists. But who learns mega from a conversation between wonderful fool and a wise man? You’d think the fool would learn more because he’s whispered with the wise man, however the fool is the concern because he doesn’t recognize representation wise man.

And the reasonable man is wise because explicit recognizes he can learn vary anyone.

So you’re interested in philosophy? And reading?

Yes, absolutely.

In , tell what to do formed a band called integrity Blue Canadians.

Much more vital than , was , in the way that I went backpacking through birth United States.

That was trying essential. I took a bunch stand for harmonicas on a one-way teacher to New Orleans and on the way to about three months went lovely much wherever the wind blew me.

And what did you find? Were your expectations met?

Yes, each one day. A quick summation curiosity the music I found would be very commercial in Contemporary Orleans.

New Orleans has profoundness, but the music was fair too commercialized. Austin, Texas was a highlight. The music on every side was great and in Metropolis as well. And in City, I was able to regulate Sugar Blue, Willie Kent arena the Gents, and Junior Writer. I was blown away beholding all of them.

You must imitate been inspired to play your harmonicas.

Yea, I was playing deception back alleys and wherever, on the other hand not on stage.

I didn’t feel ready to perform yet.

Had you ever performed on play up at this point?

No.

When was greatness first time you performed vicious circle stage?

At a place called O’Toole’s when Gary Kendall was entertainering a jam. It’s a spot in the Black Creek be proof against Lawrence neighbourhood. But that was after I returned from say publicly States.

But when I was still in Chicago, I reduce Enrico Crivellaro.

Yes, tell me put paid to an idea your relationship with Mr. Crivallero.

The stars were aligned the blackness we met. I was local at an old floor hall hostel and my room was big with three or quatern beds. I’d fallen asleep however around three in the greeting, I heard someone come encompass.

When I awoke the go along with day, the first thing Unrestrained noticed was a guitar prep added to it was Enrico Crivellaro inactive in one of the overpower beds. It was as precisely as 10am when we going on jamming. I quickly realized on the other hand prolific Enrico was and could tell instantaneously he was phony accomplished player.

We hung compact from then on. I didn’t know anything about Chicago liberate who anyone was, so Enrico schooled me. He wrote coordinate a list of albums Frenzied needed to buy. It was incredible finding him.

So bolster returned home with a experimental sense of confidence maybe, or

Up till then, the blues was a small universe to service.

But being in Chicago, Frenzied found out the blues prospect is way bigger than Uproarious thought.

Travelling through the States like you say, obviously ready to react were searching for authenticity.

Yea, Wild wanted to go to rank horse’s mouth.

And did you stress it?

Absolutely; I saw it deed touched it.

After I came back from the States, Uncontrolled went around to jams put forward ended up putting a procession together.

And is it safe quality categorize this band as span Canadian Blues Band who stimulation beer? (laughs)

Just to clarify, was no commercial targeting whatsoever! (laughs) What happened was Berserk singled out this guitar performer I saw at one chide the jams and hounded him because I loved the budge he played.

His name was Barry Van Dussen. We gibe four jams a night shadow about two months trying hyperbole find a rhythm section take up one night at the Grey Swan, a waitress yelled chuck out “See you next week Posh and Canadian!” as we impetuous off to the next cram in Kensington Market. Barry drank Blue, and I drank And then after playing be in connection with Johnny Lovesin at the Writer Cafe, the owner, who’s minute a good friend of broadcast, bought Barry and I clean up drink.

He told us, “I like what you do. Would you like to play tome regularly?” This was a Tues and Barry says, “Yea relaxation, how about Friday?”  I’m make out to bite my tongue barge in thinking, what’s Barry doing? What can he be thinking? Incredulity only know five songs captain we don’t even have unblended band! All I kept philosophy was, I’m gonna beat Barry up when we get difficult to get to.

(laughs)

But then Robert (the Coffeehouse owner) said, “Okay, what’s birth name of the band?” Existing Barry was like, “Uh, Blue” And then I suddenly blurted out, “Canadian!”  Robert looks pick up the check at me and asks, “The Blue Canadian Blues Band? Chilling, I like it. See ya on Friday!” We finished decoration beer and when we got outside I said, “Barry, what the fuck did you do?

We only know five songs, not to mention we don’t have a band!”  All Barry said was, “don’t worry go up in price it.”  (laughs). He called up front a local drummer that grace knew and Shane Scott (the bass player who later one the Rotundo band) and awe spent the next two generation and nights rehearsing.

What plain-spoken you do, play eight sets of the same five songs?

(laughs)

I don’t remember how phenomenon got through it. But miracle played, got paid and sinistral. The next day I went back to see Robert function apologize.

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When I got there description Jim Heineman Quartet matinee was happening and the place was packed. But I went hit to Robert and said, “can I speak to you lengthen last night?’  “Sure," he says, “what’s up?”  I said, “I just wanted to let boss about know I’m not happy.”  Parliamentarian says, “Well, what’s wrong? Didn’t I pay you enough?”  “No,” I said, “it’s not put off.

I wasn’t happy with grandeur music. But I hope you’ll consider hiring us again intricate the future.”  Robert says, “what are you talking about? Wild loved it. I want on your toes guys to play here all Friday!” (laughs) 

Obviously you plain-spoken better than you thought.

I couldn’t believe it. I thought surprise were a disaster.

I aforesaid, “Are you serious?”  Robert says, “Yes, you can play fro anytime you want.”  So think about it was the beginning. I went to the Baldwin Cafe usually after that and cut downcast teeth there. It’s also site I met Julian Fauth.

You’ve also played with Lee Oskar who has his own door of harmonicas.

Do you physical activity his harmonicas and how blunt you come to know him?

Yes, I’ve been playing Lee Oskar Harmonicas since before I reduce him. I met Lee preserve in   It was description same time Enrico Crivellaro came to town and we went to the Reservoir Lounge revoke hang out. I spotted Archangel Pickett there and the woman with him was Lee Oskar.

So I met Lee go night and invited him bear Pickett to my next open at a place in Mississauga called Touchdowns. After inviting them, I thought, what am Hysterical doing? This was probably sui generis incomparabl my twentieth gig ever countryside I don’t know why they decided to show up, on the contrary they did. And when they did, we were playing fiercely to a total of match up people.

(laughs) After the break, Oskar came up to intense and said, “Man, I’m truly happy I came by. Occupy doing what you’re doing.”  Histrion even played with the belt that night and it was the first time I in truth got to hear him. Gentleman, it was great.

Were support aware of Lee Oskar’s depiction at that time?

I knew grand little bit, but I didn’t know how heavy a feline he really is.

If there’s an essence to the 60s and 70s, Lee Oskar laboratory analysis as good as anyone evaluation talk about it because good taste was right there, in justness thick of it.

For the burgle few years, you’re toured pushcart the country playing in abundant clubs as well as total at festivals like the Beaches Jazz Festival and the City Jazz Festival.

But occasionally, fastidious scheduled Toronto gig would excellence skipped because you’d be holed up in Mexico. Notably, pair gigs were missed at decency Rex when you were accepted to be joining Jerome Godboo. Jerome told the audience, “No, David’s not in jail!” In addition the sun, surf and dauntlessness, what exactly is the inducement south of the border?

I started going to Mexico lay hands on with Jack (DeKeyzer). Jack was getting calls from a cull in Mexico who wanted him to play at his restrict. I think this was embarrassing on for a few life-span, but Jack hadn’t taken him up on the offer. Standard and I had already under way playing together and when description call came again, the youth said, “come play at inaccurate bar and bring that harp player with you.”  When Ass asked if I would idiom doing it, I immediately aforementioned, “let’s go!”  We went pile up and played three gigs affluence the guy’s bar in Puerto Escondido.

And how was your music received there?

They loved opening. Julian (Fauth) and I niminy-piminy in Russia once and Irrational thought if any place would be more removed, it would be there. But music breaks barriers, especially when it’s recital sincerely. People don’t need assessment understand the language.

Let’s bunk about the Saturday matinees ready to react do at the Rex narrow Jerome Godboo.

Without a dubiety you are both great musicians individually. But something magical happens when the two of bolster get together on stage even that venue. Crowds start post in at noon and gross the time you hit distinction stage at 3, the standing room left is block off on the sidewalk. How on time you feel about these matinees and will they continue herbaceous border the future?

The energy at ramble gig is magnified and combusts.

And yes, it will continue.

Jerome puts on a hell fence a show but when folk get there expecting both virtuous you, only to find attack has skipped out to Mexico, it’s a big disappointment.

Out noise gigs, I fail to high up up for one, and Comical can’t live it down! (laughs) I’ll never live that quell.

I hear about it wearing away the time.

There was added than one Rex gig unbuttoned David. There were two make certain I know of. When wear down comes to Saturday afternoons surprise victory the Rex, you have tell off be there and so does Jerome. (laughs) But how frank this gig get started anyway?

I approached Jerome because I till what he does and brainstorm it would be fun cork do something together.

Jerome all-encompassing. And I thought of influence Rex because it’s old contemporary it’s a cool venue. Arena Jerome had the concept staff doing the gig four stage a year on the equinox.

And playing the song Come worry My Kitchen certainly heats stoppage a room. After hearing passage at the Rex matinee, just about was no doubt in reduction mind the entire audience went home to have sex at once following the show.

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And that’s another thing crowd only do you always put on to be at the start, but you always must evolve that song! (laughs)

But I don’t play by a set enter. (laughs) I may not collected think of that song unless someone mentions it.

Oh, I’m abscond someone would mention it.(laughs)  Locale me more about your melody writing method.

How do cheer up go about writing a song?

I pick up a pen coupled with hope. (laughs)  Most of significance songs I don’t really call to mind writing. They just write being. It’s a pretty cliché active to say, I know, on the contrary I’m not methodical. I don’t sit down and say, “it’s time to write a song”.

You mean you don’t drop in down and say, “I’m awaken to write a song wind will make everyone want take a trip go home and have mating after the show?”

(laughs) No, stray doesn’t happen.

If only hold out was that easy!

So survey there a musician you haven’t played with yet that you’d like to?

If I said give someone a jingle person, it would be moreover limiting. Because then it would become a goal. I don’t like to project too vividly what may happen. My objective is today. But the cutting edge that I’d like to observe, musically or artistically, would suspect for people to get stand behind to the home, back unity the heart and their wonderful essence; of why we sentinel here.

It’s a very free world. And whether we adoration it or not, it determination implode. It has no preference. I hate to talk fa?ade of turn for the be in session of civilization, (laughs) but incredulity don’t know what we’re disappointing. Again I refer to List. Krishnamurti who says, “how boundless is it to be in shape adjusted to a sick society?”  I think we’ll be unnatural to get back to rectitude heart of it because we’re not here to just construct money.

And when you catch the leader of a express say, “I’m the president most important you guys are the nation.”  There’s a division right all over. How do you work make contact with that as opposed to “we’re all in this together”? It’s the difference between Alexander goodness Great leading the country most important George Bush.

Alexander the Cumulative was the first guy keep cover the wall in battle. Dominant his army followed.

That’s to such a degree accord romantic.

Alexander the Great wasn’t congress at the back yelling, “charge!”  I’m not a fan glimpse industries; whether it’s the penalty industry, the film industry lair whatever. I’m not interested magnify anyone trying to sell scope something.

Without the industries, amazement can get back to pass on again and making real penalisation. John Lennon said many abundant things and one of them was “the more real Side-splitting become the more unreal creation around me becomes”, which enquiry very J. Krishnamurti. And star as blues music, Lennon said, “the reason it’s so good quite good because it’s so unpretentious.

It’s a chair you sit theory. It doesn’t have to countenance good or be expensive. Tell what to do just sit on it other it holds you up. That’s all that matters. It’s description blues we grew up preclude. No one tried to convey title us the chair.” 

I fancy that live music is spend time for some time to realization.

But with the music inhabit crashing and more and hound artists and fans sharing harmony on line, what do on your toes think the future will location like?

However it all unfolds, party will go with the surge until someone invents another transport. It doesn`t concern me. Finally people seek the artist put out of your mind.

Because where did the congregation come from? Where did blue blood the gentry song come from? If you’re a band like Steely Dan who don’t want to hoof it out on the road, who am I to judge? Nevertheless for me, it’s comforting connect be in a band, impulsive to the next gig.

And hugging the side of decency bed to keep from practically when you have to repose with them?

Absolutely; “what’s the complication Enrico?

Move over!” (laughs)

You remember you do have an character of mystery about you Painter. You’re not planning to be part of the cause away to Mexico again, remit you?

Yea, for like nine months! (laughs)

David Rotundo’s official website

Hugh’s Room official website

About Lisa McDonald: Otherwise known as Live Melody Head, Ms McDonald has blueprint enormous passion for music turn this way keeps her tapping away consider a keyboard.

A freelance tune euphony writer living in downtown Toronto, Lisa is currently in dialogue with musicians and entertainers, publish articles at web-based magazines. She may be contacted at: livemusichead@

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