Real Blues - Number 27

Well, he's finally done it...David Rotundo has elevated his game up to the next Big Time level, a level that puts him on the same playing field as the artists he grew up listening to. While most critics/fans expected his progression given the quality of his previous recordings, Rotundo can now be called one of the top 10 Blues performers in Canada and that actually means something now given the rise in Canadian talents in the last decade. This CD will undoubtedly be recoginzed by the toughest critics of all, the European Blues audience.

Apparently Rotundo is a long time acquaintence of guest guitarist Enrico Crivellaro, one of the hottest young Blues pickers on the scene today, and his very visible (audible) presence makes this album work very well indeed with a shared 'balance of power'.

Rotundo may be a young man (late twenties?) but he's a time warp patron who is in absolute love with vintage 1950's sounds (less-is-best) and it's a good thing considering so many of today's harp players are into the busy-busy blowing syndrome. Dave has obviously been listening to the right guys and his Sonny Boy-style approach is always sweet to my ears (especially on "Can I Come into Your Kitchen"). All of the songs are originals with a similar formula/feel throughout and every tune (save "I've Got To Move" with the great Jack de Keyzeron guitar) features dynamic, interplay between Crivellaro and Rotundo. "The Sway" shows Rotundo ain't no one-trick-pony as he picks up Chromatic harp and doles a vintage West Coast thing that's mighty impressive. You'll get a message on "Sellout Or Starve" as the band lays down a dirty Memphis/Chicago '50's groove. I have to be perfectly honest; I'm cuaght off guard by Dave Rotundo's emergence as a world-level player but whether I'm ready or not for it is a moot point. He's here and he's damn good and nobody should be able to keep this young man down and confied to the cheap-money bar gigs. He's proven with "Blues Ignited" that's he's as good as many of the acts on the worldwide Festival circuit (and he's truly better than quite a few who are recognized 'stars).

I believe it's time to make way for Dave Rotundo and while I don't know if this is his regular gigging band; Shane Scott on String (bass, electric bass and vocals) Pete Schmidt (guitar), Julian Fauth (paino/vocals), Greg Cooper (drums) but if it is, he's got a very tough little band to help get his message of honest Blue collar blues out to the world. 5 bottles for a fine disc that has oodles of first-rate harp and guitar (especially Jack de Keyzer's lone appearance on the last track, "I've Got To Move". It's Dave Rotundo's time folks!

Blues Revue - August 2002

Blues Revue Toronto-based David Rotundo & the Blue Canadians make a promising debut on Blowin' for Broke (self release). Rotundo is a convincing vocalist and a dynamic harp player with excellent tone; the Canadians, anchored by a rhythm section that knows how to play real blues, have a brace of soloists in Julian Fauth (piano) and Peter Schmidt (guitar), the latter of whom shines like Wayne Bennett on the slow "Bourbon st. Blues." Rotundo's 11 originals range from "I'm Waiting" ( a Latin-to-shuffle rhythm-shifter) and Punching Bag Man" (a Muddy Waters grind) to William Clarke-inspired pieces in jazzy, minor-key swing ( "Astro Van Blues") and piledriving boogie ("My Leg is Shakin') modes.

The London Press

Just before Hudson's homecoming, Jack deKeyzer proved to be a super sub. The Whitby guitarist and singer was playing in place of Mick Taylor, one of the day's scheduled attractions, whose appearance was cancelled Saturday. Taylor and LLC, a British band, were not permitted to cross into Canada, organizers said.

Stepping in for Taylor, the ex-Rolling Stones guitarist didn't faze de Keyzer. Playing hot tunes from his latest album, 6 String Lover, he shone. Ace Toronto Harmonica player David Rotundo, who also plays on the album, shared solo space with the leader. Rotundo was hot.

Blues on Stage - Fall 2001

It's rare indeed when reality lives up to hype, and with the buzz surrounding Dave Rotundo's debut approaching hyperbole, I had my doubts . . . doubts which promptly disappeared with the first few notes of "Blowin' For Broke." Lovers of the "Mississippi Saxophone" will be in harmonica heaven with this one; better, it's the kind of disc that could convert non-fans into instant harp-o-holics. In all but the most skilled hands (or should that be mouths?), a little lickin' stick goes a long way; Dave's among the select few, one of those rare players who can sustain interest for as long as he chooses to keep blowin.' Not one for pyrotechnics, his is a lean, muscular approach, each note shaped and sculpted with care.

Every cut here is an original, and while there may not be any structural surprises - shuffles predominate and influences are pretty clear - Dave and friends manage to inject new life via infectious and energetic enthusiasm into even the most time-worn grooves. "Make Up Your Mind" starts things off with a blast, Dave's fat, full-bodied harp supported by churning guitar and Julian Fauth's rumbling piano. "I'm Waiting" follows the standard rhumba/shuffle/rhumba pattern. "My Leg Is Shakin'" owes an obvious debt to Mark Hummel; little matter, it's such a cool tune Dave reprises it with "take two" later in the proceedings. "Bourbon Street Blues" is a chilling minor-key masterpiece that lets guitarist Peter Schmidt stretch out, his T-Bone inflected leads on this one contrasting nicely with the gutsy grinding of "I'm Into It" that follows. "P. T. Shuffle," one of two instrumentals, is a tough Texas-flavoured guitar workout that shows more than a little Funderburgh influence (I'd say Peter's every inch his equal), before the racous "Butt Bustin' Boogie" brings us back to 'party central.' Dave sings the slow blues of "Punching Bag Man" through the harp mic, giving it a menacing tone reminiscent of Howlin' Wolf. (True, Wolf didn't need a harp mic or anythying else to get that effect, but hey, everyone else does!). The jazzy "Astro Van Blues" shows Dave equally at home on the chromatic, before the party comes to a close with the Hoochie Coochie-style "Devil In A Dress," the one point where Dave's vocals seem a little stretched. Supporting musicians are uniformly excellent. Mr Schmidt's fretwork in particular is as good as it gets; he doesn't just play a solo, he constructs it with intelligence and taste, employing a storyteller's logic to bring each of his sonic excursions to a seemingly inevitable climax. Yet the way he gets there, the unexpected spaces he leaves, the twists and the turns and the exquisite tension he employs so well, render each of his solos a fascinating exercise in musical exploration. Mr. Fauth, too, proves an enviable asset, his rolling figures providing propulsive support while his solos sparkle, darting here and there throughout. Bassist Shane Scott (who recorded "Blowin' For Broke" at his own Bassline Studio) and drummer Walter Maclean are solid, unpretentious players.

Sound is well-nigh perfect, gritty and real. The harp is way out front where it should be, and the mix gives every instrument an almost palpable presence; close your eyes and it really does sound as though there's a live band between the speakers. This one works on every level; as a harp showcase, as a solid slice of real and genuine blues, and as a rave-up for your next party. It's also one of the most auspicious and accomplished debuts I've ever heard. My very highest recommendation!

Maple Blues Newsletter - August 2001

"Closer to home but also in the straight-ahead bar band blues vein comes this CD with the hearty endorsement of none other than Ronnie Hawkins. I think for many blues fans there are few greater pleasures than a well-played album dominated by heavily-amplified harp, gruff vocals, tasty guitar, piano, bass & drumms, with the domination in that order! Well folks, this one qualifies. Dave Rotundo's vocals might need a little bit of work but that will surely come, this is a first album. No problems with his harp playing, or Peter Schmidt's guitar or Julian Fauth's piano, Shane Scott's bass playing or drummer Walter Maclean. The all-original songs fit like comfortable slippers - nothing fancy or daring, not slavishly copied, just firmly in the Chicago tradition. "Bourbon St. Blues" by Rotundo and Scott has some nice lyrics, too."

Ronnie Hawkins - May, 2001

"David Rotundo plays the blues the way the blues are supposed to be played...keep rockin"

CD REVIEWS

A superb second album arrives from our '02 Talent Search and Maple Blues Awards New Talent winners. Still very much rooted in the Chicago blues tradition, this CD features a generous program of originals by vocalist/harpman Rotundo. The sterling lead/rhythm guitar work is by regular Pete Schmidt and/or by Enrico Crivellaro from the Royal Crown Revue and James "Icepick" Harman's band and whose new Electro-Fi solo CD will be reviewed in the next column. Also returning is bassist/co-producer Shane Scott and pianist extraordinaire Julian Fauth. The new drummer is Greg Cooper. As I wrote for the first CD, Rotundo has a gift for writing memorable songs in a tradition that is woefully short of them now, with too many sounding hackneyed or trite. Just listen to "Stranger" or "Worries & Trouble" or "Sellout Or Starve" as examples. "Drinking Overtime" is another example of a new twist on a topic with a long history. As a band of relatively young players, they have completely absorbed the sound of this tradition, knowing when and when not to play. Rotundo's vocals sound especially good, up-front and well recorded, the only quibble being the over-reliance on the Omar & the Howlers growl on "Sellout or Starve". Crivellaro's two features are "Let's have a Good Time" & "The Sway" both co-written with Rotundo and showing those West Coast techniques to excellent advantage. A special highlight is Rotundo's tribute to Muddy Waters with "I Got To Move" with Jack de Keyzer on electric slide and Tony Ajo on drums, a great choice as an album closer. "Blues Ignited" is a fine new harp instrumental. As Rotundo and Crivellaro have several weeks of gigs lined up this month, you`ll be able to get this from the bandstand or you can go to www.davidrotundo.com.

John Valenteyn - Maple Blues Newsletter - September 2003

CD REVIEWS

As a whole, this genre is over-run with young, sensational guitar players. However, it has been ages since a youthful spitfire set the harp ablaze. Maple Blues (New Artist) Award winning David Rotundo is exactly what the blues needs now. David plays the harp on Blowin' For Broke (Stone Pillar Productions) as if madly possessed by the ghosts of Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and George "Harmonica" Smith. In 1997, Rotundo formed a band called the Blue Canadians (Peter Schmidt guitar, Shane Scott bass, Julian Fauth piano and Walter Maclean drums) and they began playing the Toronto circuit. Blowin' For Broke was recorded with them and released in 2001. The album was produced by Rotundo/Scott and features 12 songs that last 52 minutes. However, you will want to hear David's heavy harp for longer than that. Many debuts contain too many over-played covers while others record too many immature originals. Thanks to 'ahead-of-his-time' songwriting capabilities, Rotundo wisely decided not to record any covers. David's style of blues can be found in his song's titles. Shakin', bustin', boogie and shuffle all accurately describe his music. "Make Up Your Mind" is a throw back to an era of blues harp gone by. Although David's vocals are a bit rough, his harmonica wails with confidence and conviction. A boogie scuffle with a West coast feel follows, called "I'm Waiting." It has a contagious beat and complex timing. "Bourbon St. Blues" is a slow blues where the gaps are filled by JulianÕs tingling riffs. The song's guitar solo is barn-burning, while the harp solo will leave you awestruck. The drums are royally slapped around, producing big bangs on "I'm Into It." Rotundo is more than into it, he is on top of it! (A video of the track featuring Rotundo's overwhelming performance recently aired as part of Bravo! TV Canada's Talkin' Blues series.) The big, acoustic bass gets smacked around on the swinging "Butt Bustin' Boogie," which is a sheer party. "My Leg Is Shakin'" features twice, once as an alternate take. Aren't those supposed to be saved for box sets? The tune(s) features the classic call and response format, a bone-rattling piano solo and screeching harp. Listeners will require mighty fine hearing to determine the differences between the two versions. "Devil In A Dress" combines elements of "I'm A Man" and "Evil." It's a rockin' blues number from the Chess era.

If Rotundo is the next generation's blues harp ambassador, then Fauth is the young prince of the keyboards. He makes the 88s dance especially on the dangling instrumental, "P.T. Shuffle." "Astro Van Blues" is a relaxed and calming instrumental where the harp displays a peaceful and soothing tone. David Rotundo, a stronger musician than producer, knows how to write mean blues tunes about women and drinking and blows harp with plenty of charisma. He has the potential to do for the harp what youngbloods like Jonny Lang did for the guitar. Canadian music legend Ronnie Hawkins nailed it when he said, "Rotundo plays the blues the way the blues are supposed to be played." And its a pleasure, a pure pleasure to experience.

Tim Holek - Blues Bytes -August 2003

www.bluenight.com/BluesBytes/wn0403.html

CD REVIEWS

Blowin' for Broke Dave Rotundo & The Blue Canadians Move over, Little Walter, you've got some serious competition here! Not since Muddy Waters first delighted us with his magical ensemble of struttin' blues guitar, boogie-woogie keyboards, gut-wrenching vocals and relentlessly "possessed" blues harp has there been an equal successor to the blues throne. And it's not hard to distinguish that particular influence here (""Punching Bag Man" and "Devil in a Dress").

From the get-go, this CD aims, fires and blows your mind away! This entire collection will surely become future blues classics, with 10 of the 12 tracks being composed solely by David and the remaining couple being collaborations with David and producer/acoustic bass player Shane Scott and David with Peter Schmidt on electric guitar that compares favourably with that of Colin James. In fact, as the CD title suggests, all stops have been pulled out to ensure massive success at the risk of going broke, if nothing comes of it. I can't see the latter happening, if blues lovers in Canada and beyond have anything to say about it.

This supernatural combination of players also includes Walter MacLean on radioactive drums and Dave's infamous sidekick, Julian Fauth (solo performer and with his own fabulous outfit, Dark Holler), on delectable keyboards, especially on "Make Up Your Mind" and "I'm Into It". I'd be hard-put to name a favourite track on this CD, as they're all immensely appealing in their own style and arrangement. But if tracks like "My Leg is Shakin'", "Working Class Blues" and "Butt Bustin' Boogie" don't get you absolutely itchin' to get up and boogie, then you must be either dead or deaf! And if you're more the slow-waltz type, "Bourbon St. Blues" is irresistible with its sexy guitar licks and keys.

If this ain't essential blues in all its emotional spectrum, I don't know what is. Grab your own copy now but be sure to check out these guys "live" as well! Incidentally, Dave Rotundo can also be heard in action with Jack de Keyzer, another blues superhero of mine!

By Diane Wells - Washington Blues Society, November 2001

Dave Rotundo Blowin' for Broke to grab the brass ring - T.O. Nites by Gary Tate

A dream is an unfulfilled fantasy, but a fulfilled dream is a special gift. For years, David Rotundo has been delivering the goods to appreciative houses, a harp-playing maestro and gravel-voiced deacon who invariably charms everyone - wherever and whenever he's heard. But he's never grabbed hold of that brass ring. Things change!

Setting it down on a platter to convince the ivory tower pundits, the armchair jockeys, and - most regretfully - a huge slice of the paying public, is part of the deal.

Blowin' For Broke is the full realization of that recorded passport into the emotionally saturated inner sanctum of Mr. David Rotundo - as rich, convincing, and eclectic a canvas of Blues styles as anything out there.

The CD launch party at the Silver Dollar Room on Friday, August 17th should pack 'em in. All Blues musicians in town have to be there (sending a congratulatory note ain't gonna cut it!). Blues fans will be counting the days, while casual curiosity-seekers just craving a music fix risk becoming full-fledged Blues fanatics by night's end. Added to the steaming mix, there'll be a very special guest in attendance, renowned guitarist Enrico Crivellaro, who opened Dave up to a universe of Blues during their serendipitous meeting in Chicago.

After grooving to 'BFB' several dozen times, there's no hesitation in saying that the Man In Black (D.R. digs ebony threads) will be having more doors opening for him than Alice in Wonderland. Dave's recent setback when all his gear - including harps, mics and amps - was stolen, will soon be forgotten as the triumph of Going For Broke redeems past heartbreak (warm kudos to those who generously assisted Dave in his time of need, including Gary 17, Joe Curtis, Alec Fraser, Sab, Dan Linsey from Callendar, Mark "Bird" Stafford, Doctor Nick, Mako Funasaka, and many other classy people).

The CD is a case study in absorption: its twelve tracks glimmer with sheer Blues poetry. Rotundo's "whiskey-soaked" tonsils ignite three opening shimmies: "Make Up Your Mind", "I'm Waitin'", and "My Leg Is Shakin'". Each effortlessly incorporates influences as wide-ranging as Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, Sonny Boy Williamson, Pierre Lacoque (the hugely under-rated harpist from Mississippi Heat), Rod Piazza, and of course, the late, undefeated Heavyweight Champ of the West Coast sound, William Clarke.

"Bourbon St. Blues" calms the waters - a 7-minute tribute to New Orleans. Absolutely intoxicating! Peter Schmidt wields his ultra-tasteful stringbending into a stunning solo that perfectly complements Rotundo's searing harp work. Formidable solos piggyback on each other, adding heft and substance to each cut. Peter and Julian Fauth are two hepcats who have completed their Blues assignments most honourably, and are now well into advanced, post-graduate studies.

The torrent of talent, style, and taste never eases up for an instant. "I'm Into It" is a buzz bomb that sounds like it reads. It's a vocal pledge to do what's required to satisfy his gal. No need to elaborate on "Butt Bustin' Boogie, except that it lives up to its title big-time. "P.T. Boogie" is one of two instrumentals ("Astro Van Blues" is the other) that translate into the essence of cool.

"Punching Bag Blues" is a favourite; it uses the eerie "vocals-in-the-harp-mic" technique, and hits home with its universal lyrics. David Rotundo wrote all the material, and their quality is truly exceptional. "Working Class Blues" features some formidable stride piano work from Julian Fauth to complement the top-notch harmonica and guitar work from Rotundo and Schmidt respectively.

The Dollar's bound to be rockin' flat-out on the 17th: David and the guys (including the rhythm section of bassist Shane Scott, who also produced the CD through his Bassline Studios, and drummer Walter Maclean) seldom shift out of high octane Blues 'n' Boogies. It'll be the happening place in town.

Transferring the spontaneity and feel of a live show to disc has bedevilled hundreds of top-drawer acts, but Blowin' For Broke completely obliterates that stumbling block. I tallied about 52 minutes of playing time on the CD, approximately the time of a normal set, meaning every cut can be covered. Once the audience hears the entire CD, at least half should buy it (ain't no opinion, it's just the facts ma'am).

Blowin' For Broke is a reminder that the Blues, if delivered with intensity, grit, style and improvisational brilliance, is the greatest music the human mind has ever conceived. It's also the reason why this reviewer considers BFB a lock as my choice for best Canadian Blues CD of 2001.

Blowin' For Broke - David Rotundo & The Blue Canadians - Stone Pillar Productions SPP0001

Man, those Canadians keep proving that the blues is as much of their musical landscape as it is here in the U.S. Blues labels like Stony Plain and Northern Blues have crank out some solid stuff over the past year or so and independent releases from lesser known artist have flocked south like the snow geese in the winter.

David Rotundo is among those whose sounds are drifting this direction, fronting his Blue Canadian band with his harmonica and vocals on a 12 cut disc of all original material. It is material that stays focused solidly on the blues and most of the songs are well written and thought out and much of it topical and apparently autobiographical. Songs like "Astro Van Blues", "Working Class Blues", and "Punching Bag Blues" appear to be a reflection of events that Rotundo's life might have actually passed through. I don't know if he actually went to Bourbon Street and ran into trouble, but it is believable on his "Bourbon Street Blues". Some of his lyrics are rather derivitive, but that is just the nature of the genre.

The Blue Canadians are Shane Scott (acoustic bass/backing vocals), Peter Schmidt (guitar), Julian Fauth (piano/backing vocals), and Walter Maclean (drums). These guys seem to have been around the blues block a time or two as they stay traditionally true to this groove as they strut out Texas style shuffles, West Coast jump and lowdown, slowdown back in the alley twelve bar stuff. Blowing a tough, meaty amplified tone through his bullet mic, Rotundo gives ample proof that he has studied not only the classic work of Little and Big Walter and James Cotton, but also the more modern mastery of William Clarke and Rod Piazza. He goes for the dynamics that these latter guys displayed with their chops, especially on tunes like "P.T. Shuffle", "Butt Bustin' Boogie" and "My Leg Is Shakin'". He uses octaves effectively to fatten up his sound and his single note runs are inventive.

The weakness of most harp led bands today is that most the front men have harp chops that overshadow their vocal prowess. Rotundo is also in this category. His vocals work fine, but they are limited. He is most effective on "Devil in a Dress", which gets a hoochie-coochie vibe going and a Lester Butler grit that brings out his best range. He sounds surprisingly good singing through his harp mic on "Punching Bag Blues". These two cuts are highlights for me, but I'm harp kinda of guy and I overlook vocal limits in favor of what is being blown through the intruments reeds and Rotundo does it well, so I liked the entire cd. Fans of blues harp will enjoy this one. --Richard Bush - The Delta Snake Blues