David Rotundo gives St. Mary the blues (photos)

"He blew one note on the harmonica that hypnotized me and I've been playing the blues ever since."

This is what Toronto blues harpist, David Rotundo said about seeing James Cotton perform in 1991.

Since then, Rotundo has traveled to New Orleans, Clarksdale, Austin, Memphis and Chicago in order to hone his skill and learn the true meaning of the blues.

He has enjoyed the pleasure of playing with greats like Jack de Keyzer, Ronnie Hawkins, Enrico Crivellaro and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.

That James Cotton note has spawned one of this country's most proficient and fervent harmonica players, and Loplops Gallery-Lounge played host last night (Friday) to Rotundo's burning blues.

The house was packed and the music intense as Rotundo along with Dan Dufour on guitar, Chuck D. Keeping on drums and Shane Scott on bass dazzled the enthusiastic audience.

Who knew felling blue could be so fun.

SooToday.com's own David Helwig was in attendance and told me Rotundo made sounds with his harmonica he'd never heard any other player make before.

I'm pretty sure that was a compliment.

If you missed this stunning performance and love feeling blue, Beyond Borders is hosting an encore Rotundo performance aboard the Chief Shingwauk this evening.

The boat departs at 9 p.m. sharp.

Tickets may be purchased at Loplops Gallery-Lounge, 651 Queen St. E. or on-line at www.loplops.com.

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