Rock Bottom
Click on these link to
Hear Music Clips
Click on photos below to enlarge
$10.00 free shipping
Rock Bottom
A veteran of the blues if there ever was one, Rock Bottom has been performing for audiences for over twenty years. He is a harp slingin' vocal powerhouse who has played all over the U.S. as well as most of Europe. Rock's sound is unique, his style unforgettable.
Growing up in Indiana, Rock, born David C. York, he sang in both school and church choirs and was turned on to the sounds of Chuck Berry and The Kingsmen playing through his sister's record player. When his family moved to Florida in 1965, Rock took up the harmonica as a hobby. His hobby soon became his livelihood and Rock started singing and playing in various jug bands.
Rock's first influence on the harmonica came from his father who played country style harp. Not being satisfied with this style, Rock sought out a style that fit his personal tastes. After hearing a Paul Butterfield record at a college party, Rock's life was changed forever. "I felt this music," he says. "I felt an obsession. For 20-some years, I have just been driven by this obsession." The blues style harmonica on the record was like nothing he had heard before. That's when Rock Bottom knew he was born to play the blues.
Rock spent the next several years playing in roadhouses and juke joints across central Florida. At a time when blues music was not being played in white clubs, Rock played to predominantly black audiences in clubs such as The Manhattan Lounge and The Honeydripper.
In the early 80's Rock joined The Silver King Band, a trio comprised of harmonica, piano, and washboard. The band was booked to do a two month house gig in Norway, but ended up going on a three week tour of Scandinavia. The tour of one nighters yielded a very successful record release on a European label. The band released a total of four albums during the eighties, as well as a 1991 Norwegian release.
Since then, Rock Bottom has toured Europe dozens of times, sharing his music and his enthusiasm for the blues. He has played in numerous blues, jazz, and folk festivals and has built a cult following of European fans. He also continues to play throughout the U.S. from his home base in Tampa, Florida. Rock's producer credits include Roy Book Binder's album on Rounder.
In 1985, Rock formed his current backup band, The Cutaways. He has been touring and recording with them since. The band has released three albums since 1990. Rock Bottom's latest release, "Shake Your Boogie Leg" on New Moon Music (NMC 9821) features The Cutaways, and delivers a powerful punch of heart and soul from a true blues veteran.Sad to say that Rock passed away in 2001. Those who knew him and his music will miss him.
"Rock is a musician who can lead, arrange, sing and play harp like no one else I can think of. He has his own sound: he can rock, he can jive, he can holler, he can amuse, and he will make you want to get up and dance." - Robert Tilling, Blueprint Magazine, England
"If you've been reading our reviews, you already know that Rock is the real thing." - Blues Access
"Solid from start to finish." - Peter Aschoff, Living Blues
"There's plenty of fun to be had..." Tom Townsley, Blues Revue
"A talent for harmonica that equals all the Musselwhites, Piazzas and Clarkes."
Neil Slaven, Blues & Rhythm Magazine, England"The tunes stomp, strut, ramble and bounce, one after the other like revelers in a Mardi Gras parade." - Billy Ochoa, Solares Hill News
"The highlights of any Rock Bottom record are his harp solos, full of grit and soul, with a tone that ranges from grimy to sweet. A committed groovesman, Rock mixes up the rhythms: chunky New Orleans flavored romps, swing-boogie, swamp-rock, march feels, frisky rockabilly, even a foray into funk (replete with slap-and-pop bass)." - Eric Snider, Weekly Planet
"Florida-based Rock Bottom plays harp and sings in an eclectic style that conjures up both Chicago and New Orleans." - PRA, Living Blues Magazine
"His harmonica style has been described as a roar, like a syncopated, steroid-crazed vacuum cleaner. His singing is gruff, sonorous and packed with personality." - Chief Billy, Solares Hill News
"Rock performs an eclectic mix of blues, rhythm and blues, and New Orleans music guaranteed to get your butt rockin'!"
"If there's one thing harmonica titan Rock Bottom has in spades, it's great tone." - Curtis H. Hayes, Jam Magazine
"Rock Bottom is the best damn harmonica player in the business." - Roy Book Binder
