Rob Tognoni
Barry Middleton (BM) interview with Rob Tognoni (Rob) - June 2010
either. Most blues based rock is cool by me and I think necessary otherwise blues bands will end up fucking museum pieces.
BM: Aims for the future and what do you hope to achieve within the Blues?
Rob: I'm happy to be able to keep on playing. That really is my goal. I don't mind where I play and to how many people, it's irrelevant. If the blues continues to help me do that, I'm a satisfied man.
BM: What were your first experiences of the Blues?
Rob: My first experiences were blues based only...Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Gallagher etc. It wasn't until I started to look further, then I discovered BB King, Freddie King, Robert Johnson and many others.
BM: Who were the influences on your musical career?
Rob: AC/DC, Hendrix, Gallagher, BB King
BM: Does singing the Blues come from experience?
Rob: Maybe with some, but I don't think it's the golden rule. But then again, I don't really know what goes on in people's lives, the happiest smile can shield the saddest heart.
BM: What was the first gig that you played?
Rob: First "gig" was at my high school end of year in 1975. My first paying gig was at a local nightclub in 1983.
BM: Do you think that Blues needs to evolve to stay relevant?
Rob: I don't like it to get too slick and I don't think it should be squeaky clean
BM: Why do you feel that young people are not as attracted to the Blues as other Genres?
Rob: I remember when I was younger, anyone over 30 seemed ancient. Most blues bands are way over the use-by-date. Not many young people want to associate themselves with Dad or Grandpa...so, it needs more young people to play and perform. Until that happens, it won't attract too many.
BM: What other styles of music have you drawn inspiration from?
Rob: Country, definately.
BM: When did you start playing (guitar)?
Rob: I was 10 years old.
BM: How would you like to see music change over the next 10 years?
Rob: More live playing. Less on image and on selling soft porn to kids.
BM: If you wasn’t a musician (in a band) what would you be doing?
Rob: Architect
BM: What sort of music did you listen to growing up?
Rob: Rock n Roll.
BM: You are a singer/songwriter. What drives your song-writing?
Rob: To keep producing albums.
BM: If you had the opportunity to play with any blues artist dead or alive live on stage who would it be?
Rob: I think it would be Rory Gallagher...Hendrix would freak me out too much.
BM: What do you do to relax when you have some spare time away from music?
Rob: I go fishing, enjoy good food. I love good alcohol...wine, cognac, scotch etc
Thank you Rob for completing my questions
Barry Middleton
Nottingham Blues Society
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