Donnie Walsh finds joy in blues music.
Blues is often defined as slow, sad music of African American origin, but to Walsh, leader of the Legendary Downchild Blues Band, the music’s impact on him is anything but sad.
“It’s kind of a joyful kind of music, playing the blues to get rid of the blues,” said Walsh. “The more you play it the more you cheer up.”
Another reason Walsh said he likes blues is because many of the songs have a really good story.
The first time Walsh was introduced to blues music was at a birthday party for a friend in the mid-1960s. He said some of his friend’s guests had brought a double Jimmy Reed vinyl album and played it all night long. Walsh said it was the first time he had heard the music.
“I couldn’t believe it. It just changed my life,” he said.
Over the years, the Legendary Downchild Blues Band has worked with blues legends including the late B.B. King, the late John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy.
The band was also the inspiration for Dan Aykroyd’s and the late John Belushi’s the Blues Brothers.
“That was some time ago. Dan Aykroyd would come down to see the band all the time … he was in Toronto in a comedy group … he would come over and see us playing in a bar,” said Walsh.
Walsh is currently writing songs for an album. He said the album isn’t titled yet and there is currently no release date.
“I just keep writing songs about different topics,” he said. “In my mind and in my house. I’m still writing all of the songs.”
Walsh said he goes into his writing room, sits sown and picks up his guitar, and “gets creative.”
He said his writing style and the types of songs have changed over the years. He starts with an idea and expands on it.
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, presented by Gee Dan Productions, performs with special guest David Gogo at the Port Theatre June 25 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Walsh said Gogo is a “real cool guy” and anytime the band can partner with someone like Gogo it’s a good thing.
Tickets are $47.50 and are available in advance by calling 250-754-8550 or online at www.porttheatre.com. For more information please go to www.downchild.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com