Since his debut album “Gravity” in 2000, Rob Lutes has been steadily crafting a remarkable repertoire of songs that seamlessly blend blues, folk, Americana, and the contemporary singer-songwriter genre. Hailing from the town of Rothesay, New Brunswick, and now based in Montreal, this skilled artist, one of six siblings, has consistently showcased his mastery in delivering both Piedmont blues classics and his own acclaimed original compositions. With soulful vocals and masterful fingerstyle guitar work, Lutes brings an unmistakable intensity to his live performances.
His eighth album, “Come Around,” released in 2022, earned four Canadian Folk Music Award nominations and two Maple Blues Award nominations. Following the success of 2017’s “Walk in the Dark,” which received accolades like Folk and Roots Radio’s “Album of the Year” and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Vocals, “Come Around” weaves influences of blues, Americana, folk, and pop into a fresh electro-acoustic sound. Navigating the complexities of human dislocation with wisdom and humour, Lutes charts a compelling course through the contemporary musical landscape.
Throughout his career, Lutes has released six other full-length albums, including the acclaimed “Truth & Fiction” in 2009 and “The Bravest Birds” in 2013, which spent seven months in the Roots Music Report top 10 and reached #1 on the EuroAmericana Chart. Whether performing solo, in a duo with Quebec guitar legend Rob MacDonald, or in a full-band format, Lutes continues to captivate audiences. Additionally, as part of the roots group Sussex, he contributed to two albums: “Parade Day” in 2016 and “The Ocean Wide,” which earned a 2021 CFMA nomination for Ensemble of the Year.
Beyond his solo career, Lutes has left his mark with other artists having recorded several of his songs.
Name:
Rob Lutes
Genre:
Roots (folk-blues, country-jazz)
Founded:
1999
# of Albums:
8
Latest Album:
Come Around
Latest Single:
That Bird Has My Wings
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
So many! I listened to everything my five older siblings played.
Favourite musician now:
I don’t have a favourite.
Live show ritual:
At least one song that I or my partner Rob MacDonald does not expect.
Favourite local musician:
Too many to mention.
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl until I had kids.
Road or studio?
Both!
Any shows or albums coming up?
My project Sussex – guitar, vibes, pedal steel and bass – has a new album – Shine – coming out next month with the first single to streaming. Beautiful totally unique mix of instruments and quirky, moving songs. Rob MacDonald and I will do some of the tunes at this show.
Where can we follow you?
***
Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Bombay Chapati – amazing Indian food.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Lakeshore Blvd. I grew up on a river in NB. I love the water.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Terracotta Park…gorgeous forest where my dog loves to walk.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
All venues that have live music are tied! We need to keep them alive.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Conservatory of Music in the Pointe-Claire Plaza.
