Guitarist Neil Rote - formerly of The Jumpdevils
The
Jumpdevils was for some time an exciting and dynamic band in Melbourne, Australia,
which soon enjoyed a dedicated following. This was largely within the Rock'n'Roll
dance community, but the eclectic mix of Rock'n'Roll tinged with Blues, Funk,
some Country, and even Jazz (largely due to guitarist Neil Rote's wide-ranging
musical past) made the band attractive to an audience larger than the straight
dance community.
Bassist John's driving bass (often on double-bass) was the perfect counterpoint to Neil's variety of vintage guitars and guitar styles, from the chordal solos reminiscent of Charlie Christian on full-bodied archtop semi-acoustic guitars, through to blistering single-note riffs using the clean, trebly sounds and country inflections of the Telecaster® and Stratocaster® style guitars.
Various drummers and other musicians (on harmonica, saxophone and even keyboards) came and went over the few years the basic partnership between John and Neil existed, and these friends have played and recorded in various venues and studios with Neil in subsequent years.
The original, individual and driving sound of The Jumpdevils has been lost to Melbourne audiences since 2006, although Neil has continued to take his expressive playing to Melbourne audiences, especially in his role with the house band of the long-lived Elwood Blues Jam, which celebrates its 13th anniversary in November 2010, and more recently with The Kingtones, comprising some of Melbourne's cream Rhythm'n'Blues musicians - Roger Nelson on harp and lead vocals, Adrian Reaves on Hammond and other keyboards, Peter Beulke on bass and Peter Hodges on drums.
The Jumpdevils continued performing for a short time with varying lineups (John was the only 'constant', although he did do a stint on guitar, while guitarists, bassists, sax players and drummers seemed to come and go at a dizzying pace), but arguably the original sound was never recaptured. The final gig of The Jumpdevils with me as guitarist in Albury, NSW took place in mid-May 2006. Click here to hear some very poor (but interesting) bootleg recordings of that performance given to me by a fan recently.
Neil has since moved to rural Victoria, where he is enjoying semi-retirement in the peace and inspiration the Australian landscape provides. While recently battling Stage 4 Bowel Cancer (diagnosed late in 2008), he is indulging in various creative pursuits and monthly gigs with The Kingtones, while faithfully restoring his 1880s house, enjoying his classic motorcycles and cars, time with his very special partner Patricia, and Leo the dog and Orville the cat.
Neil's previous musical exploits have been many and varied, including being a founding member of Melbourne's Wolfe Gang, with whom he recorded two albums.
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