Frank Fotusky plays Acoustic Blues in the style reminiscent
of the great East Coast "Piedmont" players such as Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Boy Fuller, John Jackson, Blind Willie McTell to
name a few. A majority of his material is culled from the '20's, '30's and '40's and Acoustic Blues and Guitar Rags are the
foundation of his music. Along with this repertoire, his original compositions are rooted in this era and still carry a contemporary
feel. East coast or "Piedmont Blues," as it is so often called, consists of sophisticated syncopation with fingerpicked guitar.
The result is a sound that resembles that of the ragtime piano.
Frank has performed with Virginia Bluesman John Jackson,
Paul Geremia, Roy Book Binder, Hubert Sumlin and has been festival headliner in his own right. BLUES ACCESS
has said, "(Frank) offers a sparkling guitar sound on fine Piedmont-style blues and rags....Fotusky's clean fingering
draws you in and projects the music, which would be somber in other hands, out." In the fall of 1999, Frank released
his first CD "TEASIN' THE FRETS" to widespread critical acclaim. BLUES REVUE stated,
"Thirteen heartfelt cuts...played and sung with care and emotion." Tom Olson from the Blues Connection
said, "Frank understands and plays the music authentically," and BIG CITY BLUES offered,
"This is a player that would be welcomed on any porch, front or back!"
Has appeared with and/or performed with:
John Jackson
Roy Book Binder
Paul Geremia
Steve Mann
Will Scarlett
Chris Hillman
Chris Smither
Hubert Sumlin
Robert Jones
Grant Dermody
Greg Greenway
Terre Roche.....
A short list of events/venues played:
2003 International Blues Challenge (solo finalist) Memphis TN
NY State Rhythm & Blues Fest.
NJ Folk Festival
The Red Bank Jazz & Blues Fest. NJ
Herndon Blues Fest. VA
Riverhead Blues Fest. Long Island, NY
2nd Annual Guitarbeque, Asbury Park, NJ
Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY
Happy Endings, Syracuse, NY
The Next Stop Cafe, CT
The Big Kahuna Cafe, Bridgeton, ME
St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, Portland, ME
The Dolphin Striker, Portsmouth, NH
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
Minestreet Coffeehouse, New Brunswick, NJ
Epic Arts, Berkeley, CA
Beale St., Memphis, TN
