CD Review
    Wolfe
    Delaware Crossing
    (200.32 - ULFTone Music)
    by Robert T. Murphy
    Review date: September 2003
    "Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
    Achievement for Blues on the Internet
    Presented by The Blues Foundation
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    blues picture With tinges of 'Blues Traveler' harmonica, Texas blues guitar from Todd Wolfe, Benois King (Smokin Joe Kubik) style vocals, and some driveing rhythms, this CD is full of good music. It's not all throttle to the floor as the styles range from slow grinding blues to country tinged blues to hot rod rock and roll. The CD has 12 songs, most of which were written by various members of the band. These guys hail from the north east but play like they come out of the Texas/Louisiania area.

    The CD opens with 'Stranger Blues', a rocker which opens with Hendrix style wah wah guitar, staying with the 12 bar blues progression throughout. Hot rod guitar and harmonica leads are abundant here. Think of this song as a high octane version of that old song 'One Way Out'. 'No Returns, No Exchanges' beings the Benois King style vocals to the forefront. The vocals are relaxed and fit well with the slightly heavy guitar work. This song grows on you as the more you hear it, the better it gets. 'See What Love Can Do' is a change of pace with acoustic resonator guitar bringing in a country tinge to the music. The vocal reminds me of Eric Clapton in his acoustic blues mode. Again the vocals are not forced and very natural. "Tumblin Down' has a rolling stones feel to it, only with better vocals. This song combines choppy Keith Richards rhythm with an early 60's song style, but with much better production. 'One Lost Love' returns to the Eric Clapton style of singing with a slow blues. Claptonesque guitar work and slow pace add to the feel that this song could have come off Clapton's "Reptile" CD. 'Things Get Better' gets back to the rockin vein with a chuck berry rhythm and traditional 12 bar rock structure. 'Black Hearted Woman' has a swampy guitar opening, drenched in wah wah effects. Heavy drum rhythms and minor chord feel add to the effect. This is a seven and a half minute mix of swampy guitar and Santana rhythms. I think it's very cool and should be excellent in a live setting. 'Beg Forgiveness' dips into the Hendrix bag instrumentally and returns to the Benois King style vocals. 'Love Gone Bad' reminds me a bit of Jimmy Thackery in vocal and instrumental style. This is a straght ahead blues song without any pretentions. 'Wolfe Jam' is a live seven minute cut which reinds me of the Allman Brothers more than anything else. If you like that style of music, these guys do it very well.

    Bottom Line: Good mix of music with a wide range of styles. Enough guitar pryrotechnics to keep guitar geeks happy and a variety of vocal styles. If you like Smokin Joe Kubik, Texas/Louisiania style guitar, and Eric Clapton style vocals, then you should like this release. I have a tendancy to rate CD's as to "will they stay in my collection" and this one is a keeper. Solid vocals, solid musicianship, good production, professional packaging, I give it thee out of four stars.

    Todd Wolfe - guitars and vocals
    Chuck Hearne - bass
    David Hollingsworth - drums
    John Cree - percussion
    Karl Frick - piano & organ
    Barb Walker - backing vocals

    Web sites: www.toddwolfe.com
    www.ulftone.com

    Visit my Web Page "http://bellsouthpwp.net/m/u/murf01/

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