Reviews Archiv 530

Well, today we got an artist, who certainly belongs to the draw: - brilliant musician, but hasn't reached superstar status so far. Within the past years I met these sort of artists pretty often. Apparently presently the average request is more up to hitpotential, visual aspects and trends, but not so much quality. And so many great musicians are playing their butts off, like for instance Eric Sardinas or Jeff Scott Soto, just to name a few, and like our artist here - Todd Wolfe, and they just can't manage to become as big as they would deserve it.
They are breaking records in playing every little club around the globe, and they do actually get some recognition. But in most cases - that's it. And on their next tour these guys are appearing at the same venues with some more or even less audiance. But the sparkle just doesn't want to increase. I really feel miserable sometimes, when I often watch real shitty bands playing in front of 3 - 5000 fans and even get hyped. And on the other side there are these great musicians playing in front of only 50 something people. I could cry sometimes, honestly. The music world just ain't fair enough.
And it is actually this circumstances, showing us, that beeing famous, doesn't nessessarely mean talent, but rather luck, good connections and most of all of course - Money. To get it straight - in the end of the day - also in showbusiness everything depends on the financial aspects. - Yeah well most of it...

Okay, this is just for the intro and now let's get back to the current action here.
For everybody who doesn't know the name Todd Wolfe yet, I just want to explain, that this man has been the leadguitarist and songwriter for Sheryl Crow. He also worked with Leslie West and Mountain in the past. And West, who is brilliant guitarist himself said once: "There are a few guitar players I like better than myself. Todd Wolfe is one of them'.
And that one prefers touring with his own band from coast to coast in America and all across Europe, every year again and again.Apart from himself the band consists of Suavek Zaniesienko on bass and Roger Voss on drum, both musicans, who've got quite a musical past as well. For this new european tour slot, Todd Wolfe released his sixth album „Stripped Down At Bang Palace“. This Disc was recorded in only 2 weeks live at the studio. Respect, other's need 3 - 6 month to finnish one CD.

Unfortunately tonight at Munich's Titanic Club there ain't no big audiance either. I assume there are aprox. 50 friends of advanced Blues Rock to enjoy Todd Wolfe's energetic, sometimes progressive, bluesy coloured jamming rock. Oh, one more thing, a Todd Wolfe concert always lasts about 3 hours with a short break. No setlist, - he doesn't need one. Next to some new versions of tracks from past days, we also get songs presented, which get always played, but ain't recorded yet. And there is of course the new album. Last but not least you can find one or the other coverversion of some wellknown track, like for instance "Money (That's What I Want)" originally by Barrett Strong in 1959.

The lightconditions are pretty weak, like expected. And it is rather difficult to catch some decent impressions. Compared to the acoustic one's which are great indeed. Todd Wolfe shows, how he treats his baby and gets the most out of the six strings. The same I can say about the four strings and Suavek Zaniesienko and not to forget drummer Roger Voss who causes in me the so called wauw effect what's up to his talents and his... okay forget it

Over all we get 3 hours of great Blues Rock entertainment. And I can only asure you, you won't get bored a single second. As I'm pretty sure, Mr. Wolfe will be back next year, I can only advise you out there - increase your musical horizons and go and see this man playing live once in a lifetime. I don't promise you too much - don't worry, but I bet, having checked out Todd Wolfe live once, it won't stay the only time you go and see him.... you better bet!
http://www.toddwolfe.com/