Port Planet Newspaper

 

A review of Bob Wolfman/WOLFMAN band

by Eric Brook - [From the Port Planet Newspaper] 

Last Friday evening I set out to meet a good friend at the GROG in Newburyport, which is incidentally one of my favorite music clubs. It being a pretty cold night in February, I ventured off to the club, but not too enthused since I frankly anticipated hearing another run of the mill band, like so many others I've heard before. WOW!, I'll say it again, WOW!, could my expectations have been any more wrong?

After our meal we purchased our tickets and headed downstairs to the music hall to find a righteously packed house. From the moment Wolfman (Bob Wolfman that is) and his band hit the stage, one thing was abundantly clear, they owned that room and the entire crowd in it, me included. "The Howl", a rollicking, fast paced original got the crowd rockin' and set the tone for the rest of the evening. What a show! Man, can this guy Wolfman play the guitar like nobody's business. He went from blisteringly hot solos with enough energy to light up Newburyport, and for a guitar junkie like me...well, I ate it up. Then after yet an another explosive number Wolfman went into a slow ballad that brought tears to my eyes. The crowd was already excited after the first tune and then the dance floor was hoppin' with happy folks groovin' to the upbeat tunes as well as the cool, flowing ballads. Another Wolfman original, "The Folks On The Hill", was a real funky groove tune with Steely Dan overtones.

I've seen all the guitar greats at one time or another; Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, Beck, Page, even Jimi himself, and one thing was very clear from the start of the show. Wolfman could easily step on stage with any one of these guys and hold his own. This guy got skills. I believe my musician friends call it "chops". Wolfman posseses a rare combination of technical skill, a well defined sound, and a stylistic versatility not easily matched. He's clearly head and shoulders above anyone I've heard in the New England area. OH!, his vocal ability ain't too shabby either. Wolfman got the crowd singin' along for some participation fun on "The Blues Is Alright". The band also played songs by some of my faves, Robben Ford, Gary Moore, and of course some Jeff Beck. I learned later in the evening that Wolfman generally doesn't take requests, but an avid Hendrix fan got his wish granted when Wolfman broke out with a fiery version of "Little WIng".

I had a chance to talk with Bob Wolfman and his band members after the show for a rather enjoyable interview. The band members; Malcolm Stuckey on Bass, Bruce Bears on keyboards, and Joey Scrima on Drums are all seasoned pros, and they're real crowd pleasers. How many bass players can play a solo and have everyone in the club up and dancing? Bruce Bears, the keyboardist played some awesome organ textures along with some killer piano licks, and Joey Scrima laid down a rock solid groove to tie it all together. A very tight rhythm section to back a smokin' front man. I thoroughly enjoyed this band of marvels, can ya' tell? I suggest you keep your eyes and ears wide open for Wolfman, as this is definitely one band you're gonna want to hear. I think they're here to stay, and you can check out Wolfman's upcoming shows at Johnny D's in Somerville and the Grog in Newburyport as well as many other rooms on the North Shore, South Shore and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I asked Bob about his future plans with his career, to which he replied smiling, "Well...I'm gonna play till I die, and maybe a little longer...I don't intend to stop living anytime soon. I love to play, it's what I do, so now that my kids are grown up some, it's time to hit the road again. I'm planning on a national tour by next summer."
I replied, "Can I drive the tour bus?" Wolfman laughed, "Sorry, we got that covered, but we do need roadies...this equipment is !@#$%& heavy!"

You can also check out the Wolfman's web site at : www.wolfmanband.com