Stony Plain Records artist: Colin James - Miles To Go - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Miles To Go, from Colin James and it's really good! Opening with Muddy Water's, One More Mile, Colin James puts a funky spin on it and it is a contemporary as they come. With Geoff Hicks on drums, Steve Pelletier on bass, Simon Kendall on Hammond, Chris Caddell on rhythm guitar and Steve mariner on harp, this track is a super opener. Another Waters track, Still A Fool maintains the basic Waters outline but with a solid bass line and fiery guitar riffs, another super addition. Very nice. Big Boy Crudup's Dig Myself a Hole has a super Little Feat, swampy funky feel with real nice slide by James and perfect backing vocals by The Sojourners. James original. I Will Remain, is really solid with a real nice drum track, glistening rhythm guitar, a soulful melody and excellent blues guitar lines bringing to mind BB King or Robert Cray. Excellent! Jessie Mae Robinson's Black Night is my favorite on the release with James' best vocals on the release. His guitar riffs are inspired and Chris Gestrin's piano work is crisp. Wrapping the release is an acoustic take on One More Mile with James on acoustic guitar and vocal with Coleen Rennison on backing vocal. This is a really nice closer for a very nice release.

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Canadian Guitarist Extraordinaire Colin James Says He Has "Miles to Go" on New CD, Out September 21

Canadian Guitarist Extraordinaire Colin James Says He Has Miles to Go on New CD, Out September 21

Toronto, ON-- With his 19th album, Miles to Go, releasing September 21 (Stony Plain Records in USA;  True North Records for the rest of the world), acclaimed guitarist Colin James is getting back to the blues.

Miles to Go is Colin James’ ambitious sequel to his critically-acclaimed 2016 CD, Blue Highways, and it continues James’ story with a collection of carefully curated songs handpicked from some of the greatest blues artists.  

In the months leading up to the recording, as James was reflecting on songs for the album he decided to reacquaint himself with a beautiful red Gibson ES-335.  It was just like the guitar he played as a teenager, but regretfully had to sell for rent money.

While James reconnected with this guitar, Miles to Go seemed to just flow onto the studio floor.

This album blends songs old and new, some of them completely reimagined and some almost perfect homages. But all are unified by a theme of undying love for the blues and the highest respect for the creators that led the way.

Known as one of Canada’s best blues musicians, it wasn’t until Blue Highways that James found himself on a blues chart: the album spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report’s Blues Chart. It also landed him one of his biggest hits: “Riding in the Moonlight,” a Willie Dixon song that James once covered when busking in the streets and subways of Toronto and Montreal that landed on a Spotify playlist garnering millions of streams.

When James set out to make Blue Highways, an album of blues covers recorded with his touring band, he always intended it to be the first of two installments. Now we have Miles to Go, in which James records nine new covers of his favorite artists (Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Little Willie John, Robert Johnson, etc.) and adds two originals, “I Will Remain” and “40 Light Years.”

“Blues has always been a pass-it-forward kind of thing,” says James. “It’s also surprisingly hard to write. You have to be careful how modern you get in your phrasing. Certain writers can write a song that sounds like it was done 40 years ago, but it’s deceptively hard.”

To be a blues musician is to always have a dialogue with the past.  As with much blues music, it’s the performances on the original versions rather than the actual song that drew James to them. That said, what could he possibly bring to them in 2018? “You bring what you can,” he says. “If I feel like I’ve brought enough, then I put it out. I knocked a bunch of songs off this record when I realized that I couldn’t bring anything to them that weren’t there already. All my life I’ve tried to bring vitality to older songs. Hopefully, my dedication to it is what floats it over the mark. That’s a subjective thing; some people will always prefer the original. However, there’s always a group of people coming up to see me after a show who might say, ‘Oh, I never would have heard ‘One More Mile’ by James Cotton—nothing in my life would have pointed me there.’ ”

So much of Colin James’s career has pointed him to this moment: joyfully tangled up in the blues, which, as he notes, “is the only genre where you can maintain a young profile at the age of 53.”

Colin James Upcoming Canadian Tour Dates

07/13/18    Windsor, ON        Bluesfest Windsor   

07/14/18    Ottawa, ON        Ottawa Bluesfest   

08/17/18    Grande Prairie, AB    Bear Creek Folk Music Festival   

08/19/18    Salmon Arm, BC    Salmon Arm Roots & Blues   

08/25/18    London, ON        London Bluesfest   

09/08/18    Blue Mountains, ON    Blue Mountain Village   

Todd Wolfe Band Kicks Off "Miles To Go" Midwest/Canadian Tour@HOB/Chicago

            

The Todd Wolfe Band bring their "Miles To Go" Tour to the midwest and Canada, kicking off with a show at the House of Blues Back Porch in Chicago on Monday, October 13. Complete itinerary below. Pictured (from left): Roger Voss, drums; Todd Wolfe, guitars-vocals; Justine Gardner, bass.

TODD WOLFE BAND KICKS OFF "MILES TO GO"  MIDWEST/CANADIAN TOUR W/ A SHOW AT HOUSE OF BLUES/CHICAGO, MONDAY, OCT. 13

   (CHICAGO, IL) - The Todd Wolfe Band, one of the hardest-working blues-rock ensembles in the business, launch their Fall "Miles To Go" U.S. Midwest/Canadian Tour with a show at the Back Porch at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Monday, October 13. 8 p.m. $5.00. Show Info: (312) 923-2000 or http://www.houseofblues.com/chicago. Complete tour itinerary below.

   Longtime guitar ace Todd Wolfe is known for his work with Sheryl Crow (five years as her lead guitarist in the '90's), as well as Carla Olson (The Textones); and Leslie West (Mountain), among others, throughout a stellar career. The Todd Wolfe Band had just returned from yet another road trip - four in 2013 alone, totalling close to 40,000 miles, from the Czech Republic to San Francisco - and received year-end accolodes including a "Best Band" nomination from Rockwired Magazine.  Wolfe has released seven albums since 1999 and has written songs for acts as diverse as country star Faith Hill and renowned jam band, Phish.

   

Todd Wolfe Band performing live in Grand Rapids, MI during April 2014 while in the midst of a tour promoting their "Miles to Go" album.

  Todd Wolfe Band Reviewed Live By National Rock Review (April 2014)

  "The beauty of listening to a Todd Wolfe show is the depth of his musical career; a career spanning thirty-plus years, honing and toning ‘his’ sound," writes National Rock Review in a live review of the band's show in Grand Rapids, MI this past April. "The trio is deep and accomplished. Each member brings a full plate to the table, with instrument and voice, which makes them sound bigger than a three-piece. Choral harmonies are layered in 3rds and 5ths that might evoke a Fleetwood Mac-esque tone yet steeped in southern blues/rock," concludes the review, which can be read in its entirety here.

 "Miles To Go" (American Showplace Music), represents another music milestone in Wolfe's storied career. The record's ten tracks run the gamut from straight blues to post-classic rock, each featuring Wolfe's uniquely rockin' soulful vocals. Guest performers on Miles To Go (Wolfe's fifth studio album, eighth total) include noteworthy blues harpist Steve Guyger and organ ace, John Ginty. Wolfe has truly arrived on his own terms, and as Miles To Go proves, creating quality music for the world to hear.

                            

What the Media is Saying About Miles To Go and the Todd Wolfe Band

 "Miles To Go" follows the same formula for success so clearly visible in his first release: excellent original material punctuated by world class guitar skills, all delivered via above average vocals. Keep up the great work, Mr. Wolfe, I hope to catch you live and on stage some day."                                                                                                            BLUESROCKERS

"Miles To Go has a deep bluesy soul with a tinge of Southern rock and a psychedelic vibe...'Wolfe's current bandmates are both incredibly skilled musicians, each adding a unique element to the band's overall sound."                                                                                                 BLUES ROCK REVIEW

"The Todd Wolfe Band deliver a powerful sonic experience with the release of 'Miles To Go' ...with a mix of blues, Southern rock, and even a little soul, the eighth release by this band has me yearning to hear the earlier releases."                                                                                              ROCK OVER AMERICA

"Imagine some power trio mixed into a Texas blues foundation and overlaid with trippy psychedelia...that's the essence of (Todd) Wolfe's music."               

                                                                                     HITTIN' THE NOTE

FALL 2014 "MILES TO GO" U.S. MIDWEST/CANADIAN TOUR ITINERARY

Oct. 13 (Mon.)    BACK PORCH@HOUSE OF BLUES           Chicago, IL

Oct. 14 (Tues.)  INTERMISSION                                  Wausau, WI

Oct. 17 (Fri.)     ALTONA CURLING RING                    Altona, Canada

Oct. 18 (Sat.)    NEIGHBORS PUB                                Lloydmister, Canada

Oct. 20 (Mon.)  BLUES ON WHYTE                             Edmonton, Canada     Oct. 21 (Tues.) BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 22 (Wed.)  BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 23 (Thur.) BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 24 (Fri.)    BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 25 (Sat.)    BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada    Oct. 26 (Sun.)   BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 28 (Tues.) LANDING BAR & GRILL                      Minot, SD

Oct. 29 (Wed.)  LEGENDS BAR & GRILL                      St. Cloud, MN

Oct. 30 (Thur.)  FORADA LIQUOR BAR & GRILL          Forada, MN

Oct. 31 (Fri.)     SHAW'S BAR & GRILL                        Minneapolis, MN

Nov. 1 (Sat.)      TIP TOP DELUXE BAR & GRILL           Grand Rapids, MI

Nov. 2 (Sun.)     THE CLUB TAVERN                           Quincy, IL

Nov. 3 (Mon.)    THE ALAMO                                     Springfield, IL

Nov. 4 (Tues.)    REX'S RENDEVOUS                           Warsaw, IN

Nov. 5 (Wed.)     MIDWAY TAVERN                            Mishawaka, IN

                        

                                                        www.toddwolfe.com

                                    www.reverbnation.com/toddwolfe

                                    www.facebook.com/toddwolfeband

Maryville Times (Interview)

All Access Magazine (Interview)

Boston Globe (Preview)

Naples News (Interview)

Todd Wolfe Band Releases "Miles to Go"

 

     NO ONE ROCKS THE BLUES LIKE THE TODD WOLFE BAND!!
     HEAR FOR YOURSELF ON THEIR NEW ALBUM, MILES TO GO

   Guitar maestro Todd Wolfe and the Todd Wolfe Band release their new album, "Miles To Go" (American Showplace Music), representing another music milestone in Todd's storied career. The album's ten tracks run the gamut from straight blues to post-classic rock, each featuring Wolfe's uniquely rockin' soulful vocals. Guest performers on Miles To Go (Wolfe's fifth studio album, eighth total) include noteworthy blues harpist Steve Guyger and organ ace, John Ginty. The Todd Wolfe Band features Justine Gardner (bass, backing vocals); Roger Voss (drums, backing vocals); and Todd Wolfe (vocals, guitars). Yes, they're a trio. And we're pretty sure if you look in the dictionary under the word "tight," you'll see a photo of this band!  Wolfe - formerly the guitarist in rock singer Sheryl Crow's band for a five-year period - has truly arrived on his own terms, and as Miles To Go proves, creating quality music for the world to hear. 

 
  What the Media is Saying About Miles To Go and the Todd Wolfe Band 

"Miles To Go has a deep bluesy soul with a tinge of Southern rock and a psychedelic vibe...'Wolfe's current bandmates are both incredibly skilled musicians, each adding a unique element to the band's overall sound."                                              BLUES ROCK REVIEW

"The Todd Wolfe Band deliver a powerful sonic experience with the release of 'Miles To Go' ...with a mix of blues, Southern rock, and even a little soul, the eighth release by this band has me yearning to hear the earlier releases."                                ROCK OVER AMERICA

"Charismatic stage presence, tight arrangements, electrifying chops...Miles To Go is proof that the Todd Wolfe Band has indeed arrived."                                             ROCKWIRED

"Imagine some power trio mixed into a Texas blues foundation and overlaid with trippy psychedelia...that's the essence of (Todd) Wolfe's music."                                              HITTIN' THE NOTE 

                                

"Miles To Go is the kind of U.S. blues-rock release I have been waiting for since the beginning of the year. 5 Stars for one of the finest releases I have heard in 2013."                          BLUES UNDERGROUND             

 

"This is a cool blues-rock release that should please existing TWB fans and is sure to win him a number of new ones!"
                                                           BMANS BLUES REPORT

   Radio is loving Miles To Go, too - the track "Day To Day" recently aired on the Blues Deluxe nationally-syndicated radio program. Miles To Go is currently charting on the Roots Music Report and being played by deejays worldwide.   

 

 

                                    www.toddwolfe.com
                        www.reverbnation.com/toddwolfe
                       www.facebook.com/toddwolfeband            

American Showplace Music atrist: Todd Wolfe Band - Miles To Go - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Miles To Go, from Todd Wolfe Band and it's a straight forward blues rocker. Opening with Nuthin' But You, Wolfe puts up a solid rocker that should head straight to the airwaves and fly high. With a solid hook and flashy guitar work it has what it needs. Sunnyvale takes a step back to a simpler sound with a stripped down bass (Justine Gardner) and drum Roger Voss) part and acoustic guitar and vocal by Wolfe. Locket Full Of Dreams opens with a cool guitar riff with reverb developing to a pretty cool track with vocals by Wolfe, Gardner and Voss. Steve Guyger also adds a nice harmonica texture on this track as well. Howlin' Wolf's Forty Four is up next. The band does a real nice rendition of this including great slide guitar work, military style drumming (adding to the drama) and great vocals. Day To Day is another open road rocker with Chuck Berry like riffs and Eric Clapton like vocals. This is another track that could easily hit the airwaves hard. it has all of the tricks including a good driving beat, grinding guitar riffs and snappy drumming. John Ginty adds some nice organ work on this track as well. I Stand Alone is a basic acoustic ballad with clean finger picking and subtle backing vocals. Stay With Me Baby is a slower blues rocker with a cool swaying groove. The vocal backing on this track is particularly cool and Wolfe plays scorching lead guitar riffs over the basic rhythm setup. Come What May comes out with a bit of a surprise with a distinct Reggae bottom and searing guitar lead work. This instrumental track is really nice break and possibly my favorite track on the release. George Harrison's The Inner Light closes the release opening with Wolfe playing eastern sounding lead guitar work and with changing time signature and what sounds to be Leslie sound effects. This is a cool blues rock release that should please existing TWB fans and is sure to win him a number of new ones!  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”