Todd Wolfe Band

Long Road Back

American Showplace Music

Todd Wolfe was born in the Forest Hills, Queens, section of New York City. He started playing guitar in garage bands as he was inspired by rock guitarists George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Wolfe recorded and toured with Sheryl Crow from 1993 until 1998. He has written songs recorded by Crow, Deborah Coleman and Phish among others.

Wolfe released his first studio recording in 2002. He followed up with 2004’s “Delaware Crossing” which at the time was referred to as a long lost and rediscovered rock album. Between 2008 and 2009 Wolfe released “Borrowed Time” and “Stripped Down at the Bang Palace” both on Bluesleaf Records. His last studio recording was 2013’s “Miles to Go” also on American Showplace Music. “Long Road Back” is Wolfe’s ninth album overall.

The Todd Wolfe Band usually performs as a trio. What separates Todd from other blues rock guitarists is his song composition and production. Wolfe is never over indulgent and is more concerned about how the band sounds. Wolfe is a seasoned guitarist, vocalist and bandleader and has always surrounded himself with able sidemen. The band currently includes Justine Gardner, bass and backing vocals; and Roger Voss, drums, percussion and backing vocals. The album is co-produced by Wolfe; Ben Elliot of American Showplace studios; and John Ginty, Hammond B-3, piano and percussion. Ginty is a wonderful and inspiring addition to their lineup.

This studio recording is a total band effort as the majority of the tracks are co-written by the foursome. Their combined contribution includes the opener, “Poison”, “Never Walk Alone”, “Fire Me Up”, and the title track “Long Road Back”. Voss’ drums dominate the mix on “Gone”. On “Annalee” the rhythm section does a great job of setting up Wolfe’s fabulous guitar solo. “Hoodoo River” is an extended jam featuring the band.

“Peace Unto You” was written by Wolfe. On it he plays both acoustic and electric guitars while Ginty’s B-3 adds just the right amount of atmosphere. “Mercy” was written by Crow with Wolfe.

Wolfe also includes two fabulous covers. Cream’s “Outside Woman Blues” written by Eric Clapton includes an infectious Clapton riff. The other cover is a great rendition of Stephen Stills’ “Black Queen”.

The Todd Wolfe Band seem to get better and better with each recording. This is quite simply fine blues rock.

Richard Ludmerer