A couple of weeks ago I got a text message from a young lady I had the pleasure to meet last year at a Grammy party held in the Gibson Show Room @ Penn Field, S. Austin. The memo simply read, "Hey buddy! Come out tomorrow night for my CD release party at the Cactus Cafe." I thought it was a very cool and casual way of getting the message out to fellow music lovers and artists listed in her phone log. I soon found myself terribly interested in discovering what singer/songwriter Carley Wolf had accomplished in the last year or so from the last time I visited her myspace and checked out a few of her YouTube clips.
Being a songwriter in this town, I myself have come to know and respect the reputation of a songwriter’s mysteriousness: and it usually comes with hiding under a rock from all known humanity for quite sometime. (Wow, you look like you could use some sunlight. Let’s go get some ice cream.) And then, BAM! We seemingly come out of nowhere, (ice cream waffle cone in hand) with a bigger perspective on life, a college-ruled spiral filled with original lyrics which turn into remarkable, original songs, and if we are blessed, a band ready to play the hell out of them!
So be as it may, I knew of Carley Wolf, a young woman from Texas State University (go Bobcats! rarr) with a memorable appearance and style, but I sure didn’t know Carley Wolf, let alone her musical endeavors. So when I received the cute little text-vite, I had little or no idea what I was in for.
I RSVP’d a prompt “See you there,” to the t-vite. I arrived solo the following night at the tiny venue which was tucked away in the labyrinth of UT. The university is, after all, a small city itself. As I approached the door, there was a sign sitting on a table that said ‘Carley Wolf CD Release Party, $5’(Money makes the world go ‘round.) As I was pulling out my wallet I took notice to the precisely placed records titled "Set Sail", up for grabs that Ms Wolf had promised her enduring fans.
When I walked into the atmosphere, there was only standing-room left, the band had just finished setting up and the musicians were ready to commence. From left to right, a fine percussionist who was sitting in with Wolf’s band that evening, Josh Halpern, (who happens to be the rhythm machine in my group as well), then a kit player toward the back who dually sings and writes as well, Jessie Torissi. Next were musicians whom I have yet to meet: A fiddle player, cellist, and stand up bassist added impressive ingredients into the mix.
There was an excitable drone coming from the audience.. showing signs that they were gearin' up for some entertainment. After a short and relaxed introduction, Wolf gave the signal and suddenly, deep and unusual melodies were filling the room. The opening song instantly brought me to a time and place where gypsies danced around moonlit bonfires on European seasides. The band was well-rehearsed. Everyone on stage had a mischievous smile across their face that matched the rich, up-beat piece of music they were creating. Wolf’s voice is charming and pure, and somewhat childlike, telling tales of love, emotion, and acceptance from a twenty-something’s point of view. She even swapped strings with her stand up bass player and did an entire song slapping away. That was an impressive spectacle, and the audience was delighted.
My overall thoughts were that if Wolf’s artistic and imaginative expressions continue down this path, who knows where her vessel may 'set sail' in the future? Wherever she goes, Carley Wolf will be floating atop a sea of success.
Rock on, Carley.
Official Website: http://www.carleywolf.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/carleywolf
Over and Out.
