Wolves & Ravens describe themselves as a quartet of grizzled
vets from the Twin Cities folk rock scene. There's a more accurate description
to use - Wolves and Ravens play some of the best funky folk-rock I've heard
in a long time. Distilled from the elements of the collective journeys they
took to get where they are today, their style clearly reflects the distance
and experiences involved. So I guess Wolves & Ravens would have to be 'grizzled'
to display the wealth of experience and talent needed to deliver their music.
Tim Gadban (he of the old Booley Band) writes, sings and plays lead guitar
in a clean sharp style that many try to match and most fail at - listen to
'Shady Grove' to hear what I mean. On 'Full Moon' Tim uses his vocal skills
to pour raw emotion into the song - love the phrase: "I know we both sleep
with the same smile on our faces." Pete Rivard also writes and plays one of
the meanest banjos out there. Too often the banjo fails to deliver anything
other than a good folk joke ('perfect pitch' flinging a banjo into a trash
can from 30 feet). Now you can forget all that, just listen to this guy perform
- power banjo that's right on the nail, stunning stuff indeed.
Terry Lee Storhaug handles percussion and declares he's equally at home with
trap set, congas or tablas, although he also plays multipad electronic percussion
to striking effect. I've always argued that drumming is a constant weak link
for folk bands (see previous reviews). That may remain true for some other
drummers but not here -Terry's percussion is a class act.
Driving a solid
bass behind the other guys is Chuck Campbell. His style is obviously another
product of a long journey - you only need to listen only a short while to
hear him take directions that most bass players wouldn't dare. Together these
guys create a magic that's worth making time and effort to hear.
Grizzled perhaps, but with a mountain of talent on offer. (And no I don't
owe them any money - this is just another grizzled old veteran's view.)
