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Tom Wolfe: Simple Peace
ByThe album commences with a sprightly nod to guitarist Pat Metheny on “It Is Time” as Wolfe melds rapid chord progressions with elegantly performed mid-toned electric lines while also turning up the heat in tandem with pianist Bill Peterson’s lush melodies. Wolfe implements gritty, souped-up electric leads on “Mindbend” yet playfully disrupts the momentum with odd-metered passages along with a straight-ahead swing groove. Hence, the guitarist displays a fertile imagination along with convincing chops!
The band indulges in some clever improvisational maneuvers on the somewhat rambunctious piece, “Go With The Flow” as the guitarist goes head to head with drummer Mark Lanter for a vivacious polyrhythmic encounter whereas Wolfe exhibits some good old country charm on the aptly titled composition, “Appalachia”. With this piece, the guitarist commingles deft C&W style picking with rock rhythms and lucid jazz grooves while also injecting rip-roaring unison fusion-style runs along with Oteil Burnbridge’s limber electric bass soloing.
Wolfe finalizes the proceedings on a somber note with his acoustic and predominately grassroots ballad, "Pueblo”. Yet through it all, Tom Wolfe has produced a highly entertaining yet multilateral effort as he successfully fuses contemporary jazz improvisation with groove-laden thematic invention and penetrating compositions. Overall, Simple Peace is a fine and thoroughly memorable freshman effort from a guitarist/composer who exhibits the necessary ingredients for long term success. Recommended!
For ordering and additional information please contact Tom Wolfe via email: [email protected]
Track Listing
1) It Is Time 2) Your Tender Nature 3) Mindbend 4) Simple Peace 5) Go With The Flow 6) Portrait Of The Essence 7) Appalachia 8) Outer Banks 9) Some Sweet Day 10) Pueblo
Personnel
Tom Wolfe
guitarTom Wolfe; Guitars/Guitar Synth: Mark Lanter; Drums: Oteil Burbridge; Bass (2, 4, 7): Robert Dickson; Bass (1, 3, 6, 9): Roy Yarbrough; Bass (8): Bill Peterson; Piano (1, 3, 6, 8)
Album information
Title: Simple Peace | Year Released: 2000