Kate Wolf's Music Still Resonates

Kate Wolf
“Poet’s Heart”
Kaleidoscope Records
1985

During her brief career, Kate Wolf released five studio albums and one double live album. “Poet’s Heart” was her final release during her lifetime. I was privileged to see Kate perform in the fall of 1985 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Although her music was new to me, I was charmed by her solo performance in this historic venue. As she stood onstage with her guitar, all eyes and ears were entirely focused on the captivating presence of the gentle poet. I sensed that this was something special. She had a way of drawing one into the stories of the lives and places she sang about with sincerity that was mesmerizing and poignant.

In the days following the concert, I acquired her entire catalog and was thrilled to have discovered such a remarkable talent. Weeks later, the news of her battle with leukemia became public, and I was devastated. She passed from this life at the age of 44 on December 10, 1986, leaving behind a body of work that is to be treasured.

“Poet’s Hart” is an album of honesty and vulnerability, with a depth and precision that disarm with its understanding of the subtleties of our lives. “All He Ever Saw Was You” tells the story of a conflicted musician’s devotion to his craft and the woman he loved more than he could convey. “In China or a Woman's Heart (There are Places No One Knows)” she explores the deeper meaning of a keepsake and the innermost mysteries and secrets kept in the heart. In “Slender Thread’ she sings of the fragility of love: “Sometimes the strongest love hangs by such a slender thread.”

Kate Wolf was on the verge of breaking through to a larger audience, having appeared on Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion just before the onset of her illness. The Kate Wolf Music Festival was founded in 1996 by Kate’s family and friends in collaboration with Cloud Moss and the event management company Cumulus Presents. It ran from 1996 to 2022. During its 25-year run, artists such as Taj Mahal, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Dar Williams, Neko Case, and a breathtaking list of other notable musicians have performed at the event.

In 1998, Red House Records released “Treasures Left Behind... Remembering Kate Wolf,” a tribute album featuring some of her most beloved songs. Among the collection's highlights are Dave Alvin’s performance of “These Times We're Living In” and Kathy Mattea’s “Give Yourself to Love.” Nanci Griffith, Greg Brown, Ferron, Emmylou Harris, Nina Gerber, Terry Garthwaite, and others each honor the artist as they keep this special music alive.

Navigating Life's Invisible Forces with The Whispering Tree

The Whispering Tree
“Invisible Forces”
Eyelash Soup Music LLC
2018

With the promise of a new album release later this year, it seems like a good time to revisit The Whispering Tree’s 2018 second album, “Invisible Forces.” The name The Whispering Tree evokes an image of wind-kissed leaves gently in motion, as if nature’s voice were delivering a message. This moniker, along with all the mysterious wonders and delights it suggests, is fitting for the genre-bending duo of classically trained vocalist/pianist Eleanor Kleiner and guitarist/bassist Elie Brangbour.

Make no mistake, these highly intelligent musicians are deep thinkers; they express themselves without self-consciousness or apologies, as none is necessary when done with such artistry and precision. With only eight songs and a runtime of just over half an hour, this album demonstrates that brevity is the soul of wit. In this concise package, they succeed in exploring the human condition from various angles and articulating some of our deepest fears. However, fear not; the stunning vocals and collective efforts of the duo and their band are never dull or tedious.

Beginning with “These Houses,” the lyricist contemplates the deterioration of dwellings whose previous inhabitants are no longer present, “returning to the earth like growing in reverse,” serving as a metaphor for life itself. “Heavy” is a weight-of-the-world ballad contrasted by “California’s” hopeful longing for a new beginning and starting one’s life anew.

“Fat Cat” calls out wealth and privilege and wonders, “How do you sleep?” as it rhythmically confronts an egotistical, greed-driven figure in their survival-of-the-fittest world. The marvelous bass-driven “Split in Half” captures the isolation we can feel within our communities and even inside our own homes.

“Garden” is by far the darkest offering here, with its apocalyptic vision of a scorched and ruined earth. Remembering all the wonders lost, it’s a vivid, startling lamentation delivered with beautiful, haunting guitar and piano. By contrast, “Bells'” hopeful declaration, “I hear bells ringing for change,” concludes the album with a positive song that would fit comfortably on a playlist alongside Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” While this collection of songs navigates some turbulent waters, the enduring hope for a better tomorrow is ultimately within reach. 

Appalachian Bluegrass from the UK

Jaywalkers
“Move On”
Burnt Chilli Records
2025

The Jaywalkers released their debut album, “16 Miles,” as a duo in 2010, featuring songwriter Mike Govern on mandolin and Jay Bradberry on fiddle and vocals. They soon invited Lucille Williams, the album's guest bassist, to join the group, creating a trio. The UK-based threesome has refined and perfected their Appalachian Americana sound through extensive touring and recording.

On their fifth album, “Move On,” the Jaywalkers continue to pay loving homage to classic Appalachian bluegrass with original songs, two well-chosen covers, and two instrumentals. The songs “Move On” and “Gone Forever” beautifully capture the essence of saying goodbye. Lead singer Jay Bradberry showcases her natural versatility on Ricky Skaggs’ “Highway 40 Blues" and their refreshing take on the blues standard “Ain't Nobody's Business.” In the collection's finest moment, “The Longest Day” finds solace in love’s embrace during difficult times.

This masterful blend of folk and bluegrass is brought to life by the exceptional contributions of guest musicians Rob Ickes on dobro, Trey Hensley on guitar, Josh Clark on drums, and Stu Williams on banjo and guitar. The Jaywalkers are available on all major streaming platforms, including Bandcamp. Enjoy!

The Heart and Soul of A.J. Croce

A.J. Croce
“Heart of the Eternal”
BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
2025

A.J. Croce was two years old when his legendary father, Jim Croce, died in a plane crash and four when he experienced total vision loss. He later regained sight in his left eye at age ten. He found comfort in his late father's music collection, exploring artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson and learning to play the piano. As a young man, he was mentored by R&B virtuoso Floyd Dixon and quickly gained the attention of B.B. King, Ray Charles, and other influential musicians. As an adult, he has established himself as an artist of integrity and innovation, delivering soulful rhythm and blues that defy a single genre label.

“Heart of the Eternal,” his 2025 release, features 11 new tracks and is produced by Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings. It’s a well-balanced collection of energetic, soulful pieces ranging from “Complications of Love” and “Didn't You Want That Too,” which explore the complexities of relationships, to the lighthearted reality check of “So Much Fun,” which celebrates good times with friends — "it’s so much fun to see them come, but man it’s good to see them go.”

Optimistic and forward-looking, "The Best You Can" is balanced with "All You Want," a moody meditation on navigating those inevitable down times that come our way. Even the album’s weaker tracks, “I Got a Feeling” and “Hey Margarita,” are lifted by the power and diversity of the overall collection. The haunting and beautifully hypnotic duet “The Finest Line,” featuring Margo Price, wraps up the album with style and grace. 

The band features A.J. on piano and lead vocals, as well as rhythm and lead guitar, David Barard on bass, Gary Mallaber on drums, and James Pennebaker on guitar. If you haven’t yet experienced the artistry and sincerity of this immensely talented artist, this release is a great place to start. I saw A.J. near the end of his Croce Plays Croce tour in October 2024 in Eugene, Oregon, where he not only paid tribute to his father but also performed an eclectic set of originals from his impressive catalog, as well as a host of landmark R&B, blues, and rock hits. An evening with A.J. in concert is highly recommended. 

Chicago-style Blues from California’s Central Valley

The MoFo Party Band
"Low Down"
CD Baby (self-released)
2010

Formed in the late ‘80s in Fresno, CA, by brothers John Clifton on lead vocals and harmonica and Bill Clifton on guitar, the MoFo Party Band became a favorite among local audiences. It gained international recognition by performing at venues such as the Belgian R&B Festival in Peer, Belgium, the Luxembourg Jazz & Blues Rally, and the Blues Express Festival in Poland. They have shared the stage with notable artists like B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Robert Cray, Charlie Musselwhite, Otis Rush, and Tommy Castro. Led by the brothers and accompanied by a rotating cast of talented musicians, they offered a brand of good-time blues that is thoroughly entertaining.

The band’s fourth and final album, “Low Down," released in 2010, was their best studio effort. Although recordings can’t fully capture the high-energy performance and interplay of their live shows, this one comes close. The album consists of nine band originals and a cover of Rusty Zinn’s “Dying on the Vine.” The rollicking “What Kind of Woman Is That?” along with the driving rhythms of “Down the Road I’m Going” and “Broke and Hungry,” as well as the swaying instrumental "Gydnia," create a truly enjoyable experience.

Although the MFPB exists today only in the memories of concertgoers, John and Bill continue their individual musical pursuits as blues musicians. John performs as a solo artist and has released several albums, while Bill leads the trio Bill Clifton and the Chicken & Whiskey Band. Together, they have created an incredible legacy of fun, toe-tapping blues that everyone can enjoy.