Featured Artist Interview: Hannah Wolff

Taking time out from her busy schedule... Hannah Wolff was gracious & kind enough to indulge a few interview questions, giving us a peek into the creative mind of an up & coming musical artist.


BluesDawg: Describe Hannah Wolff: Tell us a little something about yoursef...background & brief history, influences, motivation.

Hannah: I’m a hardworking, determined artist completely set on making it in this business. I have never wanted to do anything else but write, sing, play guitar and perform, ever. I’m aware that there are thousands of talented people trying to do the same thing, but I am determined to set myself apart from the masses and be one of the few artists who break through and will endure the test of time.

Music is the thing in life I’m most passionate about, I’m willing to sacrifice a lot in exchange for living my dream. I feel that music is my calling, so I better work my butt off to make sure I achieve my goals. I don’t feel I would be quite as happy doing anything else.

My father was in bands when I was little; he would always soothe me to sleep by playing guitar and singing to me. I suppose he was my first influence. Throughout time I’ve had a very eclectic list of influences including Cyndi Lauper, Aerosmith, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Fiona Apple, Gloria Estefan, Jeff Buckley, and many, many more.

BluesDawg: Most artists have a seminal point in their lives when it all coalesces for them, and they know that performing will be their life's work & calling...when did this happen for you personally?

Hannah: I was 3 years old moving from California to Florida singing Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time in my car-seat at the top of my lungs. Well, I don’t think I realized that I could be the voice on the radio specifically at that time, but that’s probably where it all started. I never really had a moment of realization because its just been something that I’ve understood about myself.

BluesDawg: Where does your music/lyrics come from...experiences, emotive conciousness, etc., etc., how do songs develop for you?

Hannah: All my music is autobiographical. There’s a moment when inspiration strikes. I can’t write really unless I have one of those moments; however I can induce them via coffee or driving or listening to new music, etc. Music is sort of a therapy for organizing my thoughts; I’m just lucky, I guess!

BluesDawg: What is the most personally satisfying part of being a performer, & what is the most negative? In your mind, what makes a successful performance?

Hannah: The rejection is a negative aspect that I don’t care for, but it makes my skin thicker. I’m really in the wrong business considering how sensitive I can be! But that’s definitely an issue I need to deal with, so what better way I guess.

There are so many satisfying points. Writing a song that I actually like is really an achievement. I’m definitely my harshest critic. Connecting with an audience during a performance is also incredibly satisfying; the crowd and I feeding off of each others energy is an amazing natural high. A successful performance would include not screwing up; however, if I do screw up, performing with energy hides mistakes from the crowd. If the crowd is satisfied, then I’m satisfied for the most part. I am quite a neurotic perfectionist though, so I don’t know if I’ll ever be 100% satisfied with a performance.

BluesDawg: How important is chemistry between yourself & those you collaborate with?

Hannah: Without chemistry, no collaboration will occur. We’ve got to be on the same page. I haven’t really collaborated much with others and kept the material written. But I hope to soon with the guys I have been playing with for the last few months.

BluesDawg: Here in El Dorado, AR...we have an abundance of aspiring musicians & performers...what advice would you give them?

Hannah: Just keep being persistent with every aspect, be it writing, performing, booking, shopping, etc. Be open to critiques as well. Hard work will beat out talent alone, in my opinion.

BluesDawg: What are your immediate goals & aspirations? What do you see as the next big step for The Hannah Wolff Band?

Hannah: We have just released our second album. I am currently submitting to many labels; we are working on getting national distribution and working with people more connected in the biz. We plan to tour more extensively as the year goes on. I also plan to write some upbeat songs! That’s really hard for me!

Thank you for the time & insight, Hannah, and we certainly look forward to more from you & The Hannah Wolff Band in the future! The Hannah Wolff Band will be appearing at Einstein's in El Dorado, AR on 9/22, and Gypsy Secret Garden in Fayetteville, AR on 9/23.

El Dorado Blues Jam-8/25...A Review.

I had a fantastic time at the monthly blues jam @ Einstein's in El Dorado, AR last night. Host band, Detox & The Shakes, of Camden, AR did a stellar job as they hosted this event for their third time.

The crowd was thin for a good part of the evening, but that certainly didn't put a damper on things at all. There were plenty of participants, and enough enthusiastic music lovers in the crowd to make the evening a total success.

Detox & The Shakes really impressed me with several original tunes. Their first was a slow-drag blues song with Derek MaCasland pounding out some powerful vocals. This young man can really wail! With a style very similiar to Jeff Healey, this vocalist captures your attention & holds it! They also performed a couple of blues-rockers that got everyone revved up & ready for the rest of the night's performances.
Though this band has only been performing publicly for a few months, they have certainly gotten up to speed very quickly.

Once again, I was reminded of just how fortunate we are in this little corner of south arkansas to have such a remarkable pool of musical talent. Each & every musician or vocalist that hit the stage did an excellent job. What amazes me is that a good portion of these talented performers are not currently in bands. I believe there are enough around to start up several new projects!

There were several individuals who hit the stage last night just for vocals, and even one free-style rapper who got down to a serious blues beat. I even got in on the action myself with some improvisational lyrics to an impromptu jam the guys threw together. I didn't see anyone leave, so I guess I didn't do too awful bad!

All in all, it was another successful jam and an awful lot of fun to boot! These events have been going on for just under two years now, and I certainly hope they continue. Some folks say the blues is dying...well, not in El Dorado, AR it's not!

Dave Almond @ The Corner Cafe-8/19...A Review.

Another stellar performance by the man from Cale, AR last night at the Acoustic Cafe show at the Corner Cafe in El Dorado. This well-known regional performer known by the moniker, "Worthless Dave"...proved once again that he is anything but worthless! Perhaps priceless would be the more accurate appelation to ascribe to this artist, seeing as how he has earned the appreciation & respect of music lovers in this area, and beyond.

How does one describe the music Dave Almond produces? Is it country, blues, folk, or americana? In my mind, it's just great music...plain, pure, and simple! Certainly, one can recognize elements from these styles in his repetoire, but the glue that holds it all together seems to be unique to this individual performer. I've seen people struggle to define this intangible ingredient by using terms like "feel", or "soul", and it's highly possible they're correct in that assumption, for Dave seems to put his heart totally & completely into his musical stylings. But whatever you call it...it's definitely there, and apparent to the listeners.

About as humble and unassuming performer as I've ever seen...he almost seems surprised sometimes that audiences react so positively to his onstage performances. Personally, that makes him even more credible as a worthy musician in my mind. It speaks of the fact that his music is created from an honest source of inspiration, and that there's nothing synthetic about it. Other performers have recognized this, and have paid him the highest compliment by requesting permission to cover his songs...always being careful to maintain the integrity of the composition.

Another interesting observation is the simple fact that anytime a Dave Almond song is performed, whether by himself or other musicians, there are always people in the crowd who sing along word for word, verse by verse! This, in itself, is a compliment of major proportions to any artist, and one that does not go unnoticed.

I've seen Dave perform many times, in many different configurations and accompanied by many other fine musicians. But in my mind, Dave Almond on a stage, by himself, with just his guitar and that ten gallon hat...is simply the best!

Great performance last night as always, Dave...and we certainly look forward to the next!

Chris Loggins & The Brass Tacks-Summer Concert Series!

The Mix 96 Summer Concert Series will conclude this friday night, 8/18, in downtown El Dorado from 8pm - 1opm in the city parking lot across from the historic Rialto theatre!

This free outdoor concert series has been an enormous success, and there's no better way to end it than with Chris Loggins & The Brass Tacks! A hometown favorite if there ever was one, this talented individual and the all-star supporting cast around him will no doubt leave it all on the stage! If you've never seen this group perform before, then by all means don't miss this one!

There will be prizes & give-aways, ice-cold beer, special opening act, and a great time will be had by all!

Come on over & party down outside, then head on into one of the fine venues or bars for a perfect finish to a great night!

Loggins & The Brass Tacks will leave no doubt as to why they are one of the most popular performing acts in South Arkansas!

Mellow Down Easy Returns To El Dorado-8/26!

On December 3, 2005, @ Einstein's in El Dorado, AR...a small, but extremely appreciative crowd was treated to one of the best live acts to come through our area. Mellow Down Easy of Nashville, TN wandered in & blew the doors off the place!

This extremely talented trio transported an entire audience to another place. Shade's of 60's and 70's rock wound through a tapestry of sound that hailed back to bands like Cream, The Yardbirds, and many lesser-known underground acts. Coming off somewhere between The Black Crowes & Led Zepplin, I was intrigued at the varying elements used in their music. Blues, 60's & 70's era rock riffs...even some Country was evident in their performance. These guys were extremely eclectic, but also very satisfying to hear & watch.

I was impressed with the fact that they were at the point of exhaustion when they walked into the place, but once they hit the stage & began to feed on the crowd's reaction, they took off like a barreling freight train! The lead guitarist/vocalist, Andrew Adkins, broke a string on two guitars... but snatched up the last & final one to finish the show. Daryl Dasher, bassist/vocalist, was nothing short of impressive, while drummer, Rodney Russel, was remarkably solid on percussion. These guys just reach out & grab you, then take you along with them to the finish!

There was a connection made with the audience during the performance, and most definitely after! The after-party for this one has now taken it's place in the annals of local lore!

A fantastic band, and a great group of down to earth musicians who really love this town, and have looked forward to their chance to return. Let's welcome these guys back, and fill the house because this will be special!

deaconBlack Set To Rock El Dorado-8/18!

The guys from Homer, LA are set to rock the house @ Einstein's in El Dorado, AR this friday night! Nothing slick or overdone with this crew...they promise only to bring hard-driving, in your face, southern-fried power rock! These guys play & party hard, and somehow...that translates into the music in such a manner that always leaves the crowd asking for more.

It's apparent that this band loves to perform for the sake of performing, and that sort of honest approach goes a long way with most music lovers. If you've got a taste for some retro-flavored, kick-ass, original rock...then Einstein's @ 104 Cedar Street in Downtown El Dorado is the place for you to be this friday night!

Come on down & get yo' rock on with deaconBlack!

The Hannah Wolff Band @ Einstein's-9/22!

On September 22, Einstein's of El Dorado will play host to The Hannah Wolff Band of Oklahoma City, OK. Touring in support of her recently released CD entitled One Afternoon, this outstanding songwiter/vocalist is set & ready to introduce her music to this area. With haunting vocals, mesmerizing stage presence, and backed by musicians of the highest caliber...Hannah Wolff will no doubt leave a mighty impression on all who are privileged to hear her. Well known & respected for her talent in her home region, this artist is sparing no effort to share her music with the rest of the country. Passion, professionalism, & presentation all meet in her performances, and leave no doubt as to the intensity of this performer's desire to make her mark on the world of popular music.

Stating such musical influences as Sheryl Crow, Fiona Apple, Jewel, & Alanis Morrisette...Hannah Wolff manages to weave elements from them all with her own particular lyrical stylings for a finished product that certainly satisfies & delivers!

I definitely look forward to this appearance, and can't wait to welcome this outstanding talent to South Arkansas. Mark this date down, and make plans to be at Einstein's for this show...it should prove to be one of the best performances of this year! The Hannah Wolff Band will also be appearing on Sep 23 2006 9:00P @ Gypsy Secret Garden in Fayetteville, AR.

Stay tuned for further info on this exciting artist, as well as a personal interview & updates!

Experience & Youth Present At The LogJams Weekly @ The Corner Cafe In El Dorado!

The live music scene in El Dorado, AR is truly fortunate that this area has been blessed with a bevy of good musicians consisting of both youth & experience. This is most evident when one takes into acount the weekly open jam at The Corner Cafe on 117 E. Main. Each thursday night at 9pm local singer/songwriter, Chris Loggins & guitarist extraodinaire, Hokie Gjertsen, lead the way hosting what has become one of the premire live music events in south Arkansas.

These "LogJams", as they are affectionately known...have become all-out celebrations of good music of all styles & genres, as well as providing valuable opportunities for younger musicians to learn from their more experienced peers. "Sitting at the feet" of seasoned and experienced musicians, as well as on-stage collaborations, has produced a solid core of up and coming musicians & performers who will no doubt accept the mantle of responsibility for a thriving music scene here in the future.

A mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship has developed between these musicians that is readily evident. The more seasoned performers feed off the entusiasm and energy of the younger group, while the youths hone their skills & abilities by emulating their experienced peers. Respect & admiration abounds between these two groups, and the inter-play between these two groups have been nothing short of amazing.

In a world where a "generation gap" is often always associated with negative overtones, these jams have proven the universal principle that music, and the love of it...can indeed bridge that gap!