The Best Sandwich

This is a reflection I wrote a while back after a visit with my Mom in 2022. I am deeply grateful for those I have leaned on these past few years and for every moment I get with Mom. Thank you for reading.

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The Best Sandwich

A few years ago I was home visiting my Mom. I was aware a major shift was happening with her. Over the previous few months, she had experienced countless falls and several broken bones. Even though we were still a year or so away from an official Alzheimer’s diagnosis, her situation was rapidly deteriorating. Two months after this visit she would need to move into a nursing home.

In spite of everything that was going on with her, she offered to make me lunch. Not wanting to be a burden on her, I politely declined and told her I could make something for myself. I realized quickly this was a losing argument; I acquiesced. Mom was determined and I could see it was very important for her to make me lunch. I watched as she haphazardly shuffled into the kitchen, her unsteady hands taking a plate from the cabinet. 

When I sat down to eat, it hit me. This would be the last meal my Mom would ever make for me. Instinctively, I snapped a quick photo with my phone (notice the comically large amount of grapes). This was the curtain call for a scene that’s played out countless times since I was a boy. She sat with me while I ate. We chatted. We watched the birds out the window.

When I finished she asked, “How was it?”

“The best,” I replied.

2022

PUT ME DOWN

My new single, “Put Me Down” is out now! You can find it on any streaming platform or purchase it from iTunes or Bandcamp. This tune was inspired by the music of Muscle Shoals, Alabama and the steady hand of Charlie Watts (RIP). This track features a solo by my good friend and bass master - Yoshiki Yamada. Thanks for listening! Click here to listen!

ROLFE - VOCALS, ELECTRIC GUITAR
YOSHIKI YAMADA - BASS GUITAR
MARK STALLINGS - HAMMOND ORGAN
TATSUYA SAKURAI - ELECTRIC GUITAR
DONNIE MARSHALL - DRUMS, PERCUSSION
CAREY SIMS - BACKGROUND VOCALS
TIM GORDON - TENOR SAXOPHONE, BARITONE SAXOPHONE
KEITH JOHNSON - TROMBONE
BRAD WILCOX - TRUMPET

PRODUCED BY JOHN HORNE AND ROLFE
ENGINEERED BY DAVID RHYNE AT TRAFFIC SOUND STUDIOS
MIXED BY ERIN TONKON
MASTERED BY BRENT LAMBERT AT KITCHEN MASTERING

THRU THE NIGHT

My new single THRU THE NIGHT is out now! It is available on any streaming platform (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, etc).

I wrote this song during lockdown in NYC. I vividly remember the 24/7 sirens, makeshift morgues and perpetual chaos around every corner. George Floyd had been murdered in Minneapolis. Our leaders left us hanging. It was a sobering reminder how fragile our systems truly are. Now it’s 2023 and we are still living in the aftermath of the pandemic. All while dealing with constant propaganda, hate, daily mass shootings and the deterioration of our social fabric. It’s bleak.

In spite of all that is wrong in the world THRU THE NIGHT offers not just an indictment of the moment, but a prayer for peace. In the darkest moments I’m continually reminded of the human capacity for compassion and kindness.

TRACK PERSONNEL

I co-produced this song with my friend John Horne (Electric Lady Studios, Berklee). It started when I was noodling on my guitar one day and came up with the main riff - John heard it and made me record it immediately. The rest of the song wrote itself. I’ve updated a few of the lyrics as time has passed but otherwise it remains in its original form. John’s vast knowledge and creative spirit continue to inspire and challenge me to explore new musical territory.

Erin Tonkon (David Bowie, Toni Visconti) mixed this song. I was very happy to collaborate with her again as we were able to land on a mix that really brings the song to life.

I recorded the guitars and vocals at Traffic Sound Studios during a visit to North Carolina. Thanks to my dear friend David Rhyne for engineering those sessions (and for letting me play that 1952 Telecaster!).

Y’all know one of my songs wouldn’t be complete without Carey Sims on backup vocals. I can’t thank Carey enough for his continued guidance and friendship.

Dustin Hofsess plays bass on this track. I’m always thrilled to work with Dustin as he’s a brilliant player and lovely person. Dustin played guitar on one of the very first tracks I ever released (Interstates). Always happy to collaborate with hometown heroes.

Spencer Bone provided the spoken word intro to THRU THE NIGHT. The moment I heard Spencer’s voice I knew I had to get him recorded. On a whim with my field recorder, he obliged to contribute. Thank you Spence.

Grammy nominated Mike Tucci mastered the track in LA. I’ve worked with Mike for several of my past releases and he always delivers and makes the process seamless. I’m sure this won’t be our last work together.

The amazing Irie Wata provided art for this project all the way from The Netherlands. I’ve been a fan of hers for quite a while and was thrilled when she signed on to collaborate. She really captured the disorienting vibe I was looking for.

LYRICS

Missisippi’s risin’ California’s burnin

Manhattan’s out at sea

1600 Pennsylvania spreadin’ disinformation

People dyin’ in the streets

Grab your things let’s leave tonight

We can make it before the sunrise

I don’t know what comes next

I just wanna stay alive

It’s gonna rain down thunder and lighting

Hellfire from the sky

Pale horse out my window

You better pray - we make it thru the night.

Police firin’ mamas cryin

Television tellin’ lies

Third world war knockin’ at my door

Fourth reich on the rise

Lockdown livin’ ain’t forgivin

We got more than one disease

Say goodbye to all you know

God save the refugee

There’s nowhere to run

There’s nowhere to hide

Give me one more kiss

For the other side

GUITAR SOLO

CHORUS (2x)

LISTENING LINKS:

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

TIDAL

DEEZER

AMAZON MUSIC

BANDCAMP

Lastly, but most importantly - thank you for all the support you’ve shown me. I hope you like this new song as much as I enjoyed creating it. Would love to hear what you think of it!

-xo, Rolfe