FRIDAY 10.8

Hey y’all - it’s been a minute. Sorry to be MIA - most of the time that just means I’m working away on music. I’m excited to announce my new single 15 Miles will be released this Friday, October 8th! You’ll be able to stream or download this song on any major platform (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, etc etc).

This song was produced by myself and my dear friend John Horne (Electric Lady Studios, Spotify), mixed by Erin Tonkon (Tony Visconti, David Bowie) and mastered by Mike Tucci (Living Colour, Young Thug).

Below you can find the full personnel list:

Rolfe - Vocals, Electric Guitar

Mark Stallings - Hammond B3

Tatsuya Sakurai - Electric Guitar

Bruce Kaphan - Pedal Steel, Lap Steel

Carey Sims - Background Vocals

Yoshiki Yamada - Bass

Donnie Marshall - Drums, Percussion

Special thanks to Patrick Ulrich, Curtis Tutt, Veronica Falborn - and all of you who made this project possible.

I’m so excited to share 15 Miles with you. It’s a special one.

See you Friday,

- R

IT'S HERE!

My new single Slipping Away is now available anywhere music is streamed or sold. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing and recording it. You can find my new song on Spotify, Apple Music, Apple Music, Deezer, etc etc. Since I have no public social media I need your help to promote it - if you like it, please share!

2021 is off to a hell of a start - all I can think to do is keep creating.

In Gratitude,

Rolfe

SLIPPING AWAY on Spotify

SLIPPING AWAY on Apple Music

SLIPPING AWAY on Amazon Music

SLIPPING AWAY on YouTube

Me & Mr. Clapton

The people we idolize when we are young can have such a lasting impact on our lives. Sometime in junior high school I discovered the music of Eric Clapton. This was a pivotal moment in my journey. Clapton was one of the first players I came across that used his guitar as an extension of his voice. I was obsessed with my new found guitar hero, and spent most of my teenage years studying every nuance of his playing and legacy. I've even owned two of his signature Stratocasters.

I quickly identified with Clapton’s persona. He seems a bit introverted and shy, and really lets his music do the talking. His stage shows typically have a pretty simple set up - not a lot of flash, and he is always diplomatic when it comes to sharing the stage. This is something I’ve always tried to embody as a performer. Surrounding yourself with excellent musicians and allowing them space to shine is one the greatest thrills of being on stage.

One of the first Clapton records I got my hands on was a live CD/DVD recording called One More Car, One More Rider. I probably watched that thing hundreds of times. Many members of his live band are some of my favorite players today - Nathan East, Steve Gadd, and Billy Preston - just to name a few. The first time I saw Clapton in concert I remember being overwhelmed to the point of tears.

Whether Clapton is your guitar hero or not, it’s hard to deny his impact on blues and rock music. I think his larger legacy is keeping blues music alive. Clapton has put the spotlight on so many blues artists that may have fallen by the wayside in their later years - B.B. King, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy , JJ Cale - the list goes on and on. He also paved the way for so many younger players from Richie Sambora to John Mayer. Clapton is largely responsible for introducing Bob Marley's music to American audiences as well. 

I imagine our childhood heroes are much like our first boyfriends or girlfriends. Even though we go on to experience other things, they always hold a special place in our hearts. I still find inspiration in Eric’s records today. I saw recently he will be playing two dates this fall at Madison Square Garden. I’ll probably grab a ticket -  it will most likely be my last chance to see my hero.