Volker Strifler Band

Artist Information

Biography

The Volker Strifler Band is a sizzling package of roots and Americana mixed with a little rock, jazz and a taste of the Delta just to let everyone know it's still the Blues.

Moving from languorous jazz and roots, to white hot blues/rock to a funky calypso beat, Strifler connects his disparate influences into a seamless whole showing that blues is a feeling more than a style. Having shared the stage with such luminaries as Robben Ford, Lowell Fulson, Chris Cain, Elvin Bishop, and BB King, Volker Strifler has become a talent one cannot ignore.

However it is his songwriting that truly stands out from the crowd, lending a caring sensitivity that erases lines and builds bridges between people by recognizing that life is the ultimate shared experience. "Volker is a wonderful songwriter in the blues genre, which is an important contribution in keeping the Blues vital." Robben Ford.

He has a compelling soulful voice that is confident but not brash putting life in perspective offering frank discourse and humor dealing with the tribulations that periodically come our way. Strifler aptly proves that music is a refuge where optimism and human resiliency reign, souls are cleansed and spirits raised.

“The Dance Goes On”, released in late 2006 on Blue Rock’It Records, is being distributed world-wide by Blind Pig Records.
Strifler has also lent his talents to the Ford Blues Bands releases of ‘Tribute To Paul Butterfield’ ‘In Memory Of Michael Bloomfield’ ‘Another Fine Day’ and ‘1999’ as well as currently fronting the band, touring Europe and the US.

Instrumentation

The increasingly popular Sonoma County Band is the recipient of the 2007 North Bay Area Music Awards for Blues, and in 2008 won the Monterey Bay Blues Festival competition and returned from Memphis to well received accolades at the Blues Foundations International Blues Challenge as well as being selected for the pre nom round of the Grammy’s in 7 categories.

Volker Strifler - Guitar & Vocal; Don Bassey - Bass & Vocal; Gary Silva - Drums; Roland Condon - Keys; Carl Bowers - Trombone; David Schrader - Saxophone;
Europe: Claus Bubik - Bass; Stefan Bollack - Drums



Volker Strifler; songwriter, vocalist, guitar player, producer:

Volker was born in Heidelberg Germany and started playing guitar at the age of 17. As all young German musicians did at the time, he performed in local Bands primarily in American Army and Air force Clubs all over Germany as well as local venues. Meeting an American Blues Singer by the name of Lee Reed, who introduced him to the Blues, was to be a life-changing event.

He voraciously dove into record stores, discovering the hard to find music that moved him the most. He spent the next years learning and listening to everyone from Howling Wolf, T-Bone Walker to BB King, Eric Clapton and Peter Green. He moved to the United States while in his early twenties wanting to get closer to the blues roots and to learn from the multitude of talented blues performers that could be found from coast to coast. His musical explorations included jazz players and blues artists alike, both styles greatly influencing his own playing. Over the next years, while playing in local San Francisco Bay Area bands, he developed a unique style blending his musical experiences into the consummate guitar player he is today.

In 1995 Patrick Ford, founder of Blue Rock’It Records and leader of the Ford Blues Band, asked Volker to join the band. Volker took a position once held by Robben Ford, Garth Webber, and Scotty Johnson. He toured with the band to Europe and the US, performing at some of the larger European blues festivals including the Notodden Festival in Norway, The Ecaussine Blues Festival in Belgium, as well the San Francisco and Santa Cruz Blues Festivals in the United States. He has since become the lead personality helping to shape the Ford Blues Band sound and music.

Volker was asked to tour with Robben Ford, one of his most respected contemporaries, through the US. Once more Volker took the chance to prove himself and garnered praise from audiences and reviewers as well as Robben - “Volker is a wonderful songwriter in the blues genre, which is an important to keeping the blues vital."

Always true to his blues roots, Volker is not merely satisfied with interpreting and copying his idols. To him, reaching out and finding new interpretations of this vital music is as important as respecting long standing traditions.

Having shared the stage with such luminaries as Robben Ford, Lowell Fulson, Chris Cain, Elvin Bishop, and BB King, Volker Strifler has become a talent one cannot ignore. However it is his songwriting that truly stands out from the crowd, lending a caring sensitivity that erases lines and connects his audience by recognizing that life is the ultimate shared experience, one that is defined by both joy and sorrow and an acute social awareness. “If you have not seen the Volker Strifler Band, do it. I saw them at the IBC (International Blues Challenge) this year and they are one of the most impressive groups I have ever seen. Excellent musicianship, strong players individually and stronger as a unit. This is a don't miss within 100 miles show.” Ricky Stevens, Board Member, Blues Foundation

In 1996 Volker recorded his first solo release titled ‘Full Moon’ and in 2002 released his eponymous 1st release on Blue Rock’It records to great reviews. It is compiled of mostly originals and showcases his talents as a player, singer, songwriter. The release of his third solo CD ‘The Dance Goes On’ shows just how gifted Strifler is as a guitar player, singer, songwriter and producer. As proof, the CD was added to play lists in numerous radio markets throughout the United States and abroad, including the legendary WWOZ in New Orleans, San Francisco’s KPFA, Santa Cruz’s KPIG and many more. “One of my favorite releases of the year, it’s as impressive lyrically as it is musically. That he’s a killer guitarist with a superb voice adds to the overall appeal…” Mark Gallo of Blues Bytes

Gary Silva, Drummer:

Gary Silva’s move to Marin County from the Salinas Valley during the SF Bay Area’s fertile musical 60’s helped him build a résumé that reads like the Who’s Who of Rhythm and Blues, having backed up greats like Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins and Big Joe Turner just to name a few. His humility, eagerness, and particularly his "Shuffle" caught the eyes and ears of Muddy Waters' guitarist Luther Tucker. The two became roommates, band mates, and very close friends. After several years with Tucker, keyboardist Mark Naftalin (Paul Butterfield) recruited Gary as "House Drummer" for his award winning live radio broadcasts and his weekly Blues shows. This band won two Bay Area Music Awards and Billboard Magazines "Best Live Radio Broadcast" award before Silva joined ranks with Elvin Bishop recording two critically acclaimed records on the Alligator label and touring Japan, Europe and North America where he also performed with Bonnie Raitt and George Thorogood.
Silva's versatility is vast having also had a stint with the New Riders of the Purple Sage and still lending his skills to harmonica virtuoso Norton Buffalo, he's played it all! Blues, Rock-n-Roll, Jazz/Fusion and Country. Silva has been a Grammy nominee for his work with Ron Thompson & the Resistors and has received three Bay Area Music Awards. He has been highly respected in the International Blues Community for over 35 years, while providing the back-beat to legends of Blues and Rock n Roll.

Don Bassey, Bass and Vocals:

Don Bassey, a Kalamazoo native planted squarely between Mo-town and Chi-town, brought his rich musical heritage with him when he moved to the SF Bay area. Don started playing bass at age fifteen back in his native Michigan, and he’s been singing as long as he can remember. He spent the late Sixties and early Seventies touring in the Midwest with the rock band Touchstone and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1972. In 2003 Volker Strifler called Don to fill the bass slot and team with award-winning drummer Gary Silva filling out the rhythm section. Over the years, Don has shared the stage and recorded with some of the Bay Area’s finest rock, blues and alternative musicians. He frequently works with producer/guitarist extraordinaire Kevin Russell, and multi-talented singer/songwriters Jessie Turner and Ira Marlowe. Along the way Don has also logged time with such greats as the Detroit Disciples, Chris Cain, Daniel Castro, Ron Thompson, Steve Gornall, Bobby Walker and Guy Arrostuto.

(Chip) Roland Condon, organ, piano:

Keyboardist and master of the Hammond organ, “Chip” Roland Condon, an Athens, Georgia transplant, gained national prominence in the Southern Rock band, Cowboy signed by Capricorn Records in 1975. He later toured with Cajun fiddler, Doug Kershaw and finally settled in the Bay Area where he achieved recognition in bands such as the Faraway Brothers and Zero. Learning music in 1960’s Athens, Chip brought his southern rock, funk, Cajun and cowboy soul to the Northern California music frontier in 1990. Aside from playing live music he lends his talents as a session player in many SF Bay Area studios. Roland's Hammond organ sound and soulful approach has been delighting devoted fans for many years.

David Schrader, Saxophone:

David Schrader is a classically trained saxophonist who founded the San Francisco Saxophone Quartet (a long-standing Bay Area musical icon) and performs regularly with the San Francisco Symphony. David has been playing music professionally for over 35 years starting in high school where his talent playing in a popular funk band paid for his classical saxophone training at the University of Arizona (Tucson). With his classical training complete he went on to study jazz with Joe Henderson, played with trumpeter Eddie Henderson and Ed Kelly's Big Band, as well as the Temptations and Janiva Magness, just to name a few. David was also a "street musician" in San Francisco for many years writing and playing his original works which was filmed as a documentary and shown by PBS.

Carl J. Bowers, Tenor Trombone:

Carl Bowers is another formally trained musician who studied with Melvin Frame, plays just about every instrument imaginable and continues to hone his skills in a number of other bands as well. Carl performed the works of classical composers on piano, flute and guitar before taking an interest in jazz trombone and the electric bass in 1973. Studying with Melvin Frame until 1981, Carl had become a sought after trombonist for both classical and jazz work and received regular calls from the Musicians Union anytime an accomplished Trombonist was needed. It was duriang this time that he honed his reading skills as it was quite common to "get the call" just hours before a performance. His excellent musicianship and talent afforded him the opportunity to work with greats like David Baker, Louis Mandrell, and many more.

Discography

Volker Strifler Band:
2006 - The Dance Goes On, Blue Rock'it Records
2002 - The Volker Strifler Band Blue Rock'it Records
1996 - Fullmoon Brown Dog Records

Volker Strifler With Others:
*Robben Ford & The Ford Blues Band: Tribute to Michael Bloomfield; *The Ford Blues Band: 1999; Big Mo: Torn; *Blue Rock'it Blues Review: From The Studio; *The Ford Blues Band: Another Fine Day;
*Robben Ford & The Ford Blues Band: Tribute to Paul Butterfield; 1999

Official Website

http://http:/www.volkerstrifler.com

Links

• Volker Strifler Band Official Website
• Volker Strifler Band On Myspace
• Two Rock Guitar Amplifiers
• Blue Rock'it Records

Audio

• Soul Salvation - Rock
  Listen  
• Acoustic VSB Its Getting Late - Americana
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• Redemption - Americana
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• Evil - Blues
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• You Don't Love Me Anymore- Roots - Rough demo
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• Constantine - Instrumental
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• Do What You Set Out to Do - Blues
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• Acoustic VSB West Virginia Boy - Roots
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• Somebody Help Me
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• On A Day Like Today
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• The Dance Goes On
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• Acoustic VSB In Your Arms - Americana- demo
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• Mean Town Blues- Blues/Rock
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• He Don't Rock & Roll No More
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• Every Time I See Your Hand in Mine - Jump Blues
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Redemption
• West Virginia Boy

Video

The Dance Goes On

Photo Gallery

Press

• AllMusic.com 2007 [+ Show ]
  

  JAN.07 all music website The Ford Blues Band guitarist steps center-stage for his second solo albu...JAN.07 all music website
  The Ford Blues Band guitarist steps center-stage for his second solo album and the impressive results show he should consider leading his own band full-time. Since The Dance Goes On was recorded in Germany and California with musicians from both locales, Volker Strifler connects his disparate influences into a seamless whole. His hollow body solos are as impressive as you'd expect, but it's his voice that is the real revelation here. He sings in a confident but not brash style that perfectly suits the horn-infused blues, R&B, surf and soul that dominate this release. Although the project is blues based, it is not like the straight-ahead Chicago blues favored by his other band. There are only two covers and they are both from the Willie Dixon-by-way-of-Howlin' Wolf songbook; an acoustic "Evil" -- the album's only entirely unplugged tune -- and a lowdown version of "Spoonful." They are placed next to each other in the mid-section of the disc as sort of a detour to the more soul influenced bulk of this material. Tunes such as the horn driven "Somebody Help Me" and "Downtown Living" are Memphis-styled R&B with chunky backbeats and Strifler's husky vocals bringing the emotion. "On a Day Like Today" and "Angel" are the album's primary singer/songwriter tunes. They effortlessly shift from acoustic to electric then back again, showing Strifler's talents also extend to arrangements and writing quality melodies. Although most tracks feature solos, the songs are not built around them and could stand on their own without Strifler's tasteful leads. Two instrumentals, "Constantine" and "Shuffelupagus" let the guitarist stretch his chops. The former finds him in reverbed spaghetti western territory while the latter is an album-closing jazzy shuffle with a slight Wes Montgomery feel. It wraps up a tremendously satisfying, eclectic and often surprising collection which shows that the quadruple-threat artist (guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and producer) might eclipse the Ford Blues Band in popularity if he chooses to make this side project a permanent gig.
  

• Blues Review Magazine 2007 [+ Show ]
  

  THE DANCE GOES ON Blue Rock’It 142 The Dance Goes On, The latest release by Germany’s Volker Strif...THE DANCE GOES ON
  Blue Rock’It 142
  The Dance Goes On, The latest release by Germany’s Volker Strifler Band, is a sonically refined evocation of American vernacular music. Strifler penned every track except Willie Dixon’s “Evil, and “ Spoonful,” and listening to those two frequently covered tunes, is a good way o get a feel for Strifler and company’s considerable capabilities. The arrangement of “Spoonful” takes advantage of Strifler’s Robbert Cray-like Slide work, single string licks and soulfully expressive high tenor voice., which he employs eerie minor key harmony with his guitar.
  The counterpoint of Roland “Chip” Condon’s piano and carl Bower’s Trombone give the song an interpretation rarely received from either American or British Blues-Rockers.
  
  The Rockabilly inflected “Wake Up” brings the horns out frnt while highlighting Strifler’s excellent guitar. The other tunes are complexly arranged, and their texture set the disc apart from the work of other musicians who lack vision. Strifler’s approach suggests that of master interpreters like John Mayall’s and greta Chicago Blues players of the ‘60s such as Nick Gravenites, Corky Siegel, and Barry Goldberg. Like Mayall’s best work, the tunes harbor a hint of darkness and boast an arresting musical intricacy.
  
  The group is confident enough to explore a wide variety of styles: “Sometimes I Wonder” sounds like Memphis horn arrangement of a Mid’50s R&B ballad, while the instrumental “Shuffeluppagus” turns to classic jump Blueswith horns and Hammond organ front and center. As on the other Strifler penned tunes here, maturity and polish make the song as if it’s been around for years.
  Here’s hoping the band maintains its personnel to make music at this rarefied level.
  
  MICHAEL CALA
  
  BLUES REVIEW MAGAZINE 2007
  

• Comments By Other Artists [+ Show ]
  

  Robben Ford: Volker Strifler is a beautiful guitarist and a powerful singer. He is also a wonderf...Robben Ford:
  Volker Strifler is a beautiful guitarist and a powerful singer.
  He is also a wonderful songwriter in the blues genre, which is an
  important contribution in keeping the blues vital. I'm sure after
  you hear this recording you will be a Volker Strifler fan. I know I am."
  
  -Lowell Fulson:
  "Man, that guy can really play his box."
  
  Chris Cain:
  "Volker is the real deal. I love this guy."
  

• Volker Strifler Review Aug. 2007 [+ Show ]
  

  Volker Strifler is one of Northern California's premier blues talents. He's played with Robben Ford...Volker Strifler is one of Northern California's premier blues talents. He's played with Robben Ford as well as fronted his own band, and is an outstanding guitarist and writer. The Blue Rock'it label has released "The Dance Goes On," which solidifies Volker's reputation in contemporary blues.
  With this set, Volker also combines his German bandmates with their stateside counterparts. The result is a sizzling package of blues that's mixed with a little rock, jazz, and soul, with a taste of the Delta just to let everyone know it's still the blues! Eleven of the cuts are originals, another feather in Volker's hat. The horn section punches up the leadoff title cut and the outstanding "Soul Salvation," giving them a STAX-like vibe. "Constantine" is an excellent instrumental that has some jazzy, flamenco-styled overtones, while "Sometimes I Wonder" digs deeply into solid slow-blues territory.
  We had two favorites, too. A rockabilly-fired "Wake Up" has some blasting guitar backed by Chip Roland's mean left-hand boogie on the piano. And, one of only two covers on the set, "Evil," is quite different from Howlin Wolf's version, as it is only Volker and his National Steel. It's raw and haunting, and conjures up that fabled crossroads as soon as you hear it.
  Volker Strifler may not be northern California's best-kept secret for much longer. Give a listen to "The Dance Goes On" and see for yourself!! Until next time.....Sheryl and Don Crow.
  

• Two Rock Amplification [+ Show ]
  

  Volker Strifler remains one of northern California’s most exciting and talented guitar players. His ...Volker Strifler remains one of northern California’s most exciting and talented guitar players. His first CD, Volker Strifler Band, drew praise and critical acclaim from both blues musicians and blues publications alike. On this CD, Volker takes his musicianship and song-writing skills to another level. 'The Dance Goes On' shows Volker’s deep understanding of the blues traditions. If you are a Volker Strifler fan, you will not be disappointed. For Volker, the long-awaited CD is a personal achievement because it combines his bands from Germany and the United States. Truly, this CD is a “global” one, one that shows Volker is well on his way to greatness.
  “This CD is the realization of a dream I have had for a long time: to bring together the musicians I work with on two continents. I am grateful to all of them for sharing their talents and friendship with me to make this project happen. Special thanks go out to Patrick Ford, the staff at Prairie Sun, K&M Analog Design, Harry Cale at Route 44 Studios, Andrew, Brent, and John at Georgetown Masters, and…to everyone who supports live music everywhere.” —- Volker Strifler Two Rock Amplifiers
  

• Mark E. Gallo May 2007 [+ Show ]
  

  The Volker Strifler Band’s The Dance Goes On (Blue Rock’It) should appeal to a large American audien...The Volker Strifler Band’s The Dance Goes On (Blue Rock’It) should appeal to a large American audience. Though the German guitarist and vocalist is highly regarded in his homeland, it’s his connection to the Ford Brothers’ Butterfield/Bloomfield Project that is helping to spread his name far and wide.
  One of my favorite releases of the year, it’s as impressive lyrically as it is musically. Check out “Somebody Help Me” --- “People pushing shoving me around and the taxman is a major pain/pencil pushing geeks like slimy little maggots eat their way from my wallet to my brain.” This is a major cat.
  Outside of a pair of Willie Dixons, the songs are all his and all impressive. That he’s a killer guitarist with a superb voice adds to the overall appeal of this gem of a disc. Recorded in Germany and the US, this is the work of a master musician. www.volkerstrifler.com
  --- Mark E. Gallo Blues Bytes, May 2007
  

• Real Blues Magazine 2004 [+ Show ]
  

  Real Blues Magazine January 2004: Pat Ford of Blues Rock'It is totally flipped out over his discove...Real Blues Magazine January 2004:
  Pat Ford of Blues Rock'It is totally flipped out over his discovery and I must say that speaking from experience, Pat knows talent and potential when he hears it. And now that we've got an opportunity to finally hear Volker we can say yes, this is one heck of a debut and the talent level is at a place where few veteran blues artists ever reach. Volker is a stunningly unique and creative guitarist whose sense of melody transcends all genres and curiously I can easily imagine him being a big-time star in the 1970s thanks to more than a trace of retro blues rock (Mick Abrahams/Danny Kirwan) to go with lots of modern ace influence (Stevie Ray/Robben Ford) and more than a bit of jazz (Freddie Robinson/McLaughlin). But what sticks out more than any other influence is Texas guitar and one has to be totally impressed by "I Smell Trouble" and "Moving On." "I Smell Trouble" is done at a totally different tempo and arrangement and the slowing down of it actually adds to the fire and intensity. Thirteen tracks in total and eleven are original and the balance between jazz/rock/blues fusion and Texas-style heavy guitar is pretty well balanced with the opener, "Doggin' It" sounding like it's right out of the Chris Duarte songbook and track #2 "Never Like This Before" has a second line rumba-rhythm with dancing slide work and track #4, "In Your Arms" is similar in that respect. Volker's vocals are smooth and relaxed and better than most and he does well in the tunesmith department with songs such as "All Mighty Dollar." "JPB" is one of those super-cool Hammond organ/guitar workouts that no one ever gets tired of. A track that seems inappropriate at first glance is Hoyt Axton's "Never Been To Spain" but Volker turns in a stellar performance on guitar/vocals. Guest Tony Lufrano lays down excellent Hammond organ throughout and the combination of Volker's (on "JPB") picking and Tony's slick B-3 work make for a potent 1-2 punch that has to be heard to be appreciated. "Heard It On The News" is the cat's meow in cool jazz/blues fusion with great cymbal tapping work from Stefan Bullock, walking bass from Claus Bubik and Volker and Tony supplying truckloads of superb organ and guitar. "True Blue Thing" has a 1950s feel to it but with Volker doing an over-the-top Johnny Watson-like string-popping thing that's so nice I played it four times in a row. I don't know how old Volker Strifler is or where he's been, but I get the feeling he's been listening to all the right stuff and wood shedding a long, long time. This CD (Volker Strifler Band) is a real treat and very tasty debut for an artist who's got lots to share. And, as usual for Blue Rock'It, sound, production and performance are peerless. With the winning combination of talent, creativity and total listener enjoyment (it's too easy to be self-indulgent) we must award Volker's one-of-a-kind debut 5 big bottles and expect him to rise to the top on the West Coast circuit.
  A. Grigg
  

Setlist

The Volker Strifler Band's focus is original music. And then... at some point it takes over and who knows....

Basic Requirements

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