Volker Strifler Band

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
- Michael Cala

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
- Real Blues Magazine

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."
- Various

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.
- www.AllMusic.com

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.
- Music City Blues Society Aug. 2007

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
- 2007

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
- Mark Gallo Blues Byte