Wolfe Brothers

The title of The Wolfe Bros.' second album for the Copper Creek label, "Old Roads - New Journeys," describes their approach to old-timey music. Along with their deep respect for tradition, they also find ways to be innovative and creative within the stylistic sideboards of the genre. They have various techniques for making the old-time music tradition a dynamic one that remains relevant in the 21st Century. On the traditional opener, "Diamond Joe," for example, Dale Morris wrote lyrics while Casey Hash added a melody for the verse. A couple tracks later, legendary Missouri fiddler Lonnie Robertson's "Clark Hill Waltz" is revitalized with Casey Hash's words which make it a beautiful love song. New verses are also added to "Gal in the Galax Jail" to give the song a local Virginia flavor. Tommy Magness' "Natural Bridge Blues" is given the same treatment to expand the original song's one verse to three and tell a more complete story.

Besides enhancing toe-tapping traditional numbers, The Wolfe Bros. also have original compositions. Morris' "New Gal" tells the story of a highlander making plans to saddle up and search for a new wife. Casey Hash collaborated with Garry Harrison to pen "Jedediah," to celebrate the life of the famous mountain man. The band also draws material from the likes of Alton Delmore, Jimmy Driftwood, and Isaac Watts.

Curiously, the Wolfe Brothers' have no one in their band named Wolfe. The band apparently first formed in the 1970s, but they have since resurrected the group about a dozen years ago. Founding members Jerry Correll (fiddle) and Dale Morris (banjo, guitar) are joined by Casey Hash (guitar, accordion) and Donna Correll (bass). Guest lead guitarist Mac Traynham joins the group on two tracks. Hailing from Grayson County, Virginia, the band released two albums before landing a contract with Copper Creek Records. Their first release on that label is called "2001-An Old Time Odyssey." While they hold down day jobs (post office clerk, corrections officer, librarian and administrator), they find time to play events like the Carter Fold Festival, Merlefest, and the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival.

All but Jerry Correll sing in the band. I especially like the duets sung by Dale and Casey on "Diamond Joe," and "Honey, I'm Ramblin' Away." Donna does a nice job with her a cappella rendering of "I'm Too Young to Marry, " and her appealing lead sings "On the Other Side of the Mountain."

Hardly looking to put old-time music in a museum, the Wolfe Bros. have an enchanting repertoire of arranged material that offers plenty to enthuse fans of this kind of music. While they play music primarily for fun, their approach is one that is contributing to keeping the music vibrant and vital. They do a nice job, and I'd like to hear more of their music. (Joe Ross)

WOLFE BROS. - Old Roads - New Journeys
Copper Creek CCCD-0223
Copper Creek Records, PO Box 3161, Roanoke, VA 24015, 1-888-438-2448
http://www.coppercreekrec.com OR www.geocities.com/wolfebrothers

Total Playing Time - 53:45