Little Rebellion Music

Todd Woolsey – Todd Woolsey

For many instrumental albums, it is their lot in life to end up as background music somewhere. Canadian-born, Nashville-based guitarist Todd Woolsey had other plans for his disc. He set out to create an instrumental album that was not just for guitar players to enjoy; one that would grab your attention. He succeeded.

First earning his stripes in blues-rock bands, Woolsey soon learned that playing the Western Canadian club circuit was going to require mastering country music. It was this format which would lead to success when, after a move to Nashville, he joined Tracy Lawrence‘s band. Following on from there, Woolsey also accompanied Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Trick Pony, Tanya Tucker, and more.

On the album, Woolsey is backed by a trio of excellent players: Wes Little (Drums), Steve Peffer (B3,Wurlitzer,Keys), and Roy Vogt (Bass). The entire quartet creates enough variety to keep this record interesting right from the start with the blues-rock of ‘Jones Patrol’ to the final note of the sweeping closer ‘Above the Clouds.’

All of Woolsey’s musical influences are drawn on, resulting in the country-tinged ‘Retrospective,’ the jazzy ‘Moving Sidewalk,’ and the all-out rock of ‘Spank.’ A quieter side is heard in the mellifluous melodies found in ‘Song for Kyle,’ the floaty ‘Drive,’ and rock ballad ‘Rite of Passage.’

The format being a major influence for Woolsey, the blues is heavily represented here, especially on ‘Tip of the Hat’ and the playful shifting of the gears on ‘3 for the Price of 1.’ Two further stand-outs are the lighthearted, feel-good ‘Slinky,’ and the creative ‘Industrial Revolution.’

If you are looking for a musical accompaniment to your next dinner party, this isn’t it. Just you try to focus on anything else when ‘Above the Clouds’ is playing!

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Liv Carter

Liv is a career coach for creatives, and the people who work with them.
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.

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