Fresh from a tour in Europe and despite a short stint of laryngitis, Wolf Mail doesn’t slow down, and he’s currently in the midst of an Australian tour. We had a chat to the Canadian blues legend on how Australia compares and what we can expect.
Hey Wolf Mail, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Hello, my pleasure. I’m currently in Sydney taking a few days off before heading out to Brisbane to start the Australian tour.
You just finished off a big tour in Europe too, how did it all go?
The tour was great. We started off in Lausanne, Switzerland, then Germany, France and Netherlands. Had a few days off and then headed out to Moscow, Russia, headlined the Belomor Boogie Festival on the border of Russia and Finland, and did out last gig in Yekaterinburg, Siberia. Got hit with a laryngitis along the way, which made me sound like Marlon Brando in the Godfather for a while, but got back on my feet pretty quick.
With your tour of Aus coming up it’s been two years since you were last here, how did you find your last experience?
I always enjoy playing in Australia, fans are really laid back and appreciative – particularly when we perform in remote places such as Tasmania or anywhere outside big cities.
The blues scene in Australia is certainly on the rise, how have you found it the few times you’ve visited? How does it compare to the blues scene in Canada?
I think there is a healthy “live” scene in Australia, the key is to how you are being promoted. Compared to North America, the word ‘blues’ in Australia seems to be stigmatised, almost a dirty word. Some of the most successful artists in North America such as Jack White or the Black Keys are blues bands at heart, they just brand themselves differently.
So we understand Leslie West, Steve Cropper, Pop A Chubby and yourself have just undertaken a new project together, are you able to enlighten our readers on what to expect?
I have actually just completed the project. It’s an Xmas Blues album. It was released last week in the US by L.A based label Cleopatra Records. It was a great opportunity and honour for me to be associated with such artists. It seems to be doing ok, I just got word that it was the #2 best selling traditional blues album on Amazon last week.
Your live CD/DVD Oseana Auditorium from your show in Norway is also out. Are you somehow who gets quite nostalgic for great shows you’ve performed at?
I’m always looking forward to the next gig, I have the tendency not to spend much time looking back. That being said, the Oseana Auditorium show was definitely something I will remember. The setting was so unique. I remember coming out of the auditorium around midnight and looking at this perpetual sunset, the outside of the building is made of rare black stone, each piece imported from the Himalayas mountains in Nepal. The entire 1000+ venue is powered by solar energy, it’s a very unique setting. Having the legendary Johnny Winter in attendance made this event even more memorable.
Are there any other shows you wished you’d captured in that manner?
There might be a few on the list, but if I had to choose one it would be the Oseana concert.
While we know you’ve been to Australia a few times, have you been to Geelong? Do you have any plans to check out the town while you’re down here?
Yes I have been to Geelong once, nice city. I have performed there with former Jimmy Barnes’ guitarist and blues legend Mal Eastick. Met some great people. I remember meeting local Jim Dyson (Jim Dyson guitars) backstage, and he had me try some very fine guitars of his.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, are there any last words of wisdom you’d like to tell our readers?
Not sure I’m the right person for words of wisdom but thanks to all the fans and press that help support the music scene. I think music is good for the soul; more music makes a better world. See you at the show.
When & Where: Pistol Pete’s, Geelong – November 27
