Biography

-2012-

California-based International artist Volker Strifler stretches the blues envelope to all points of the compass...

Long time frontman for the Ford Blues Band and sideman to Robben Ford, Volker Strifler shows off his talents as a song writer, guitar player, singer and producer on his latest CD, LET THE MUSIC RISE. The music is heavily infused with Volker’s unique style of Blues roots, taking the listener to the outer limits of the genre while combining the traditional with more modern, diverse musical styles. The traditional instrumentation of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums are augmented by a horn section, mandolin riffs, tuba and “the sounds of pots and pans.” Attempting to slot him into a single genre is futile! Influenced by original blues icons like Robert Johnson and Houndog Taylor to Muddy Waters, Peter Green, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robben Ford;, Volker Strifler has forged a style of his own.

“Throughout my career, Blues music has been my foundation, but I draw from all the music I grew up listening to and whatever else passes by on a day to day basis.” The Great Escape with its spaghetti western guitar licks laid down on top of a rock blues foundation as well as the groove oriented African and Cuban rhythms of Redemption demonstrate Strifler’s understated approach to the genre that makes him such a revelation. However, Going to Brownsville, his adaptation of Sleepy John Estes’ 1929 song The Girl I Love Got Great Long Curly Hair, and Fleetwood Mac’s Jigsaw Puzzle Blues will certainly satisfy the most demanding of blues fans.

Volker Strifler is a stunningly unique and creative guitarist with an innate understanding of the language of music. His songwriting and arrangements skillfully communicate that Blues is feeling more than a style, while his compelling, soul-saturated voice conveys the stories in his songs with a sensitivity that connects his audience with the hardships, joys and sorrows of life’s shared experiences. With LET THE MUSIC RISE Strifler takes a risk with musical freedom that pushes his musicianship in an innovative direction; drawing from a broad palate of musical color to experiment with the Blues - keeping it fresh. “My goal is to give the listener a sense of hearing something they won’t hear anywhere else.”

“Volker Strifler is a beautiful singer and a powerful guitarist.” — Robben Ford

“Man that guy can really play his box!” — Lowell Fulson