This is a new mix of an old song.  It was originally conceived as a guitar instrumental in the late 80's or early 90s by my friend Kevin White.  When he decided to re-record it 15 years ago he asked me to come up with a melody.  *Note* this is a revised post of a track previously uploaded in 2020.

As I Sit (and Time Goes By)

Darren DeWolfe, violins
Kevin White, all guitars and drum programming

This is a new mix of an old song originally recorded in 2004-2005. Kevin first came up with the arrangement, then I added the melody.  

This was the first time I used an effect other than delay, reverb and chorus with my violin.  The flanger was Kevin's idea, and while I was uncertain about it at the time, over the years I've grown to love manipulating tone!  Sometimes it's hard moving past what is traditional and familiar.

That String You Do (2022 mix)

Recorded with my brother Laine DeWolfe a few years back, this is 100% play-by-the-seat-of-your-pants improvisation--warts and all.  We decided on a key and a meter and we were off.  I have long wanted to add instrumentation and a guitarist friend did record some overdubs but a suitable jazzy drum track eludes us so far.

Voss Nova Improv

This is an instrumental version of "The Truth In Your Eyes", a song featured on my brother Laine DeWolfe's profile page (and shared on my page).  Musically the song is built around a violin melody played throughout which is distinct from the song's lyrical content.  On the vocal version you hear a violin obligato mostly in the background.  Here it is presented sans vocals.  Featuring friend Kevin White on guitar and brother Laine on keyboards.

Instrumental Truth

This 20 year-old improvised ditty was done with my brother Laine,  recorded live to cassette in a basement rec-room.  Using a canned Dixieland-style backing sequence from a Korg i3, we took turns making stuff up.  My brother had the advantage of more sounds at his disposal so the further along we went the more outrageous he got!  I'm playing acoustic violin on this one.  It was recorded with a spirit of fun and so shouldn't be taken too seriously!

Dixieland Spazz

One of my rare attempts to sing on my own recording, this song is about those feelings of nostalgia and bemusement you get when something(or someone) previously important to you re-presents itself after a long gap, and how you try to make sense of it from within your current situation while continuing to look toward the future. I posted an instrumental version of this some time ago, but only now do I feel ready to share this.

The 25 Year Gap

This is more "Blooze" than Blues if I'm honest, but a fun (and sober) way to spend a New Years Eve with my friend and collaborator Kevin White back in 1998.  Electric violin and lead guitar parts were improvised and recorded live to backing tracks conceived by Kevin.  Recorded and mixed to cassette on an old Fostex 4-track, which accounts for its sonic ambiance (or lack thereof).

Fostex Demos

New Years 12-Bar-hopping Booze Blues

The title for this instrumental was inspired by a line in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" Act I scene vii.  Macbeth wants to kill his king but is afraid he might fail.  His wife, the Lady Macbeth wants him to carry it out and tells him, "...screw your courage to the sticking-place and we'll not fail."  

While killing your monarch would be in poor taste in this day and age, when taken out of context, the idea of finding the courage to stick with something you're afraid of failing at is still valid.  

The title is also musically relevant:  it so happens "the sticking-place" literally refers to the strings of an instrument which are tightened and tuned by screwing the pegs to which they are fastened.  It is where you "stick" the peg when you have achieved your desired pitch.  

This title is not appreciated by everyone.  Some imagine other connotations and if you're one of those individuals, I'm ok with that.  

This recording is my most recent collaboration with my brother Laine DeWolfe (keyboards) and longtime friend (and brother from a different mother) Kevin White on guitars and bass.   Most of what I've posted on Soundcloud features one or both of them.  This recording marks the debut of my 5-string electric violin.

The Sticking - Place (an Instrumental jam)

This is an original song written by my longtime friend and collaborator Kevin White and performed by him with assistance from me and my brother. There have been many different recordings of it over the past 30+ years, and a few different mixes exist of this one in particular.  The version presented here is uploaded by permission and showcases ideas contributed by everyone who worked on it.  Kevin's official versions and other original compositions can be found on his SoundCloud page  

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/eEfoCqTDzcaEf5Zn6 

And his YouTube channel under "Kevin White - songwriter"

Kevin White (all guitars, lead and backing vocals, drum programming)
Laine DeWolfe (harmony vocals)
Darren DeWolfe (mandolin, acoustic violin)

Hearts Aren't For Breakin' (2019 Acoustic Collaboration Mix)

This is an instrumental version of a traditional Scandinavian Christmas carol that I was asked to contribute to in 2011.  It was used to accompany a choir of children during their Christmas recital.  My understanding is the lyrics printed in the picture are of an old Norwegian dialect.  I have never known their true meaning since Google doesn't seem to translate it reliably.  Even so, it is a beautiful melody.

Laine DeWolfe:  keyboard
Darren DeWolfe:  violin

Kaldt og myrkt

I play traditional classical violin in orchestras and other ensembles in my region, teaching private lessons on the side when not tending to my day job as a high school Music and English teacher.  Privately, I have long been interested in experimenting with musical styles outside of the "classical" vein, since "creating" music is often more gratifying than "re-creating" music.  Having spent my life listening to popular music styles in tandem with classical and not having learned to play a "traditional" pop/rock instrument like guitar or drums, I go with what I know.  Occasionally I even try singing.  Fortunately I have friends and family who are willing to collaborate from time-to-time.

Darren DeWolfe

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