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Throughout ones lifetime, there are moments when a man experiences a few seconds, or sometimes minutes, that make his life, his whole existence, seem worthwhile. These are times when a man can look around himself, slow time, and just revel in what surrounds him. These are times when life seems less entropic, more logical, and even tame. These are the moments when a smile simply appears on a man's face with no catalyst. He doesn't worry, he doesn't laugh, he doesn't plan, he just soaks it all in, eyes closed, mind calm. One doesn't get many of these events in such a short lifetime, twenty maybe thirty, as best we can measure, so they are to be cherished and remembered. The Sons and Brothers Band has the ability to bestow upon us these “events” every time we see them play. They possess something that allows them to touch a grown man's soul; to affect him down deep where he keeps his fondness for a good horse, his best boots, and that beat up old truck. We are unable to locate exactly what it is about this music or these musicians that so moves us, but that's okay, we don't need to know. What we do know is that the Wolkings create magic. It's not just finely produced notes, it's not just an exciting stage show; it is something entirely different. It is something you can't understand unless you've experienced it. My wife and I have been blessed by God with our discovery of this family. Further, our friendship with each Wolking is more valuable to us than even we can believe. Our beautiful friendship aside, the Wolkings don't just play music, they create memories. This family has something special that moves us. We have no idea what that something is, but like we said earlier, we don't need to know, we'll just keep listening. Scott & Megan Yarberry ______________________________________________________________________________________________
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| "It was Tuesday night at the IBMA's World of Bluegrass week in Louisville, and time for the latenight hospitality suite showcases. I was in the Western States Bluegrass Alliance suite because two of my favorite bands were playing - at 11 PM and midnight. In between, a band called "Sons and Brothers was scheduled to play at 11:30.
While I'm typically up on music and artists , Sons and Brothers had slipped below the radar; I had never heard of them. Well, this is one of the neat things about IBMA week: the opportunity to hear an unfamiliar artist. So come 11:30, I figured I'd sit back, relax, and see what these guys were about. Did I say "relax?" Sons and Brothers kicked off their set, and I instantly perked right up. I guess they figured they had 25 minutes to make an impression on the audience, and they weren't going to waste a second. There they were: Mike on one end, switching nearly every song among Dobro, banjo, and guitar; 16-year-old Joe on the other end, playing fiddle and mandolin like he had been born with them in his hands; Aaron thumping that bass and singing lead with everything he had; and Daddy Frank playing bluegrass guitar with a rock and roll heart. And those 3-part harmonies! Goodness! They poured every ounce of heart, soul, and talent into each song. It was an acoustic performance, but the air was full of electricity! Sons and Brothers gave me one of those rare musical memories I'll always cherish - the incredible experience of seeing a band (with no expectations) and being totally blown away. It's something I'll never forget. I left the suite that night having seen 3 of my favorite bands." Tim Walsh
Below is a review of Sons and Brothers' latest album "Captured Alive" that was published in the September 2004 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited. From Colorado comes this father and brothers quartet with a performance recorded live at Horn Creek Ranch, which is evidently near their home base of Westcliffe, Colo. "Sons and Brothers" consists of Dad Frank Wolking (mandolin, guitar, and vocals) and sons Mike (resonator guitar, banjo, guitar, and vocals), Joe (mandolin and fiddle), and Aaron Wolking (bass and vocals). The band's easygoing style and onstage demeanor reflects an obvious Dry Branch Fire Squad influence. In fact, Ron Thomason wrote the liner notes, introduces the band on stage, and later makes a guest appearance with the gang. The selections are derived from diverse sources ranging from Bill Monroe ("Blue Moon of Kentucky") to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards ("Wild Horses"), John Denver and Emmylou Harris ("Wild Montana Skies"), and Jim Lauderdale ("Zaccheus"). In between is plenty of good-natured on-stage banter between band members especially when Ron Thomason in on stage. "Captured Alive" is a thoroughly entertaining experience that leaves the audience with a hunger for more from the "Sons and Brothers" Les McIntyre Hey Aaron, You all played and sung some inspired music-punctuated by some great picking, nicely paced tunes, but most of all, some of the most powerful and passionate singing on the bluegrass planet. I especially enjoyed "Wild Montana Skies," "Zaccheus," "Dusty Minor," "Buckaroo Dream" and "It Is Well With My Soul." If you all are willing, I'd love to feature you in my upcoming "Band to Watch" column in Bluegrass Now magazine. You'd get a full page, a photo and contact information and hopefully some additional interest in the band as a result. For this to happen, I'll need to arrange a telephone interview sometime in the near future. Let me know when you all are going to be around and we'll get this done. Thanks again for the wonderful tunes! I'll be doing my best to get the word out here in Nashville and in our other syndicated locations. Dave Higgs
"You can't miss these guys! Their talent and energy will blow you away. Their harmony vocals and song selection will lift your spirits and touch your soul. Colorado is famous for it's great bluegrass bands and Sons and Brothers are amongst the newest rising stars. We're lucky to have them." Nina Schnipper |
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"There are few bands in any genre that can take a song and make it uniquely and splendidly their own as well as these four men from Westcliffe, Colorado. Frank Wolking, with his sons Mike, Aaron and Joe, have combined bluegrass, gospel, western, old time and a dash of country music to create a delicious concoction that satisfies their audience like cool water on parched lips. Every time I hear Sons and Brothers perform, their tight, soulful harmonies raise a few goose bumps on my arms. To paraphrase Frank, if these boys don't light your fire, then you're wood is all wet!" -- David Patton Coal Creek Bluegrass Band Promoter, Colorado Bluegrass Breakdown KCUV AM 1510 Denver ________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Dear Jim, Last Thursday and again Friday evening (December 11th and 12th 2003) in a small auditorium at Horn Creek Lodge some people of Custer County received one of the best gifts of the season. The “Sons and Brothers” along with another valley treasure, Ron Thomason, invited locals and friends to be a part of the live recording of their latest CD. The Wolkings music is crafted in the mind, molded in their hands, but always, delivered from the heart. To listen to “Sons and Brothers” harmonize and watch them smile is an experience I, for one, will always treasure. At this time of year we celebrate the gift of a SON from long ago. Val and Frank shared their sons with us in a very special way and remind us what the gift of “Family” truly is. The Wolkings have traveled many miles the last few years making music and honing their talents. Friday evening they came home and brought the house down. Frank…you and your family may travel thousands of miles and earn hundreds of dollars in the coming years, but we will never forget the gift you shared with us this Holiday Season. Thank you “Sons and Brothers”. Sincerely, Kit Shy The above letter was written to the editor of the Wet Mountain Tribune newspaper after the "Captured Alive" concerts. ________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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"Sons and Brothers out of Westcliffe, CO was the band name that drew us to this Gospel Grass festival. We were not ________________________________________________________________________________________
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| Hey Fellers!
I didn't want too much more time to sneak by before writing to thank you for the two great recordings (Room With A View and Hold Fast) which I have enjoyed the heck out of. You boys are into your music with lots passion for sure. At Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival last weekend Ron (Thomason) and I were missing you and sending good thoughts your way. Your fan, Skip Gorman "Many thanks for sending us a copy of your sparkling debut, "Hold Fast." I'm a good friend of Elaine Goldberg's and know if she's become your ally, then you all have got to be something special. She's absolutely right - you all have fire, passion and excitement in your singing that is simply captivating. I haven't heard this much feeling and emotion in songs in a long time. Plus, you've chosen some exquisite material to cover. I especially enjoyed "Texas Eagle" (it really rocks), "We Shall Meet" (absolutely gorgeous) and "Gone Away With A Friend." And, your cover of "By the Mark" is worth the price of admission by itself. You've got a stunning version of that tune." "Thanks again for the sublime music. I'll be doing my best to insure that it gets airplay here in Nashville and in our other syndicated outlets." Dave Higgs Bluegrass Breakdown, WPLN 90.3 FM ~430 AM Nashville Public Radio "I've been in the music business for forty-three years and on the best day I ever had I don't think I had as much fun as these guys do every time they pick up their instruments." Ron Thomason Dry Branch Fire Squad "We are delighted to have Sons and Brothers on this year's (2003) program. They made a guest appearance on our Acoustic Stage last year (2002) and were a big hit! The future of Bluegrass Music is bright indeed with talented young bands like this around! Ken Seaman, Bluegrass Patriots MidWinter Bluegrass Festival "You guys sure are doing a great job with your music and shows. We have heard lots of compliments on your live performances. Some of the other musicians around here are saying they wish they had just half of the energy you guys have on stage!" Ray & Ina Patterson "Sons and Brothers, Westcliffe's finest (and only) bluegrass band started as a Christian music band. Now, this talented family plays a range of music from gospel to Gram Parsons. They were heavily influenced by the Dry Branch Fire Squad, and that shows in their humor and Joe's mandolin cross-picking. On stage, they're professional and dynamic, with great instrumentals and three-part harmonies. Mike does everything "to perfection", including singing lead and harmony, playing guitar, Dobro, and "flogging" banjo. Aaron can switch from bass guitar to upright bass without missing a bit of his patter as M.C. And, father Frank shows where the boys get their talent, switching seamlessly between guitar and mandolin, watching his boys with understandable pride." Sandy Reay
Frank, We've enjoyed hearing Sons and Brothers play twice now. You guys carry so much energy up onto the stage - it becomes contagious. Karl and I have become big fans and look forward to hearing ya'll again soon. God bless, Kathy & Karl Musgrave Dear "Sons and Brothers" family' Thank you so much for traveling all the way to Protection, Kansas to perform for us. I loved your music and your energy and your material. Everything was most enjoyable. We don't get much live talent out this way, so we are always happy and feel blessed when such a special treat comes our way. I'm a Colorado native and remember well Westcliffe and the beautiful mountains. There's a big bluegrass deal in Winfield, Kansas in the fall that you guys would be great at. You probably know all about it. Anyway, from our home to yours, a sincere thank you and may God bless you all for sharing your gift of music with others. ( I'm enjoying your CD while I type this.) Blessings to you, Vicky Weber Ashland, Kansas
Dear Friends, Thank you is just not enough to tell you how much we all appreciated all of you on Saturday evening. You are indeed the hit of the Library Dinner! As you could tell no one wanted to go home. Thank you again for donating your wonderful talents-you are truly blessed and such a special family. May God continue to bless all of you Love, Dottie Hudson Dear Wolking Family, What a model you were for us-a family who plays and worships together! Your music is infectious, your spirit is uplifting, your dedication to our Lord and one another is obvious. Please give us any open dates you may have and we will again enjoy a great time together. God's blessings Pastor Charlene Nimmo Dear Val, Frank, Mike, Aaron and Joe (our favorite Custer County lawman), Have we told you lately how wonderful you all are? Thank you so much for treating us to perfect evening: delicious food, the best music in the world, and the immense pleasure of just getting to see and be around each of you. We feel as if we were the main beneficiaries of your kindness to Elsie. As my grandmother used to say," Bless you hearts." Love, Peggy Beasley P.S. We think your new C.D. is incredibly good. Congratulations to all five of you! Putting " I Will Sing " at the end--along with what you wrote in the liner notes, Frank--was a stroke of genius. I love it (and the whole thing). Dear Frank, Val, Mike, Aaron and Joe, I wanted to express my appreciation to all of you for your ministry to us at our recent retreat. Your music was powerful, your passion was obvious, and your testimony sincere. It was an incredible start to our weekend and was often referred to as we discussed our goals. ( "Orphan Train" was especially moving in that regard!) The CD's were an added bonus --thanks so much for that as well. ( Any chance we can get a recording of "Amazing Grace"/"Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone"? WOW!) In Christ, Larry Weaver P.S. To the " boys", All of you had remarkable stage presence, poise, and professionalism. The humor was especially well done! May each of you continue to grow in your intimacy with Him. Dear Sons and Brothers, We heard you play at Wet Mountain Western Days last summer and bought one CD. Now I need five more as gifts! You say they are $15.00. So I need $75.00 of CD's plus $5.00 s+h. We moved here from Virginia, and we played the CD while we were looking for a home. Do you think that is why we bought "a little log cabin by the side of the road"? Please send the CD's!
Joanne Canda Dear Friends, I just wanted to drop you guys a line and tell you how much I enjoyed the time we could spend visiting at the Westcliffe Cowboy Gathering (Wet Mountain Western Days). You really know how to make an old Texas boy feel at home. I appreciate your kind words about my writing. And I appreciate the hard work that you all put in on getting the sound system working properly. I'm not trying to snow you when I tell you that the sound at Westcliffe was as good as I've heard the past year (several others performers have said the same thing). And I know that takes a lot of hard work. So, your volunteer efforts were really invaluable and much appreciated. I also want to tell you how good your set sounded on Sunday morning in the big tent. Ya'll have a wonderful gift and talent. Of course, I'm not prejudiced, or anything.....my mother's favorite song was "Sweet Hour of Prayer", and she would have loved hearing your version. Matter of fact, she probably did. Well this is what I like about cowboy gatherings. I go off to Colorado to play my music and try to make a buck, or two, and end up making a bunch of new friends. In the long run, that's far more valuable than money. Take care of yourselves, and let me hear from you whenever you have the time. And, Joseph, you are going to mess around and make a real hand on that mandolin, in spite of what your brothers say. Buenos Suerte, Jim Wilson
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