CHRIS VOLPE: Refugee Blues

Chris Volpe

Refugee Blues

© 2005 Chris Volpe (837101158831)

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Finger-pickin guitar/harmonica heaven, this album won Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter Album in the international 2006 Independent Music Awards.

tracks

1 Shoes
2 Wait 'til Tomorrow
3 1849 Revisited
4 The Bandwagon Farm
5 Where the Rubber Meets the Road
6 Your Little Toy
7 Lay Low
8 Fishing
9 The Good Life
10 The Refugee Blues
11 Ashtray Memories
12 Albuquerque
13 Jersey Sun
14 The Dark Horse
15 Magical

notes

I'm writing to tell you about my new record that was just finished this week (July 2008.) It is my first studio album with a live band, and being in Nashville, the players I met and worked with couldn't have been better. They are some of the most well-respected and experienced musicians in the world:

Jeff Coffin, 2-time Grammy winning jazz musician who has played sax and clarinet with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for the last 12 years...Bryn Davies, who's been playing with Patti Griffin, Uncle Earl, and Tony Rice, played upright bass and cello...Kenny Malone, the legendary percussionist who has recorded on countless albums with artists like Cat Stevens, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tim O'Brien, and Dolly Parton (he's known as "the yoda of Nashville")...and Donnie Herron, a founding member of BR549, and he's been on tour with Bob Dylan for the last 4 years, played pedal steel and fiddle...I played banjo, guitar, harmonica, and sang...It was produced by myself and Phil Harris, who won an engineering Grammy in 2006 for a Doc Watson record.

These folks nailed almost everything on the first take, so it's kind of like a "Refugee Blues" but with a really full and unique sound. I think of it as folk on steroids--or a combination of folk, jazz, and country. More importantly, what do you think?? Check out some sample recordings at www.myspace.com/chrisvolpe.

The record will be available for purchase in the fall and I will be on the road soon after to support it. Thanks to everyone that came to one of the East Coast/South shows this past spring, and West Coasters, I hope to get back out there in the near future. Hope to see you at Forecastle in Louisville, or in Bristol for the Rhythm and Roots Reunion in September.

All the best to you,
Chris Volpe

Please visit www.myspace.com/chrisvolpe for more information about Chris Volpe

*International Winner--2006 Album of the Year/Singer-Songwriter--
Independent Music Awards for "Refugee Blues"

*International Winner--2006 Singer/Songwriter Awards--
We Are Listening, London ("Shoes")

*International Best Folk Song Finalist--
2006 International John Lennon Songwriting Contest--
(Round I)"Where the Rubber Meets the Road" (Track 5)

*International Best Folk Song Finalist--
2006 International John Lennon Songwriting Contest--
(Round II)"Shoes"

*Billboard 14th Annual World Songwriting Contest-Honorable Mention Award-"Shoes"

*Billboard 14th Annual World Songwriting Contest-Honorable Mention Award-"Jersey Sun"

*International Finalist & Honorable Mention Award--
2006 International USA Songwriting Competition-"Shoes"

*International Best Folk Song Honorable Mention Award--
2006 International SongPrize.com winner-"Shoes"

*International Songwriting Competition 2006 Semi-Finalist--
"Albuquerque" (Instrumental)

*Winner of "Best Song Award"--the West Coast
Songwriting Association Contest(October 2004)-"Shoes"

*International Finalist-2007 Song of the Year Award--
"Shoes"

*International Honorable Mention Award-2007 Unisong 11th Annual Songwriting Contest--"The Bandwagon Farm"

*International Top Finalist-2007 Unisong 11th Annual Songwriting Contest-L.U.N.C.H./Local United Network to Combat Hunger--"Shoes"

[Chris Volpe is extremely honored and expresses sincere gratitude for being recognized by the aforementioned musical organizations]

Chris Volpe, winner of the 2006 Singer/Songwriter Awards, returned from his complimentary production trip to London to a series of nationwide licensing opportunities in the US. His debut album release, "Refugee Blues", was licensed to MTV for MTV Real World, MTV Real World Extreme and MTV Road Rules. He also scored by licensing all of his album's tracks for Bad Girls Club on Oxygen.

Folk/Americana artist,Chris Volpe, is a self-taught guitar virtuoso and skilled singer/songwriter. In addition to complex finger-picking styles akin to Leo Kottke and Nick Drake, Volpe's lyrics are nothing short of poetry. Witness an excerpt from "1849 Revisited": "For all along the river banks there lives/A residue collected in the weeds/It smells of tasteless regret: a faint glimpse/Of hearts that sold the life they own to lease". Volpe has also taught himself to play piano, banjo, bass and drums, among other instruments.

All 15 songs on the CD were recorded live in one take--a stellar recording feat--which only adds credence to Volpe's innate musical abilities. He won the studio time after winning "Best Song" at a West Coast Songwriter Assoc. contest.

Volpe is earning recognition for his self-taught, self-made, self-released album by winning the 2006 Folk Album of the Year through the Independent Music Awards (IMA) for "Refugee Blues". Judges for the competition to name a few were, Norah Jones, Melissa Etheridge and Bill Wyman. He is also the winner of the Singer/Songwriter Awards, an international competition based in London (We Are Listening).


"Refugee Blues" is being played on radio stations throughout the United Sates and Canada, and has officially charted on the "CMJ Charts" in 8 states.

reviews

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  • Refugee Blues
    author: Marilyn S.

    This music has a haunting quality that really excites me. Chris has a unique style that will live on and on.

  • After hearing this, all I can say is long live the fingerpicker!
    author: Frank Gutch Jr.

    Chris Volpe was either so confident or so broke that he headed into the studio and recorded Refugee Blues in one take, something few musicians would attempt these days. Lucky for him, he's good enough to pull it off and in fact pulls it off beautifully. With a fine voice, a harmonica straight off of the streets of 60s Greenwich Village and a finger picking style which blends extremely well with his songs, he lays out no less than fifteen originals, some ghosting the days on Bleecker and MacDougall, some echoing the cult days of John Fahey and Leo Kottke and all with a signature which is quickly marking Volpe a performer to watch. If anything sets Volpe apart from his folk contemporaries, it is his ability to weave voice and guitar into a larger whole. While lulling you with effortless vocals, he finger picks his way around the melody until the guitar becomes much more than an instrument of chord progressions. Only later are you aware that the songs reverberating in your head rely on those picked notes which at first seemed like mere accompaniment. Call it an epiphany. Listen enough and you'll get there, I guarantee. While all songs on the CD are worthy of mention, a few stand out: Shoes for its fine vocal performance and unique picking; The Bandwagon Farm for its eerie feel reminiscent of the psych/folk scene of the late 60s and early 70s; Wait 'til Tomorrow because it's just a damn fine tune; Where the Rubber Meets the Road because it steps out a bit further than others of its ilk. Envision the street folkie, harmonica held by that strange contraption around the neck, fingers dancing spiderlike along the neck, voice not unlike that of Randy Burns and Tom Rush and a handful of others but better able to carry a tune. That is Chris Volpe. If that sounds like where your ears are, you will most certainly hear this. In fact, I'd lost my Randy Burns ESP-disk albums until just shortly before receiving this. Refugee Blues brings back some great memories while creating some of its own. After hearing this, all I can say is long live the finger picker.

  • -An acoustic guitar-lovers' delight describes Chris Volpe's "Refugee Blues!"
    author: Sari N. Kent

    - An acoustic guitar lovers’ delight describes Chris Volpe’s “Refugee Blues.” While many of the songs sound the same, the lyrics discern each track with their uniqueness and double meanings, making this album a must-have. “Shoes,” is a ballad about hiding from one’s misfortunes with lines like, “I’m runnin’ madly, I don’t really know from what. I’ve been livin’ my whole life like some phrase trapped at the tip of my tongue. Don’t really know how to say it, it's always just out of reach, stay locked away in my larynx along with my freedom of speech.” “Wait ‘Til Tomorrow,” is faster and has more of a country flow with lines like, “I’ve seen enough, it’s been long and cold. We all have our breakin’ point.” “1849 Revisited,” is a unique title for a song and its lyrics speak about interpretation with lines like, “Always look the other way, they’ll tell you, of course what other means is yours to prove….in proclamations meant to guide my move.” Volpe’s somber voice lends a deep understanding to his lyrics and the assumption that they have a hidden meaning behind them. If you are a fan of thought-provoking lyrics and acoustic guitar play, then pick up Chris Volpe’s “Refugee Blues,” you will be glad you did.

  • ...all with poetic musings and a voice that would make the likes of Paul Simon P

    "I’m running blindly, I don’t really know from what I’ve been living my whole life like some phrase at the tip of my tongue" * Chris Volpe, "Shoes" from the "Refugee Blues" cd It's been a banner year for Chris Volpe, the self-taught Sanfrancisco-based singer, songwriter and guitarist. Following the release if his self-produced cd "Refugee Blues", Volpe has won the Best Album/Folk-Singer-Songwriter in the 2006 at the Independent Music Awards, the Best Singer/Songwriter 2006 at London's international Singer-Songwriter Awards, and honorable mentions from both the John Lennon and Billboard's songwriting contests. As he reveals on MySpace page, it has not been an easy road to success. With "Refugee Blues," Volpe explores his rites of passage as a struggling artist in New York City ("Jersey Sun"), his lonliness on the road while touring ("Refugee _Blues"), and his own self-reflection ("Shoes"), all with poetic musings and a voice that would make the likes of Paul Simon proud. Check out the Leo Kottke-finger picking "Shoes" and Dylan-inspired lyrics, and more of his work at MySpace and take a test drive yourself. You won't be disappointed.

  • "The musicianship on the album is obviously incredible!"
    author: Shut Eye Records

    I appreciate receiving your album. This might have been the best way to start off a Monday that I've heard of. This is the kind of music I wish artists would send to me specifically on Monday's. It was just fantastic! The musicianship on the album is obviously incredible. It was also really great for me to listen to someone who clearly knows what he's doing, both musically and lyrically. Whenever someone sends me their album, I put it in my computer and hope it isn't terrible. On a few occasions (this being one of them), I put in the CD and listen to about half of a song until I realize that I have nothing to worry about. And that my friend is a great feeling. While listening to "Refugee Blues" I could really hear your influences through the music, but I couldn't put my finger on exactly who vocally and lyrically you're reminiscent of. That's really great for the listener though, because it sounds to me like you've blended a lot of great influences enough that it's your own, and then lyrically you're in your own category. I found that like other great song writers, most of your songs have really powerful lyrics, and then every so often you throw in a lyric that blows the listeners mind. An example of this is on "Your Little Toy" towards the beginning of the song you sing "We could play the hot potato blues", which may not stand out to you, but it seems that throughout your entire album you have these little shining golden snippets in the form of incredible lyrics. I'm really enjoying this record!

  • With his sound arrives the first train back to spirit in music!
    author: Saint Mary's College, Moraga, CA

    Singer/Songwriter strums through Saint Mary's. Chris Volpe points students in right musical direction. On October 11th, General Manager of KSMC, Kelly Rubert, delivered the second installment of the Campfire Series starring Chris Volpe. The San Francisco-based Volpe broke in a guitar he purchased the prior Saturday at the show. By the first chorus of the first song, the audience was well aware of why he won the Independent Music Award for Best Album by a Singer-Songwriter for 2006. While Volpe admitted he was not a fan of set lists, the set progressed as if it was overly rehearsed. He played his guitar across his knee, bent like he was listening to his guitar guide him through his own mind. Extensive instrumental portions of his songs allowed a smirk to emerge from behind his harmonica. He commented on the seven harmonicas he has accumulated over the years: "Write a song with one, got to keep it forever." The presence of the harmonica never deterred from his aggressive guitar picking. As a performer, he allows his instrument to shine over his voice. Conversely, he performs never forgetting that his voice is an instrument. Never does he neglect his lyrics to focus on his fast pased picking. After performing his deeply personal Ashtray Memories, Volpe let out a breath of fresh air by saying, "I must confess that's an awful lot of fun for me to perform." The laughter of the crowd and Volpe continued through song breaks as stories were exchanged. He introduced a "new and favorite song" entitled Speaking Sounds. The song began with the strong strum of Spanish influence before going to his progressive folk style. The chords suddenly seemed heavy. Capable of playing the piano, bass, and drums among other instruments. Volpe knows his craft and does not shy away from influences. Other songs had hints of blues, while others still that of Paul Simon, but all were distincly his own. His storytelling ability took center stage along with his versatility as he played a new song on the banjo. The song weaved together nautical imagery with a narrative that involved Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman. It ended with a conversation between Charles Bukowski and Helen Keller. The complexity of the song indicates his time at Kent State was well spent. By the end of his set, the audience was well aware of why the event is entitled the Campfire Series. It is intimate and colorful. The blending of songs from Volpe's album and new songs provided a strong insight to what loving music is about. The album Refugee Blues can only come from the places where Volpe has traveled. Volpe made the record in its purest form-in two hours. He won limited studio time in a songwriting contest, which is not unfamiliar ground for Volpe. The physical and emotional displacement that attaches itself to youth presents itself with a sharp sense of maturity on the fifteen track album. Volpe possesses an intricate lyrical arsenal. He has the sensibilities of a poet; the ability to tell stories in metaphors. At every turn, it is apparent he challenges himself musically, which is no surprise considering his is a self-taught musician. Perhaps the honesty found on Refugee Blues can only come from writing songs in New York subway stations as he did. Volpe's voyage through Americana relays to listeners a sense of honety found in coffee shops, but with a sound ready for the masses. With his sound arrives the first train back to spirit in music. --Danny Acosta

  • "Lyrically it's ingenious!"
    author: J-Sin

    San Franscisco’s singer/songwriter Chris Volpe pours his whole lot of emotions into each of his songs. The fingerpicking guitar portions breathes an air of Americana folk into “Refugee Blues”. He reminds me a bit of early Curt Porter. Lyrically it’s ingenious and a terrific read if you want to spend some time glimpsing behind someone else’s eyes. Pick it up.

  • "The first five tracks from "Shoes to "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" are inte
    author: Dave Home

    This is a very unsuitable album to be sent to me. No guitar histrionics, no shouting and no indie! One musical reference point I have is from 60's folk music such as Bob Dylan, especially the harmonica playing. The picking guitar style is one I know from English Folk and I am very envious of what Chris can do on the guitar. The songwriting and musicianship is excellent-he did recently win the We Are Listening's 2006 Singer/Songwriter award. I am not big on Folk normally, but there are some songs when Chris Volpe comes into the same league as Elliot Smith and Josh Ritter (and that is my area). The first 5 tracks from "Shoes to "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" are intense and romantic Americana of the highest quality. I would say we have a man who can evoke pictures of emotions of a gentle and intelligent American dream.

  • "Given the way the album sounds, it's amazing when one considers the fact that a
    author: Jeremy Petersen of KISU FM-"In House" Radio Show

    Chris Volpe is a promising San Francisco-based singer-songwriter whose music draws obvious comparisons to the likes of Dylan, Drake and Paul Simon. His 2005 self-release Refugee Blues had already garnered plenty of attention when it was recently named the Independent Music Awards 2006 Folk Album of the Year, an honor that has in the past been bestowed upon the likes of Chris Whitley, among others. Given the way the album sounds, it's amazing when one considers the fact that all fifteen tracks were recorded in one take, nor were there any overdubs. One gets the feeling that the young Volpe is just getting started

  • "While the fingerpicking of this self-taught virtuoso often draws comparison to
    author: San Francisco Bay Guardian

    One listen to Refugee Blues and you'll realize Chris Volpe is not your mother's Leo Kottke. While the fingerpicking of this self-taught virtuoso often draws comparison to the legendary guitarist, it is his lyricism that sets Volpe apart. Accolades from the West Coast Songwriting Association attest to the fact that Volpe and Refugee Blues perfectly invoke the feelings of alienation and desperation arguably intrinsic to living in modern-day America.

  • "Bay Area Songwriter Chris Volpe's Transient Folk Music Shines!"
    author: NPR.org-Open Mic

    Chris Volpe is a San Franciscan singer-songwriter whose introspective writing delves into his personal experiences with feeling like a "refugee" in his own country. As Volpe sings, "I roam alone and restless, a ghost through the alleyways," he reflects on his encounters after "giving up everyone and everything" to move to New York City, a rite of passage for many musicians and artists. There is a haunting sense of loneliness to Volpe's songs as he thoughtfully explores the vast American landscape. Volpe is earning recognition for his self-taught, self-made and self-released music. He recently won an Independent Music Award for Best Folk Singer of 2006 in a competition judged by the likes of Norah Jones, Melissa Etheridge and Bill Wyman. The featured track on Volpe’s Refugee Blues is "Shoes."

  • Refugee Blues manifests a wealth of talent.
    author: Timothy Beneke

    Refugee Blues, which explores a range of emotion and mood, combines some rare qualities: rich, evocative lyrics that repay close listening (Where the Rubber Meets the Road); guitar virtuosity with thrilling, jazz improvization (Ashtray Memories); charmed melody (Your Little Toy); vocal ingenuity (Lay Low); and more. All of it is well-crafted and has quality.

  • Definitely a Sound You Won't Forget!
    author: John R.

    Chris Volpe's musical style may invite comparisons to other artists, but his soulful blend of voice, lyrics, melodies, and astute finger-picking has taken folk music to new heights of creativity and originality! His music stands alone.

  • This Kid ROCKS!!!
    author: Diane K

    Very crisp and refreshing. It's a delight to hear someone who truly has talent in this day and age. No airbrushing required!

  • MARRIAGE OF PERFECT SOUNDS!!!
    author: Christine Cox

    Have you ever listened to new music and connected with it instantly? Chris' talents ARE amazing, but it's his voice that is extremely BRILLIANT to me. It is without a doubt, a marriage of perfect sounds. Chris’ ballads put me in a great mood. I had the awesome pleasure to hear and watch him perform live … what an astonishingly defined young man. Many blessings to you Chris!

  • Thoroughly impressive musicianship is what you will find on this work of art.
    author: Donna Scism

    The instrumental beauty alone is enough to make this CD worthwhile, so it is a delight to find that the lyrics are intelligent and original. I recommend Chris Volpe's work highly!!

  • Refugee Blues is on regular rotation inside my car!
    author: Eyedentity Magazine

    The combination of his beautiful voice, intelligent lyrics, uplifting harmonica, and serious fingerpicking greatly inspires me to reflect about where I have been and where I am going. I highly recommend this CD of 15 songs to anyone who appreciates amazing, genuine talent. Refugee Blues is on regular rotation inside my car!

  • Outstanding! An album you'll play again and again.
    author: Matthew Lee

    Outstanding work. Deep and intelligent, this is an album you'll want/need to listen to many times.

  • author: Marie

    This is music written and sung from the heart and soul! This is the kind of artist we want to hear on the radio and see on television and in concerts. FABULOUS!

  • author: Janice

    This CD delivers some amazing stories told through song. It's an outstanding showcase of talent. Love it!

  • author: Judy

    Folk as intended to be heard. The man is an artist! Would like to see him in concert.

  • Definitely listen to this one
    author: Danielle

    Honest and beautiful, this album might be the best $10 I've ever spent on music. His fingerpicking and his voice are right on the mark, and his playing instantly gets me in that way folk music should. I am so glad I bought this one.

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