LIVE: Peter Wolf @ The Egg, 5/21/10

Holy smokes! At age 64, Peter Wolf has not lost one iota of the power, drive and charisma that he was known for when fronting the J. Geils Band so many years ago.

The J. Geils Band’s hits built around Peter Wolf’s voice in the late ’70s and early ’80s dominated the Billboard charts. Memorable tunes like “Looking For Love,” “Love Stinks,” “Freeze Frame” and “Centerfold” are still classic-rock radio staples today.

Wolf struck out on his own in ’84 to pursue a solo career and intermittently released seven albums during the next 27 years, including his latest, “Midnight Souvenirs.” That new album – released just this April – has critically acclaimed, and it looks as though has a serious comeback on his hands.

When Wolf waltzed out on stage at The Egg, he immediately took control of every ear in the house. Songs from the new album were mixed in with all-time favorites, all delivered with plenty of passion, energy and able musical assistance by a crack band led by guitarslinger Duke Levine and keyboardist Jon Carroll. Wolf wasn’t still for one minute of his set as he bounced around the stage, playing harmonica and singing like a man possessed – and half his age.

Those in the audience who had wondered if he had lost his identifiable voice were not disappointed for coming. Like Mick Jagger or Rod Stewart, the voice of Peter Wolf has remained timeless.

Opening for the band was the Boston-based duo of singer-songwriter Roy Sludge and former Rocky Velvet bassist Jim Haggerty. Frontman Sludge described their brilliant set by stating, “We tend to sing songs about trucking and drinking.” The duo’s fantastic performance led to a standing ovation, and many in the crowd were left wondering, “Who were those guys?” The spirits of Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and Elvis were in the house that night.

SECOND OPINIONS:
Michael Hochanadel’s review in The Daily Gazette
David Greenberger’s review in Metroland