Drifting is exactly what Jimmy Wolf does.

From Beale Street in Memphis to Bear Bones Bar-B-Que, he has played a personal and passionate blend of blues music. The Rome, N.Y. native celebrates the release of his fifth album, “I've Been Drifting from Door to Door,” at the Auburn barbecue restaurant this weekend.

“I think it's the best blues album I've done,” said Wolf, whose first album, “Raw Blues,” was laid down to a cassette recorder in 1999.

Wolf added, “We did this one in a digital studio, so it sounds better, but we still captured that ‘in the room' sound.”

Wolf wrote seven songs for “Drifting,” which also features four covers. Wolf's tracks traverse bad relationships, drinking and a Rome bar known as Walt Circle, a '60s night club where patrons could enjoy soul music.

“To me (songwriting) has the feeling of breaking out and finding release,” Wolf said.

Wolf flavors his music with rhythm and blues, soul and early rock 'n' roll influences such as Buddy Guy, Magic Sam and Wilson Pickett. About 15 years ago, Wolf took his blues worship to Memphis, where he played guitar for the diverse pedestrian traffic along the renowned Beale Street for tips.

Wolf's experience in Memphis emphasizes that no matter the audience type, he enjoys playing if it enjoys listening.

“I like if it's a good tavern or a bar and the people are into it, dancing and having a good time,” he said. “That's just as good as a festival with thousands of people.”

David Wilcox

253-5311 ext. 245

david.wilcox@lee.net