If ever there were a blues/rock artist for the world, it is Canadian born and California based guitarist Wolf Mail. Mail, who began his world tour in his teens with Ted Nugent, continues today as he travels throughout North America, Europe, and currently Australia in support of his debut solo release "Solid Ground". This is a very well named CD, as Mail's work is indeed consistently solid from start to finish in every category. Mail's guitar work bears the unmistakable marks of the normal SRV/Hendrix/Clapton influences. However, I pay him the ultimate compliment by saying that, though he has obviously been influenced by the normal guitar gods, he bears a striking resemblance to none of them, as his sound is strictly Wolf Mail.

The 10 tracks on the CD showcase 9 very respectable original tracks along with a blues/rock version of Nugent's "Free For All". While this is primarily a rock recording, it does come complete with a considerable classic rock and blues flavoring. There are also two of the better blues/rock instrumentals that I have reviewed. Mail's supporting players are the most capable Greg Babcock on drums, Steve McCormack on bass, and Gerald Sarfati on keyboards and they add nicely to the overall sound of the set.

My favorite tracks include the two instrumentals "Country Side Blues" and "Giant Steps", the very hot Texas blues flavored title track, and a very Hendrix like heavy blues/rocking tune "Coming To You". However, the entire CD is, as the title indicates, very solid and most enjoyable.

The CD is available online from one of Bluesrockers.ws best friends Steve at 2 Guys Music (Rockinbluez@aol.com). Thanks, Steve, for another great recommendation.