Discovering Wonderland
Blues fans love her for her soulful voice. Roots rockers love her non-stop energy and backwoods stomp that she brings to her more up-tempo tunes. Country fans love her for her honest storytelling and ability to cross pollinate in rock for a good dance party.
In other words, Carolyn Wonderland is a force to be reckoned with. Reaching into the depths of the Texas blues tradition with the wit of a poet, Wonderland has been carving an impressive name for herself with her mix of country, rock, soul and blues.
Growing up with music in her blood, Wonderland has mastered a multitude of instruments besides her native guitar including trumpet, accordion, piano, mandolin and lap steel, as well as developing an amazing ability for whistling, a vocal art seldom invoked in modern music. The fiery redhead also is a bit of a renegade, incorporating elements of swing, zydeco, surf, gospel and a bit of cumbia every now and then. In fact, she is somewhat of a musical genius.
What makes Wonderland a wonder, and a likeable standout, is the way she straddles traditions and styles. There’s some Hendrix/Vaughan muscle in her vernacular, as well as ghosts and demons from the Delta. The powerful intensity of her vocal performance is without equal and her confident proficiency on the guitar is a revelation of musical bliss. Wonderland aims to use every ounce of her musical talents.
Her guitar solos alone can steal the show, but singing with passion and urgency is Wonderland’s calling card. You can’t help but make comparisons between her and Joplin — the raspy, whiskey-aged voice, the uninhibited stage presence, and the peace and love attitude. It’s a singer/songwriter exposing her vulnerabilities for the world to hear. There’s heartache and blues in the timbre of her voice. This woman knows the blues in her soul.
You’ll hear much more than music listening to Wonderland. You’ll hear the magic of someone who knows the story that sends you through a rabbit-hole filled with allusions of the music underground that is a true wonderland where you’re her guest at a mad beer bash. Wonderland is a plucky singer showing a taste for the reckless and a voice that combines a breathless invitation with a husky aggression. Able to boom, cajole, promise, growl and wheedle with equal power, she plays guitar with much the same forcefulness, pounding out chunky rock rhythms and even tackling leads when the spirit moves her. She plays that Telecaster of hers like she must’ve sold her soul to the devil. And, her voice will reach right through your ears and grab you by the heart.
She is backed by a powerhouse band whose strength lies not only with their individual skill, but also in their ability to work together like a basketball team effortlessly orchestrating a seemingly impossible winning play. They listen to each other, creating a rock solid, rolling groove and no one overplays. The band’s solos and jam sessions are consistently engaging, interesting and amazing.
Wonderland has the heart of a wise old bluesman and roadhouse guitar chops few women attempt, much less master. In other words, she’s the real deal.
Carolyn Wonderland plays the Crystal Bay Club on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 9 p.m. For more information, call (775) 833-6333 or visit crystalbayclubcasino.com.
Saturday, Aug. 3 | 9 p.m. |$12 advance/$15 at the door | 21 & older | Crystal Bay Club | Crystal Bay, Nev.
