artist Dean Wolfe

His high school career counsellors didn't see it coming. In the late 80's Wolfe hustled generously shoulder-padded fashions in malls, Whoppers and fries on the main strip, and hot shingles on London Ontario rooftops. He even hosed away frothing corn niblet scum in Green Giant's factory, before landing his dream job at age 17: guitarist, rock 'star', in a full time touring cover band (they snuck in plenty of their own tunes). First he perfected electric 'walls of sound' rock guitar in Canadian Live Music clubs- covering U2, Fixx, Tears for Fears, A-Ha, Rush (Red Barchetta, anyone?)- while developing his own style and sound and evidently moving toward the finger-style guitar work of the likes of Bruce Cockburn and Mark Knopfler. Three years of life on the road later, and not a little bit disillusioned, he found himself seduced... by the aromas and challenge of the saucy world of food- gastronomy, that is... securing a Red Seal Journey person's Cook Certificate and dicing away the hours. But Wolfe, chameleon that he is, would rarely neglect his musical talents His multi-track recorders and guitars, and usually a part time band to practice and perform with, were always simmering on the back burners His 'official debut' CD as a singer/songwriter was released in Toronto: "11:59" (Nov.2005). Wolfe "pays respectful tribute to...Canadian Icons Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn...elegant guitar playing...truly a one-man band..." [Jane Eamon, Winner 2007 Okanagan music awards folk artist]. Wolfe's songs on 11:59 ( a self-biographical reference to his own tendency to bloom late, and bloom big) are cello-infused (he played all the instruments) pop-folk-rock. Other 'sounds like' comparisons: Crowded House, Bright Eyes, Damien Rice, Ben Folds, Sir Paul McCartney. A proud St. Catharines Ontario native (the same soil that brought us Neil Peart and Ron Sexsmith), Dean Wolfe (born Dean Salmela) lives in Toronto Canada with his family. After a two year haiatus, Wolfe is emerging back onto the scene with some of his best work yet: writing a CD and rehearsing for regular gigs in the Toronto area, 2008.

Dean Leader