Sounds: Madi Wolf

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma4AYPMrZyI[/youtube]

BY JESSE SCOTT

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Some say age is just a number. Madi Wolf is living proof.

The 14-year-old Fredericksburg resident is well beyond her years in musical talent and has the raspy, jazzy intensity that could very well make her a household name.

Since she was 3 years old, Madi has been on the path to becoming a singer. Her inspiration is her grandfather, local musician Billy Hughes.

“My grandfather really got me into this,” said Madi. “When I turned 6 I really started playing guitar, and since then I’ve always had one in my hands.”

Take the sweetness of Taylor Swift and the gifted jazz ambition of Norah Jones and throw in a genuine sense of Virginia charm, and you’ve got Madi. But she’s no copycat. Her music reveals a unique personality that seems to be maturing in its own direction with each and every strum of the guitar.

Last summer, Madi joined forces with a handful of Fredericksburg heavyweights to form Madi Wolf and The Pack. The Pack portion of the band includes Larry Hinkle (ukulele and guitar), Moe Marsh (congas and harmonica), Harry Wilson (vibraphones), Ryan Hale (drums) and John Buck (bass).

The Pack adds a soulful punch to the Madi Wolf experience.

“We have a very different sound,” said Madi. “We’re exciting, and we’re trying to bring back the old days of good music.”

To date, the band has three shows under its belt with more likely to come in the future. In the meantime, Madi plans to bring her growing catalog to new demographics.

On Wednesday, Madi will play a solo show at the prestigious Red Room at Café 939 in Boston.

“From our understanding, [Wolf] is the youngest person to ever play there,” said William Green, Madi’s manager. “It’s a very high-end jazz club on the Berklee College of Music’s campus. Madi plans to also meet with the college’s musical director.”

College is years away for Madi, who recently transitioned from Ni River Middle School to home school.

“I love being home-schooled,” said Madi. “It’s different each and every day. Sometimes I can be sitting there for three hours playing my guitar, rehearsing or practicing with the band.”

To date, Madi has written nearly 40 songs. She said all of them are inspired by everyday life. Mostly. From rebellion to mermaids to waking up to sunshine, she covers it all.

Outside of music, Madi is an active teen who enjoys inline skating, Zumba, Pilates and yoga. She credits yoga for helping her keep her cool in front of an audience.

“I think yoga really helps me prepare for being onstage,” said Madi. “It’s relaxing and helps me develop good energy.”

As for the future, Madi has her sights set on big things. Take one listen to any of her songs and you’ll know that big things are certainly a possibility.

“Long-term, I want to be holding up my Grammy,” said Madi. “I want to perform all around the world and share what I have with the rest of the world. I want an adventure.”

• For more on Madi, visit her website: madiwolfandthepack.com

Jesse Scott’s heart is in Fredericksburg, but his wallet is in Las Vegas.

Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/weekender/2012/05/10/sounds-madi-wolf/