Modern music enters Henry Wolfe’s life rarely. He’s in his early 30s and he lived through Williamsburg’s hipster heyday, even playing in an electro-ish combo called Bravo Silva before moving to Los Angeles several years ago. He says he has always loved music from the 1970s, Neil Young being notable among that, but it’s the stylish melodies, breezy syncopation, and lyrical swank of classics from Burt Bacharach to Cole Porter that influenced his solo debut, “Linda Vista.”
“I discovered a whole tradition of songwriting that predates the British Invasion,” says Wolfe. “One of the things I like most about my album is that there’s room for individual players to stretch out and have their voices heard. A lot of music I’ve made and will probably make in the future is arranged down to the minutiae of what each instrument will play.”
That element works because, like the proverbial sailor with a girl in every port, Wolfe has different East Coast and West Coast backing bands.
“The fact that I don’t have one set of musicians that I’m always playing with [means having] a repertoire that is flexible is important. It’s nice not to have to rely on anyone or have them feel like you’re relying on them. I like that independence.”
Wolfe in Streep’s clothing
Wolfe is the son of actress Meryl Streep, and he and his family had cause for celebration the night before he
chatted with Metro. His mom won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her masterful portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”
“This is the time of the year when it’s convention season for Hollywood,” Wolfe says. “My mom has been in L.A. quite a lot. I’m really proud of her. I think she’s outdone herself with this film.”
