Strings, Steel, and Swagger: Wolf Willow Live at the Rock Trout (Nov.7/2025)

by Scott Roos

photos by Brooke And Media

On Friday, November 7th, Regina’s Wolf Willow took the stage at the Rock Trout Café in Prince Albert, with local favourites Rez Boyz opening the night. The Rock Trout continues to be a cool, vibey little space for live music. The red brick walls add warmth and ambience, and acoustically, the room holds up surprisingly well, letting both subtle textures and louder passages come through clearly. It’s a slim room, so when packed, there’s very little room to move from front to back, but that closeness adds to the intimate, electric feeling of a live show. The dance floor is on the small side, but adequate for a band of Wolf Willow’s reputation and ilk, giving just enough space for fans to get lost in the music while still feeling connected to the performers.

Rez Boyz kicked off the evening with energy and finesse, immediately warming the room. Their set blended traditional fiddle and country-flavoured covers that got the crowd buzzing early. A standout moment came with a warm, well-paced take on the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” which had everyone smiling and singing along. From there, the band slipped effortlessly back into lively fiddle numbers, showcasing tight musicianship and an infectious stage presence. Darrell “Boots” McCallum led with magnetic energy on bass and vocals, while Corny Michel’s fiddle lines were lively and expressive. Jordan McCallum’s lead guitar added sparkle, and Keldon Michel anchored the group with a steady, in-the-pocket drum groove. Special guest Sleek Steve on steel guitar elevated the set even further, leaving no doubt that the Rez Boyz made some new fans on the night.

Wolf Willow’s ten-piece lineup brought a massive, layered sound to the intimate Rock Trout, filling the room with energy without ever feeling cluttered. Stoneface Stanley’s guitar cut through with sharp precision, while Moose’s pedal steel added shimmer and warmth. Sleek Steve’s drums and T Dub’s bass locked into a tight, driving rhythm, giving the band a rock-solid foundation. Cornelius Friesen Jr III’s saxophone and the brass section of Gigi and Clem Collins added punch and soul, while Humphrey Montremarte’s congas provided subtle rhythmic texture. The string section - Flora Faunavich and Elwood Wendel - added soaring melodic layers, though the mix made them a touch harder to hear at times. Despite this, in general, the band’s live sound was dynamic and balanced, with every instrument contributing to a rich, full-bodied performance, and the switching of vocal duties with Stoneface, Humphrey and Sleek Steve chiming in at different times throughout the set. Rez Boyz Darrell “Boots” McCallum even sang on a tune which added even more variety and depth.

Highlights of the set included a sharp, energetic cover of The Who’s “The Kids Are Alright,” the instrumental “Hold Onto the Holy Shit Handle,” which showcased tight interplay and technical skill, and the set-closing fan favourite “Hey Bruce,” which had the room buzzing. Wolf Willow’s ability to make ten musicians sound cohesive and powerful, yet clear, made for an immersive and exciting live experience.

From the intimate charm of the Rock Trout to the high-energy performances of both the Rez Boyz and Wolf Willow, the night was a testament to the vitality of live music in smaller venues. Between Rez Boyz’ foot-stomping country tunes and Wolf Willow’s sprawling, multi-layered sound, attendees experienced a memorable evening that was both musically rich and full of personality.