If you’re into classic Americana, rhythm and blues, Southern Boogie or even jazz, check out The Wood Brothers next time they’re in town. Why? Simply because these uniquely talented and fun musicians put on a great show.
Want to learn more about these all-original blues’ artists? Check out these Top 10 Things About Roots Rock Sensations The Wood Brothers. Sure to get you to the Box Office pretty darn quick!
1. The Wood Brothers are related yet didn’t form a band together until both were well-established in their own distinct musical careers. One plays bass and the other guitar. Playing together was the result of an improbably journey into different musical genres and tastes.
2. Chris and Oliver Wood were born and raised in Boulder, Colorado and the sons of some pretty smart people. Their father was molecular biologist, of all things, who shared his passion for music with his young sons. Their mother was a poet. Talk about a powerful combination.
3. The twang you hear in the vocals is derivative. Nothing about it speaks to the Rock Mountain upbringing. Too much time in juke joints, perhaps? Too many Dylan shows? We may never know whither or why the twang, but this duo is loaded for bear.
4. Chris Wood is a founding member of Medeski Martin & Wood, a super cool jazz trio where his stand up acoustic bass is a crowd favorite. What he brings to his current collaboration with brother Oliver can only be considered as gravitas. Much gravitas.
5. Oliver Wood played second guitar with Tinsley Ellis before forming King Johnson. His legendary guitar riffs are real crowd pleasers to this day. What can’t this guy do on guitar?
6. Oliver Wood has long blond hair. Not exactly flowing, but a retro style such that he could have been the “5th Monkey” in the day had Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones allowed it.
7. Chris Wood is the one with the short, cropped hair, playing the stand up acoustic bass. When he’s not playing with his brother, he’s touring with jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood. (That’s right, another musician with two jobs. How does he do it?)
8. The drummer is not related. Not by a long shot. Not even in the neighborhood. That’s Jano Rix and he’s got musical chops all his own. Of course, this guy is hot. He’d have to be to keep up with The Wood Brothers.
9. Zac Brown (Zac Brown Band) signed The Wood Brothers to his roots-rock label Southern Ground Artists, Inc. where the band joins a strong lineup of some of the best rhythm and blues artists on tour today.
10. In 2005, The Wood Brothers finally played together as a band. From that performance, they recorded an extended play Live at Tonic which caught the attention of Execs at Blue Note Records. The rest, as they say, is history.
Classic Vinyl and CD Recordings
Live At Tonic EP (2005)
Ways Not To Lose (2006)
Loaded (2008)
Up Above My Head (2009)
Smoke Ring Halo (2011)
Resources
American Roots: Folk Music
By Dan Hubbs in Library Journal (10/01/2009)
Official Website for The Wood Brothers
www.thewoodbrothers.com
The Wood Brothers on Facebook
www.facebook.com/thewoodbrothers
The Wood Brothers on Yahoo!
http://new.music.yahoo.com/wood-brothers