This was not my first time seeing The Wood Brothers but I think it may have been my first time seeing them in an indoor venue. Chris and Oliver Wood, joined by drummer Jano Rix, put on one hell of a show! The musicianship of these guys is crazy, imaginative and impressive. Chris on the bass – predominately the stand up with a few takes on the Paul McCartney style electric – and Oliver on guitar and soulful vocals. Jano plays your regular drum kit but then ups the ante while playing a guitar body as his drum set. Awesome.
Tonight’s show at Webster Hall in NYC was packed full of people there for the music – so refreshing. We all know that these brothers have tight harmonies and are fantastic musicians, so I’ll point to a few highlights of the night, but you all should check these guys out whenever you get a chance – you’re surely in for a treat!
They opened the night with a cover of a cover of an early Wailers tune Stop That Train. Maybe an unconventional way to open the night with a slower-tempo track, but it drew me in for sure. Right away we see that Chris Wood is not only an impressive bass player but also skilled on the harmonica. Later on with the crowd pleasing I Got Loaded, Chris uses his bass for a little percussion then lets loose with a hot sliding bass line. The Wood Brothers followed the upbeat happy drinking song with the kind of depressing take on a drinking song Smoke Ring Halo.
On Tried And Tempted, Oliver showcases his amazing guitar skills with his hollow bodied guitar and wows. These guys really run the gamut in genre from folk, funk, soul, and on the track Snake Eyes, true rockabilly. Chris also lets loose and dances here. One moment of the times was their American Heartache. The song was written before all that’s going on now – but really rings true on so many levels of the current state of affairs. Another showcase for Chris was his opening solo on Touch Of Your Hand. Later on the guys gather around one mic and sing The Muse, and with the T Sisters (the fantastic opening act), Sing About It. Finishing out the night that included so many different sounds from three super talented dudes was Honey Jar and they just jammed and showed us all that we came for.
I’m a big fan of The Wood Brothers and their live show never disappoints. I highly recommend you check them out when given the chance. Be ready to dance and sing along!
Jake Krickhan
