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| The Wood Brothers - 2nd release on Blue Note Records NPR called The Wood Brothers 2006 Blue Note Records debut one of the top ten discoveries that year. For their follow-up disc bassist/vocalist Chris Wood and vocalist/guitarist Oliver Wood pump up the jams on their sophomore effort, Loaded. Their acclaimed debut album, Ways Not To Lose was recorded predominantly live in the studio with just the just two of them (and drums on the occasional track). On LOADED they enhance their original sound with super tasty additions of guest vocalists including Frazie Ford from the Be Good Tanyas, Pieta Brown and label-mate Amos Lee. There are also contributions from Chris's Medeski, Martin & Wood bandmates-Billy Martin on drums and producer John Medeski on keys. There are even strings, lap steel, and yes, chicken coop adding to the LOADED sonic gumbo. But make no mistake-this is pure, soulful and rootsy Wood Bros. music. In fact, it is a more collaborative effort than their debut, in that many of the tunes were written by both Chris and Oliver and reflect the last couple of years of roadwork, which have cemented their unique sound into a more cohesive and passionate direction. The collaborative nature of the sessions found the duo really enjoying the input and interaction of the other musicians and producer Medeski. Having lost their mother last year to ALS, the Wood Bros. found the making of their second Blue Note album both cathartic and emotionally enriching. The depth and power of the original material is illuminated brilliantly by their handful of choice covers - Jimi Hendrix' evocative "Angel", the traditional folk-blues romp of "Make Me A Pallet On The Floor" and a slowed down and distinctive take of Bob Dylan's "Buckets of Rain". All in all, a thoroughly satisfying and organic new spin on the fresh sound that made The Wood Bros.' debut such a favorite with fans and critics alike. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |