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By: S.Taylor
The Wood Brothers :: 03.12.10 :: Capital Ale House :: Richmond, VA
"We're glad to be performing in Richmond for the first time!" declared Oliver Wood to an enthusiastic crowd at the Capital Ale House. This was The Wood Brothers' second stop on a two-week tour of the East Coast. Though due to start recording a new album this month, the brothers were still promoting their last proper album, 2008's John Medeski-produced Loaded.
Starting the night off with a bang was Sol. A fierce guitarist and soulful singer, he and his band kicked into a set of originals that included local harmonica player Wave Milor. Though Sol was the leader, his stellar bass player Mike Tony Echols provided the space needed for Sol to stretch out and wow the crowd with his guitar virtuosity. Sol's album includes musicians that work with Corey Harris, Jah Works, and Hobex. Oliver Wood compared Sol to songwriter Mutlu (Mutlu works with The Wood Brothers' label mate Amos Lee).
Next up, Atlanta-based Joe McGuinness presented tasteful guitar finger-picking and also broke out an electric banjo. McGuiness performed many originals including one of his signature songs, "My Name Is Joe," and a cover by another Atlanta underground blues legend, Bill Sheffield. McGuinness' CD also includes guest appearances by the great guitarist Sean Costello. He ended his set with "I Feel So Good" and everyone in Capital Ale House was certainly in agreement.
Oliver gave thanks to the opening acts and The Wood Brothers jumped into "Stealing" and "One More Day" with the crowd singing along. Chris Wood tore into his stand-up bass, ripping out grooves, with Oliver perfectly strumming infectious rhythms on his old Gibson guitar. Both brothers would occasionally break into emotional solos that brought cheers from the audience. The musical connection between guitarist Oliver and his brother Chris was incredible. Chris' bass rumbled through the sound system as he would hit high vocal harmonies to accentuation Oliver's lyrics. Tyler Greenwell provided some very tasteful drumming and percussion work. Greenwell also works with Col. Bruce Hampton, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and others.
Capital Ale House was set up for mostly sitting and dining, but even for the opening acts, the music had folks up and dancing. The dancing was brought to a head with The Wood Brothers performing their slinky, rhythmic grooves on the tune "Spirit." But under the heady grooves and perfect musicianship these songs have meaning, and Oliver's lyrics created a positive, uplifting mood throughout the evening.
The night ended with the Brothers returning for an encore of "The Luckiest Man Alive." There was no need to say anything else.
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