The Wood Brothers delivered a stellar headlining set for their first visit to the Spirit Of The Suwannee since being forced to cancel last year’s Suwannee Roots Revival headlining spot. The trio joined a collection of Roots music legends like Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn and Peter Rowan, park favorites like the Steep Canyon Rangers, Donna The Buffalo and Rev. Jeff Mosier as well as new comers like River Whyless and Chatham County Line. By the time the sun had set and the eager audience had packed in the area in front of the stage, the excitement for the long delayed show was sky high.
Fans concerned about Chris Wood’s health issues that kept the show from proceeding last year were relieved to see him back in fighting form as the insanely talented bassist more than made up for it with his joyous return to the beloved Amphitheater stage. If his artful playing and limber dance moves with partner, the stand-up bass, was an indicator, it is obvious that his recovery was successful.
As is their tradition, the show started with multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix out front and center alongside the titular Wood brothers for the first couple of tunes. Rix mixed percussive taps and slaps on an acoustic guitar and even some melodica to help give listeners a truly rich and diverse sound and unique energy to show openers “Just Might Pass” and “Keep Me Around.” Watch the fun begin in the clips below.
“Just Might Pass”
“Keep Me Around”
Up next was a newer tune, “River Takes The Town,” a song played only a few times previously that carries a relevant message about the state of the world. Noting how it was apropos to both the physical devastation of the recent hurricanes and the mental devastation of the contentious political climate, Oliver Wood introduced one of the most moving moments of the evening with the new song, which you can watch below:
“River Takes The Town”
“Jam”
The passing of Col. Bruce Hampton earlier this year stunned all sides of the music community, including The Wood Brothers. Oliver Wood took a few moments to talk about his love for the late Col., who they were scheduled to share the bill with the previous year. Noting that the band would be missing the tribute scheduled for Sunday to be led by the Rev. Jeff Mosier, The Wood Brothers still wanted to pay their respects. Oliver, who had spent much time with the Col. and performed at Hampton 70, seemed to use the inspiration and emotion to give his impressively honest vocals even more emotional weight. You can watch the stunning rendition of “Postcards From Hell” they played in his name below:
“Postcards From Hell”
After such a moving testimonial, The Wood Brothers decided to close on a cheerful note, delivering another excellent new tune, “Happiness Jones,” before closing the night down with fan favorite “Honey Jar.” The sheer energy from the set closers had the packed crowd dancing in pure jubilation. Chris Wood uses the Wood Brothers to showcase his more straight-forward bass skills but he managed an explosion or two during the final songs that left jaws dropped and minds melted. Watch the fun below:
“Happiness Jones>Honey Jar”
Attendees of Roots have a long tradition of acknowledging greatness when they see it and the ovation for The Wood Brothers was long and vigorous. For their part, the band seemed truly honored to receive such a warm reception and pleased to have so perfectly made up for their previously scheduled appearance. If the new tracks debuted are any indication they will have good reason to return to this beloved venue very soon to share the rest of what is sure to be a stellar release.