This was the first of a two-night run at New York City’s Irving Plaza for The Wood Brothers, who are celebrating the release of their latest album, One Drop of Truth. Their tour schedule is jam-packed until late April and these two gigs are all but sold out for the Nashville-based trio. Oliver and Chris Wood up front and center with Jano Rix holding down the fort on drums. The crowd were rowdy and ready for this jam-fest.
Opening the night was Lancaster PA-based trio Stray Birds. Maya de Vitry and Oliver Craven took their street-busking to the stage back in 2010 with bass player Charlie Muench taking the leap soon thereafter. These folks are tight and heavy on the bluegrass roots. With five studio records to pull songs from, they were instant fan favorites with their high energy and perfectly executed set. Their 2016 release Magic Fire is well worth a listen.
Stray Birds
Stray Birds
Stray Birds
Stray Birds
Stray Birds
Stray Birds
Stray Birds
The Wood Brothers came to the stage greeted by a roaring reception from a fired-up New York City crowd who came to party. There is no doubt that Chris and Oliver are cut from the same cloth and from the start, it was clear we were in for a treat. Fan favorites included “Happiness Jones” from their latest release “One Drop of Truth,” as well as a rousing rendition of “I Feel Alright.”
The Wood Brothers
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
The Wood Brothers
Wood Bros
Special guest John Medeski was called upon to help the guys out on the organ and made his return later in the set to do a couple of tunes on the melodica as they all gathered center stage around a single mic. These stripped down moments acted as a beautiful moment of connection with the audience. The Wood Brothers lapped it up and also invited the Stray Birds back on stage for a stunning version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “The Midnight Special.”
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
Wood Bros
The Wood Brothers
The Wood Brothers continue their tour up the East Coast and then swing back down south and out west. The album One Drop of Truth is available now across all platforms.
Article: Anthony Mulcahy
