The Carolina Theater in Durham, NC is a gem of an institution. This year they are celebrating the venue's 100th Anniversary! Managed as a local non-profit - it's a refreshing and way more affordable option to the mega-corporate venues that are becoming most common. I recommend you visit sometime. It's wonderful place to experience great live music!
On this night the The Wood Brothers returned to Carolina's stage. Opening the evening was Elizabeth Moen. A songwriter, guitarist and singer with an impressive voice blending indie rock and American folk. I agree with how that voice is described in her bio "...big, beautiful, and impossible to ignore - it's an instrument of raw power that can just as easily pull you in with a whisper."
With Gus Martini on bass and harmony vocals, Moen proceeded to keep us enthralled with some great songs. One was about seeing the Chicago skyline and knowing you're almost home. Prior to another she mentioned that she had written a breakup song, while still in a relationship. As she looked upon the words, she thought "Hmm". Which drew a great chuckle from the crowd. I don't think that partner lasted much longer.
Moen also played a nice version of her "favorite Willie Nelson song", Hands on the Wheel from Redheaded Stranger.
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The Wood Brothers hit the stage with Oliver Wood on guitar & lead vocals, his brother, Chris Wood on stand up bass and harmonica and Jano Rix on Shuitar (think guitar adapted to be a percussion instrument). Rix also later would play drum kit and keys/synths - all simultaneously! All impressive musicians on an elite level.
Some highlights included "I Got Loaded" with the chorus imploring us to sing along "I Feel Alright", from their 2016 release Live at the Barn.
Blue & Green and I Stumbled In, from their 2011 release Smoke Ring Halo.
Puff of Smoke, a funky rocker and the title track from their latest album.
Oliver mentioned that it's the 20th anniversary of first recording, Ways Not to Lose, from 2006. He also joked that they had finally, after all these years, just now broken even on that record. Being a Blue Note Records release, I'm guessing the label invested a hefty promotional budget, which likely helped the group get off to a good start building a fanbase. They played several tunes from that album throughout the night, like Spirit Moves You.
After which Oliver says "Something old, something new " as they kick off Witness, and then Slow Rise to the Middle from Puff of Smoke. The latter song of which Oliver related the title to the band's career.
Happiness Jones triggered fun memories of seeing Chris show off his signature dance moves in the band's official video. Sometimes he'll do it live in the moment, but not this night.
Atlas - which Oliver had written prior to Wood Brothers and recorded with a great band called King Johnson (who I once hosted at my home after a local gig - saving them from having to go in the hole on several motel rooms).
The Truth Is The Light - "It hurts sometimes, but that saying's still right."
At this point, the band gathers around one microphone to do it old school - which they thought apropos given the theatre's centennial anniversary. Jano played melodica, Oliver on steel guitar, Chris on stand up bass as they played the title track from the album, The Muse. Then they invited Moen & Martini out for their rendition of the traditional, Angel Band, complete with five part harmonies.
Chris got a turn singing lead on Money Song - "Money don't make the world go round."
Above All Others - "We can't get enough"
I got a soul that I won't sell, and I don't read Postcards From Hell.
The Trick - "The Trick is not to give a damn" got the crowd singing louder and motivated many to get up out of their seats and dance.
Honey Jar - "Honey drippin' off of my spoon" wrapped the set, but the band quickly returned for and encore and sing along of their most streamed song, Luckiest Man. Which had the entire crowd on its feet singing along.
It was a stellar evening of music in a beautiful venue and it had us all feeling a little lighter. Thank you Wood Brothers!
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Thoughts by Lee Crumpton
Photos by Jerry Friend
