The Oliver Wood Trio Had Us Always Smilin’ In Charlotte
Band Puts On a Showcase of American Roots Music at Neighborhood Theatre
Ever since his childhood, Oliver Wood’s life has been steeped in the music of America from the blues and rock to folk and Americana. Wood spent time as part of bluesman Tinsley Ellis’s touring band before branching off on his own putting out six records with King Johnson. Today, we know him as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Wood Brothers, a dominant force in the world of roots music. Oliver has recently released a new solo record Always Smilin’ and hit the road with the Oliver Wood Trio to share the music his music with fans everywhere including right here in the Queen City at the iconic Neighborhood Theatre.
Unlike a lot of shows, this one was a seated show which made it seem homier somehow and it was a perfect atmosphere for the music which we all were about to hear. One of the first things I happened to notice was the number of instruments on the stage. There were a ton of guitars and other delights just waiting for someone to make them come alive and come alive they would!
Kicking off the evening was singer-songwriter, Chris Kasper. Armed with only an acoustic guitar, and hat perched upon his head, Chris took his spot on a stool in the front of the stage and treated the audience to a set of down-to-earth songs full of catchy melodies. In between, Chris took some time to share wonderful stories and joked with the audience. “City by the Sea” was a standout track as Kasper’s voice resonated across the venue. He asked for just a moment to put on his hardware before sliding his harmonica holder over his head and soon the sweet sounds of a blues harp accompanied the soulful tones of his guitar. He dedicated “China Rose” to all the tough guys out there and told a story about learning trucker lingo back in the day. “Waterline” was breathtakingly beautiful and he had us all singing along to “Coffee and Weed.” It was a terrific set and I encourage you to check him out if you get the chance to do so.
Next, it was time for the main event. As the Oliver Wood Trio made their way out to the stage, the audience was clapping and cheering. Many of those in attendance had been fans of the band for a very long time and were looking forward to an unforgettable night of music. Oliver made his way to center stage, strapping on the first of his many guitars for the evening. Drummer Jano Rix took his spot behind his kit which was situated sideways with his keyboards to his right and bass guitarist Ted Pecchio was set up on Oliver’s left. They got things going quickly with some Joni Mitchell for us and when it was over Oliver asked is it creepy enough for you yet? This would become a common theme of the evening as he joked about it to the fans. It’s amazing to hear the sounds coming from those three men on stage. Playing from their heart, stripped down, no bells or whistles, although we were treated to some harmonica at one point and Jano even picked up an ocarina later in the set.
Oliver thanked the audience and the theatre, mentioning that he has been coming to Charlotte for over 25 years and it’s always a great time. He pulled out a glass slide to give us a little workout as they ran through a mixed set of originals and covers. It really seems an impossible task to describe the way the band sounded that night. They possessed all the power and strength of a symphony and coupled that with a familiarity that made you feel a part of the experience. The majesty of the music was overwhelming at times, crushing you with the passion of the musicians before you. Other times, it was as if we were all gathered in the neighbor’s yard, enjoying an evening of music under the stars.
There were comical moments as well as Oliver said Ted’s birthday was coming up, joking that he was turning 31 before introducing a new variety of instruments with Jano on the shuitar and Ted on the uke bass, you know just like Bob Uecker, laughed Wood. The audience was singing and clapping along in glee as the band gave it their all.
What a night! We laughed. We sang along and we may have even shed a tear once or twice. To me, roots music is really music that touches your soul and that is exactly what the Oliver Wood Trio does.
The tour has wrapped up but Oliver will be releasing new music this April with the Wood Brothers’ newest album, Heart is the Hero.
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https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com/
