The Wood Brothers resist categorization, blending genres in a way that eludes traditional labels. This adaptability, showcased at events like the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, epitomizes their artistic essence. The band’s core, revolving around the keyword “The Wood Brothers,” is defined by its diverse influences and the joyful unpredictability of its musical journey.
Embracing Diversity
At last month’s Earl Scruggs Music Festival, The Wood Brothers were a unique addition to the lineup, a testament to their eclectic style. Known for straddling genres, the trio effortlessly fits into settings from jam-band nights to jazz clubs — a true reflection of their ability to embody the spirit of any musical space they enter. “Bluegrass [is] an amalgamation of different traditions, as is a lot of jazz,” singer-guitarist Oliver Wood shared with Rolling Stone. “In the big picture, that’s kind of what we’re trying to do.”
A Shared Musical Journey
Backstage, Oliver was joined by his brother, bassist Chris Wood, and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. Formed initially as a duo in 2004, The Wood Brothers gained a third member, Rix, in 2011. The siblings brought rich musical histories from other bands — Oliver from King Johnson and Chris from Medeski, Martin & Wood. Chris reflected, “I think the blessing and the curse is that we started so late. I’ve done a lot of maturing since then.”
The synergy among the members of The Wood Brothers produces a sound that blends Oliver’s love for rock and blues with Chris’ jazz inclinations, all anchored by Rix’s percussive flair. “We evolve as a human, you evolve as a musician, you evolve as a band,” Oliver remarks. Despite their evolving sound, they remain true to their core identity.
The Beauty of “Puff of Smoke”
Demonstrating their musical prowess, their latest album, “Puff of Smoke,” exemplifies the vibrant, genre-defying sound that is uniquely The Wood Brothers. Whether exploring soul or diving into unexpected musical adventures, the album showcases their harmonious blend of styles. “I’m not the bee’s knees,” Oliver declares on “Witness,” capturing their authentic and humble approach.
Chris finds joy in the band’s journey, echoing, “If you do it long enough, you finally get this full-circle moment of where you’re playing music now as sort of a seasoned person, [where it] starts to feel once again like it did when you were psyched about it as a kid.” The sense of joy and exploration in their music resonates both on the album and during live performances.
A Brotherly Bond
The roots of The Wood Brothers lie in a familial connection rekindled during a family Christmas. “We were just not very close,” Oliver explains. “[Christmas] gave us a way to reconnect as brothers.” This reconnection grew into a musical partnership. “There was definitely a spark,” Chris recalls.
By 2011, Jano Rix officially joined, adding a new dimension to their sound. “When we met Jano, we didn’t know he played keyboards just as well as he plays drums, or that he could sing so well,” Oliver notes. Rix appreciates the fluidity within the band, remarking, “It was an intangible thing. You could just feel your way through things.”
Looking Forward
The camaraderie among The Wood Brothers continues to mature. Chris finds a simple truth in their ongoing journey: “It just comes down to ‘this moment,’ right? That’s all you have to work with. Can you enjoy yourself right now?” The band embarks on a fall tour, with a notable performance scheduled at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in March.
Reflecting on their path, Oliver concludes, “It’s hard to imagine it happening any better.” Meanwhile, Chris humorously sums up their journey, “Slow rise to the middle — that’s our mantra.”
