Asheville, NC – Friday evening at The Orange Peel was the first of two sold-out shows packed to the brim with an anticipating crowd who were eager to dance, sing, and celebrate with the masters of Americana trio, The Wood Brothers.
Kicking off the merriment was singer-songwriter and guitarist Steve Poltz, who warmed up the audience with an opening set chock full of inspired and insightful tunes. His energetic guitar-playing and expressive storytelling put big smiles on the faces in the crowd. The vibe in the venue felt comfortable and fun, as Poltz spent his time eliciting fan engagement while sharing witty and relatable tales. He is out supporting and sharing his newest record, Shine On, which is attractively presented on yellow vinyl.
Photo Credit: © Carrianne Stoker-Postier 2019
Steve’s talent as a songwriter is showcased by the range of themes he covers, from ditties such as “Ballin’ On A Wednesday” created after the response he received from a diner checkout girl who he paid with a $100 bill, to the more serious “All Things Shine”, which came about as a way to put his feelings of being overwhelmed by the many mass shootings into words and melody. Whatever your favorite songs of his might be, Steve Poltz is hands-down an excellent performer and should be seen live to fully experience his brilliance.
The Wood Brothers took the stage and dazzled the crowd for the remainder of the evening with their exciting grooves and rich harmonies. The Nashville-based band consists of two brothers, bassist Chris Wood and guitarist Oliver Wood, along with multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. Their evocative sound blends folk, blues, jazz, and root influences.
The band played through an impressive set, which included their more enthusiastic, get-up-and-move numbers along with that special moment when the group takes center stage huddled around an antique microphone (Big Mic) to hypnotize the audience with beautiful nostalgia.
New fans and longtime devotees took in the magic of the evening, as The Wood Brothers embraced Asheville and treated the crowd to their sophisticated musicianship. The extensive showcase of instruments on stage gave way to the band’s captivating expertise of plucking, strumming, harmonizing and sliding, combined with the soulful heartbeat flowing from Rix’s percussion. The crowd certainly embraced them back; cheering the invitation to dance, smile, and sing along with each verse.
The band’s most recent album, One Drop of Truth, was alive and well during their performance. Described as the most purely Wood Brothers’ album they have ever made, the ten-track collection was self-produced using an approach that would allow each song a chance to simmer into a fresh and independent perspective. Listen to the title song, “One Drop Of Truth” HERE.
Experiencing a live performance of The Wood Brothers is like taking a relaxing dip into the natural comfort of a thermal spring. Once steeped in the healing power of fine musicianship, we become relieved and refreshed.
The Wood Brothers Photo Gallery
Steve Poltz Photo Gallery
Show Date: 4/12/2019
