Album Review - The Wood Brothers - Ways Not to Lose
John Metzger
Given his prominent position as bass player for the long-running,
jam-friendly outfit Medeski, Martin, and Wood, there's little doubt that
Chris is the more famous half of The Wood Brothers. Nevertheless, on the
group's debut Ways Not to Lose, he cedes the spotlight to older sibling
Oliver, who wrote all of the tracks on the endeavor, save for a funereal
cover of the traditional Angel Band. Though Chris' jazzy, note-bending
bass textures drive songs like The Truth Is the Light, One More Day, and
Atlas, it's Oliver's soulful vocal intonations, which frequently recall
a cross between Bill Withers and The Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, that
bring his erstwhile material to life.
This is an excerpt. To read the complete review, please visit:
http://www.musicbox-online.com/reviews-2006/ways-not-to-lose.html