Music Mirth & Mojo - Oliver Wood

Oliver Wood Gives Us A New Reason to Smile

By Ali Kaufman

Fans of The Wood Brothers have another reason to rejoice! In addition to live dates on the horizon, frontman, Oliver Wood has just released his own solo project, Always Smilin’ on Honey Jar Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers. This 11song album with a 12th bonus track is a fresh collection, yet has a familiar feel with stellar lyrics and a sound that melds the American Roots music that Oliver is well known for with some bluesy, folk, even gospel tunes. I had the chance to speak with Oliver about making the album and the year that was. As always, he was most gracious, introspective, and generous with his time.

Like many musicians who have spent years on the road, the complete halt of touring came as a shock, but Wood opted to take this time as a luxury, slowing down to meditate, journal, and let the writing pour out of him. It was also a time to relearn the lesson that we are never really in control of so many of the things that life brings our way. That is not necessarily a bad thing as it brought about the realization that one has the choice to fight against the current or make peace with being “out of control” and discover your art as it unfolds. I could hear the enthusiasm in Mr. Wood’s voice as he spoke of the creative process and how it works for him. There are different ways that artists come to their songs, but the ability or challenge of accessing one’s subconscious or creative mind is the goal. “As an artist, I think you can do your best work when the logical side of your brain gets out of the way and you can unleash the creative, intuitive side and just blurt out ideas," Oliver shared. He then went on to say, “Being childlike, not judging or self-conscious, that is where the magical good stuff happens.” Being a fan of biographies of musicians, Oliver imparted that some of his musical heroes have gotten there by engaging the logical side with a walk in the woods or going for a drive to let the inspiration loose. The song, Fine Line is an example of this thought process and also of the wonderful lyrics that have made me always think that Oliver Wood is an exceptional poet that just happens to be a fantastic musician as well. Another standout feature of Always Smilin’ is the appearance of guests that lend their talents to a few of the songs. Carsie Blanton has supported The Wood Brothers on tour, and they have stayed in touch over the years, connecting when she came through Oliver’s home base of Nashville. The song they worked on together was actually born pre-pandemic and then perfected with the time they had on hand. Molasses became a concept song about a real life event, The Boston Molasses Disaster that happened in the Northend of Boston when in 1919 an explosion at the factory injured over 150 people and killed 21. Another long time association is with Susan Tedeschi, with whom The Wood Brothers go way back. Oliver has known both Susan and Derek

Photo by Sandy Roe

Photo by Alysse Gafkjen

Trucks since they were teens! They have also toured together, most recently on the hugely popular Wheels of Soul Tour. Much music today is made via remote contributions so it was not a problem to employ that strategy for the song Get The Blues. Tyler Greenwell, drummer for Tedeschi, Trucks, and many others is also on the album. The first song, Kindness, sets the bar high with a poignant message of how the simple act of choosing kindness in everyday situations can be a way of life. Oliver Wood strives to mirror that way of living. In addition to the original tunes, there are a couple of gospel covers and a terrific bonus track, Needed Time.

The cover art for this project was a collaboration of a different sort. Oliver’s wife, Rebecca Wood, hand made the linocut artwork that graces the cover, and I hope will be on a run of tee shirts. It is fantastic in its simplicity and skilled artistry. Another perk of a solo project is the ability to hire one’s wife without causing any waves! Release date for Always Smilin’ was May 21st with the vinyl coming out on July 9th, but he will have both CD and vinyl with him at his solo shows. Connecticut will get its chance to hear this solo tour live when it makes a two-show stop at The Ridgefield Playhouse, Outdoors at The Playhouse Tent on Saturday, July 10 for a 4 o’clock and later 7:30 performance. Oliver will take the stage with percussionist and also Wood Brothers band mate, Jano Rix. Ted Pecchio will round out the trio on bass. While it will be challenging to fit the solo appearances in with the rigorous schedule that lies ahead for The Wood Brothers, (which he is still very much a part of), it will get figured out. Lastly, I asked about the first live shows he has begun to play again. “So freeing! They have been distanced and set outdoors to comply with restrictions, but the real thing is unbelievable. There is no substitute for the energy of a bunch of people in a space all together, really fun. It’s a collective groove that gets going, and it’s fantastic!” I couldn’t agree more, and yes, I am smilin'.

To learn more, please visit Oliverwoodmusic.com and Thewoodbros.com to catch up with the band. Ridgefieldplayhouse.org to secure tickets to the show and check out their entire events calendar, loaded with terrific performances that are coming back!