New Yorkers got a special treat late November when The Wood Brothers played a free set at Patagonia Tin Shed. The opening party for the Upper East Side store, the band impressed with their seamless blend of Americana, folk, blues and country throughout their 90-minute set.
With wavering harmonica, striking vocals and a steady drum beat, The Wood Brothers had the entire store tapping their feet along while nodding in unison. Throughout their performance, the band played many tracks off their latest release, Smoke Ring Halo, as well as older fan favorites. Set opener, “When I Was Young” drew the audience in with fast-paced bass and intricate acoustic guitar parts while the soulful title track featured spot-on harmonies between brothers Chris and Oliver Wood.
“We’ve played some unusual gigs before and well, this is one of them,” Oliver Wood joked.
Set up at the front of the store surrounded by racks of clothing, it was no doubt a unique venue for the band. As the night drew on, music fans entered the store, some who soon found themselves dancing along.
The stripped down “Chocolate On My Tongue” slowed the set, but not for too long. Soon after, standout track “Shoofly Pie” impressed with a distinct Southern twang and foot-stomping rhythms.
While the fast-paced tracks showcased the band’s prowess, it was slower ballads like “Postcards From Hell” that left the biggest mark.
“We’re going to play a song about the spiritual qualities and musical healing of art,” Oliver said while he introduced “Postcards From Hell” off their second album, Loaded. With slowed guitar strumming, delicate bass and harmonica accompaniment and Oliver’s soft vocals, the track struck a chord.
A fan favorite, one concertgoer was pleasantly surprised that the band played the song.
“I go to hundreds of concerts a year and these guys are the best,” he told me. As their 17-song set came to a close, I had to agree.
Be sure to watch The Wood Brothers perform live in New Orleans Monday, December 5 at 7:30PM Eastern/6:30PM Central, on liveset.com. For more, watch them perform “Shoofly Pie” below.