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The first of two live recordings set to be released in 2012, Sky High effectively captures all the charm and empathetic musicianship The Wood Brothers have demonstrated on both their previously released studio recordings and in their frequent live performances.
The trio format effectively distinguishes it from the limited edition EP of 2005 Live at Tonic. Accordingly, the modified Bo Diddley beat drummer Jano Rix supplies on “One More Day” heralds The Woods’ entry into the realm of modern truly electric blues. On their previous recordings, both studio and concert, the siblings and assorted guests carefully trod the precarious fine line between folk and blues, but this cut is a stomp of declaration in no uncertain terms. After an abbreviated drum break, guitarist/vocalist Oliver lets rip a stinging slide solo on that track and it’s over. It’s a demonstration of The Woods’ customary understatement as well as a logical extension of their early work and their most recent output. This performance of the title song from the last album, last year’s splendid Smoke Ring Halo, boasts harmony singing rarely afforded such prominence in the past (later on the disc, during the one non-original song here, “Pay Day,” the group highlights vocals even further with guest Clay Cook who also contributes lap steel).
In an element of careful post-production, “Glad” features a tart guitar solo that mirrors the sarcastic refrain of the song. It’s a moment that could go on longer as bassist/vocalist Chris is just beginning to generate some momentum when his brother’s vocal resumes. At 6:33 in duration, the equally wry “Stumbled In” allows the trio to stretch out a bit more in a quasi-New Orleans march mode, but disappointingly, repetition of the chorus takes more time than group improvisation. The bassist again projects himself subliminally on the concluding “Luckiest Man” where Rix’ drums fortify acoustic guitars as Oliver’s slightly nasal vocal tone carries a deceptively vulnerable, lighthearted charm.
Business concerns may have dictated the separate releases, so, well-wrought as it is, Sky High begs the question of whether its sequel will simply expand upon or dramatically complement it. Hopefully, the composite of Volumes 1 & 2 will fully demonstrate both the virtues and the growth of The Wood Brothers.
