Reviews

Tim Woods, the founder of the five-piece Woods Family Band, is a gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist. He and his older brothers have been involved in music for several decades. Tim started his career in the Pennsylvania music scene but moved to Macon, Georgia, the home of Capricorn Records. Woods learned the blues from his guitar teacher Ernie Hawkins, who was a specialist in Piedmont fingerpicking. From 2002 to 2009 Woods was part of The Mountain Jam Band. Woods also performs solo with his sons Derek and Ryan and with The Woods Family Band. In 2012 Woods was inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame.

Tim Woods made his solo debut in 2010 with "The Blues Sessions". He recorded it on a six-month studio tour that covered Clarksdale, Atlanta and Chicago. The album features no less than sixteen guests, including David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Big Jack Johnson, John Primer, Bob Stroger, Bobby Lee Rodgers & Jeff Sipe.

"Human Race" was the title of Woods' second studio album. His friend and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Lee Rogers, who is also a star, was the album's producer. This month the successor "Vortex" will be released. It was recorded with (again) Bobby Lee Rogers as producer, guitarist, bassist, drummer and keyboardist. Derek & Ryan did the backing vocals and one song features Paul Hornsby on piano.

"Woods channels melodic structures and lyrical subjects to create a thought-provoking improvisational jam rock band where r'n'r meets psychedelic blues cantata ..."

Woods wrote ten new songs for the album and tries to “channel melodic structures and lyrical subjects to create a thought-provoking improvisational jam-rock band, where r'n'r meets psychedelic blues cantata…”.

Tim Woods opens "Vortex" with "Ready," in which he tries to sing about "his willingness to embrace love." It's a quiet rocking song that ends with thumping drums and roaring guitars. In the title song “Vortex,” Woods sings about the impressions he got during his visit to Sedona, a farming village in Yavapai County, Arizona, that became a place for artists to meet. He calls it the “sacred ground” and is where he found his inspiration for this epic piece of dramatic rock. Atmosphere and tempo change with the funky “Some of Your Love” in which Woods tries his best to be the Godfather of Soul. The atmosphere is left on the introspective rocker “Sometimes” and becomes more tense on the prog instrumental rocker “Sage”. Do you recognize some of Joe Walsh in the carefree pounding shuffle “I Don't Know Yet”? “Take Me Away” is a ballad and on “Destination Unknown” producer Paul Hornsby (Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band) plays the piano. In the uptempo roadhouse blues “This Mess”, Woods encourages us to get our hands dirty to help someone and make the world a better place. In the closing song “Water is Life” he goes on an ecological conciliatory tour. In this quiet acoustic song, with some nods to The Beatles, Woods argues for saving the world for the kids.

“A vortex or (air) vortex is a rotating movement in a fluid. A vortex can be two or three dimensional. Two-dimensional are stable, while three-dimensional are unstable. Vortexes can occur as a mono-, bi- or tripolar vortex… ”

On his new release 'Vortex', Tim Woods is not only an excellent musician with a unique style as we know him from previous work, but also a whirlwind person, who brings us a message of “love, peace & kindness to Mother Earth…” to take up our responsibilities.

‘Vortex’ is the third solo album by blues-rock guitarist Tim Woods. Embracing influences such as soul, blues, and progressive rock the ten songs are inspired by a visit to Sedona, Arizona, and the natural landscapes he explored.

The veteran guitarist and vocalist has been playing music for more than three decades both solo and in various bands including The Woods Family band alongside his sons Derek and Ryan. In 2012, his music and contribution to the blues were recognised when he was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame.

The brooding opener ‘Ready’ sets up the tone of the album and quickly establishes Wood’s credentials and both a songwriter and guitarist. His lyrics flow over a mesmerising rhythm while his guitar solos are fluid and passionate. Swiftly switching genres, ‘Some Of Your Love’ is a funky soul-inspired song that even James Brown would have been proud of showing the versatility of Wood’s playing.

The country-rock style of ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Destination’ harken back to the sounds of The Allman Brothers Band with a mix of acoustic and electric and infectious foot-stomping melodies.

There’s a steer into progressive rock with the title track ‘Vortex’, a song in which Woods expresses his feeling of awe at the natural beauty of the landscapes of Arizona. Sticking with the progressive theme, ‘Sage’ is a moody instrumental that is full of swirling keyboards and soaring guitars.

Rounding out the album, ‘Water Is Life’ is a slow-burning psychedelic tribute to the natural world that inspires the listener to look after it and save it for the next generation.

An exceptional guitarist, Tim Woods stretches his playing to the limit on ‘Vortex’. Taking inspiration from the sound of classic bands such as The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, and The Allman Brothers Band, he mixes these influences together into a contemporary sound that’s both refreshing and respectful.

Listening to Tim Woods’ album “Vortex” is like a solitary nature walk: The farther you go, the more beautiful things you discover.

This wonderful collection of original songs travels in the area a psychedelic rock. And if the title track feels like a peyote trip, you understand. The record was inspired after Woods visited the desert in Sedona, Arizona.

A Pennsylvanian who cut his professional teeth in Macon, Georgia, Woods was jamming before there were groups called jam bands. But his guitar virtuosity – he picks with his thumb — and respect for blues shines from his sound. A decade ago, he made an album, “The Blues Sessions,” with a litany of noteworthy guest stars (including three songs with Honeyboy Edwards, who played in the early 1930s with “Father of Delta blues” Charley Patton), so obviously the respect is mutual.

As with succinct blues lyrics, Woods’ words are concise, layered atop exploratory, meandering melodies. There are so many gems to be found.

“Vortex” was produced by Bobby Lee Rodgers and the title song has backing vocals from Woods’ sons Derek and Ryan, who both already have the look of rock stars.

From the first beat of the opening song, “Ready,” the album hurtles into a trance groove as Woods’ chants, “I’m always dreaming, dreaming of you.” Woods doesn’t possess a remarkable voice but his singing is spot on and it contains compelling emotion.

“Vortex” is next, a celebration of “swirling centers of energy.” A twisted tree adorns the back cover.

A funky bassline and clean, high guitar notes bounce along on the following track and Edward Abbey has become James Brown. While “Some of Your Love” is a nice song, it feels out of place on this record. Odd to me since Woods seems to appreciate “concept albums” because he’s clearly a Pink Floyd aficionado. Just check out “Sage” for a vintage “Wish You Were Here” flavored instrumental.

After the funky interlude, the fourth track brings back the listener to a blistering Southern rock ‘em, sock ‘em anthem, “Sometimes.”

There’s so much to dig on this record, it’s hard to pick a favorite, so I’ll take two.

I appreciate the wink to John Lee Hooker on “This Mess,” and the quintessential car-driving song “Destination Unknown” (with Paul Hornsby on piano), but “Take Me Away” and “Water is Life” are simply exquisite and brilliant rock ballads. Plenty of people will be happy to discover and cover those tunes.

The Covid crisis has kept musicians off the bandstand but an upshot would be the copious songwriting and record-making that has occurred. There is an abundance of great new recorded music to be found, and “Vortex” is a fine example. The music takes you inward, makes you nod and smile. I hope Tim Woods tours West someday so I can hear him live. I’m always dreaming.

— Tim Parsons

Originally from Western Pennsylvania Tim Woods has been influenced by a variety of genre’s including blues, rock, bluegrass, and jazz. When Woods turned eighteen his family relocated to Macon, Georgia and he immersed himself in the music scene promoting national acts at a local nightclub.

Later, Woods formed the Woods Family Band with his sons, Derek and Ryan; and has since shared the stage with Donna Godcheaux, George Frayne, Sonny Landreth and Mick Fleetwood. In 2002 Woods was a founding member of The Mountain Jam Band playing rock in the style of the Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead. His deep love for the music of Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters further inspired him and in June 2005 Woods spent an intimate musical evening with “Honey Boy” Edwards, Homesick James, Sam Lay and Pinetop Perkins. In 2010 Woods released his debut album “The Blues Sessions” with Edwards, Big Jack Johnson, John Primer, Bob Stroger, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, and Bobby Lee Rodgers. Woods, a 2012 New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, followed up with his sophomore effort in 2018 when he released “Human Race”, also with Rodgers.

Woods decided to expand his love for Mother Earth after visiting the natural wonders of Sedona, Arizona. He explores the thought-provoking idea that vortices, or swirling centers of energy, are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration; and channeled his own energy to create these ten original tracks. Woods, guitar and vocals; is again accompanied by producer Rodgers who plays guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. Special guest Paul Hornsby plays piano on one track; while his sons provide the background vocals on another.

Woods opens this concept album with “Ready” as he embraces love “I’m always dreaming, dreaming of you”, featuring the twin guitars and Rodgers’ drums, he sets the stage for the remainder of the album. On the title track, “Vortex”, Woods sings “I’m in the desert in Sedona, something going on ‘round here”, like a man in awe of the natural beauty and Sacred Ground surrounding him; while his sons provide the backing that completes the production.

My favorite is the funky “Some of Your Love” with the lyric “wrap yourself, around me baby” and it’s the first song selected for airplay. Woods’ rocks on both the country-styled “Sometimes” and on the instrumental “Sage”.  The shuffle “I Don’t Know Yet” provides an amusing interlude. The haunting ballad “Take Me Away” features a pleading Woods as he sings “I don’t know why, I made you cry”.

The anthem “Destination Unknown” features pianist Hornsby, and Rodgers who switches to organ, as Woods sings “take our chances and ride, onward we go”.  On “This Mess” Woods reminds us to figure it out “get up in the morning, get up out of bed, things could be worse, well you could be dead, get yourself together, get your feet on the floor, you haven’t done enough, you could do some more”. “Water Is Life” is a Beatle-esque plea to preserve our environment for future generations.

Woods draws on influences from multiple genres on this new concept album. It results in a unique contemporary blues that will get you energized.

Richard Ludmerer

Tim Woods is an atypical musician who forged a musical ear from an early age thanks to brothers who made him listen to blues, jazz, bluegrass and rock, so many things that will push him, when he leaves Pennsylvania to follow his parents to Georgia, attend local stages and perform with groups of all styles. Influenced by Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull or even Grateful Dead, Woods who got to know Willie Dixon, Howlin 'Wolf and Muddy Waters will endeavor to mix his different genres of predilection and it is naturally that we will find him on the boards opening by Sonny Landreth, Commander Cody or Donna Godcheaux but also alongside Honeyboy Edwards, John Primer, Pinetop Perkins and Bob Stroger. Known through various groups, not the least of which is The Woods Family Band, the singer and guitarist offers this fall a third personal album, "Vortex", for which he is accompanied by Bobby Lee Rodgers on guitars, basses, pianos and percussion but also a few guests like Derek and Ryan Woods on the backing vocals on the tittle track or Paul Hornsby on the piano on a track. In ten compositions full of nuances, Tim Woods invites us to discover the full extent of his music and delivers us some beautiful pieces of blues and rock of course, but without forgetting to take a tour of soul, funk, Americana and rock that is sometimes 70's, sometimes progressive. From the greasy hints of "Ready" to the more folk notes of "Water Is Life", we will go through a devilishly funky "Some Of Your Love", by the instrumental "Sage" and its stamps straight from prog, by the shuffle "I Don't Know Yet" or by the ballad "Take Me Away", titles that end up getting everyone to agree about an artist who loves people and the land and who intends to make it known. Using Sedona photos for artwork was far from innocent, that's for sure!

This is Tim’s first album since 2018’s ‘Human Race’ and during that time he has been exploring the natural wonders of America and experiencing their almost sacred, spiritually calming effects upon the individual, one place in particular that affected Tim with its positive energy, was Sedona, Arizona, which has inspired this album, within it he, exhorts, peace, love and respect for the ecosystems of this world. Tim, who takes lead vocals and guitar, has written and recorded 10 numbers with the aid of Bobby Lee Rodgers who provides guitar, bass, drums and keyboards; he also, sits firmly in the producers’ chair. Originally from Western, Pennsylvania, Tim moved with his family to Macon, Georgia at the age of eighteen but, is still a firm favourite on the Western, Pennsylvanian music scene. He learned acoustic guitar from Ernie Hawkins and frequently plays alongside George Frayne (Commander Cody) and was a founding member of The Mountain Jam Band, playing in a style reminiscent of The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead.

Tim’s playing today is still somewhat reminiscent of seventies rocking blues and funk, as you can tell from the enjoyable opener ‘Ready,’ which is led by a richly ringing and roaring guitar that is backed with a prowling bass and powerfully solid drum work, Tim’s vocal is equally raw and dominating. ‘Vortex,’ is equally brash and inviting with its gently building guitar that whirls, swirls, swoops and soars, underpinning the wonderment and belief in Tim’s vocals. The instrumental ‘Sage,’ has an engaging hymn like quality to it, as a gentle acoustic guitar introduces and gives way to a majestically soaring keyboard and progressive rock guitar feel. ‘Destination Unknown,’ relates to a life of roaming, taking each day as it comes unaware of the possible outcomes, the engaging and enticing rolling, rambling piano of Paul Hornsby, is underpinned by a sonorous organ as Tim, plaintively invites us into the unknown. The acoustic and electric swirling guitar led ballad ‘Water Is Life,’ is a heartfelt plea to all, to do what is best for mankind and the world we all live in, now.

Greatly endorsed!

Brian Harman

The first time I heard Tim Woods was a decade ago, when I wrote about his album “The Blues Sessions” in my previous blogger incarnation as BlueNotes, at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper. It was an excellent album of traditional blues from the Irwin, Pa., native. This one is different. The first words on the first track, “Ready” are “I’m always dreaming…” and lure you right into this dreamy-blue landscape of music and lyrics. It’s sometimes a trippy throwback to ’60s psychedelia, moody blues and new-age rock, if there is such a thing. It’s enchantingly tough, inspired by a vortex of feelings, and, maybe, just one toke over the line. Pay close attention to Woods’ creative guitar work and his lyrical wordsmithing.

-- Jim White

Tim Woods has made a big record with ”Vortex.” I get the impression that when Woods and his producer Bobby Lee Rogers stepped into the studio, and asked themselves what they were going to use, they said in unison “Everything!”

Woods, originally from Western Pennsylvania, moved to Macon Georgia at 18, and became steeped in the classic blues of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. In the early 2000’s Woods was a founding member of the Mountain Jam Band. “Vortex” is his third album, his first was entitled “The Blues Sessions" and included guest appearances by David “Honey Boy” Edwards, Ike Stubblefield and Jeff Sipe among others. In 2012 Woods was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame. His second album release “Human Race” like "Vortex,” was also produced by Rogers, who contributed drums, bass and keyboards while Woods delivered guitar and vocals and composed all ten tracks on the new album. Woods asserts his guitar-playing is influenced by his guitar instructor, the Pittsburgh blues musician Ernie Hawkins, and the Piedmont Blues fingerstyle playing of the Reverend Gary Davis.

The title track “Vortex” is the most compelling musically, and includes ethereal vocal harmonies by Woods’ sons Derek and Ryan. The album is predominantly blues-rock with a flair for the wall of sound sometimes reminiscent of Oasis or Pink Floyd, most especially when you hear a steel string acoustic guitar blended into the wall of keyboards and electric rhythm guitars. The album performances switch up musical styles from the wall of blues-rock to the funk groove of “Some of Your Love” – the melancholic instrumental “Sage” to the twelve bar “I Don’t Know Yet,” and the rockabilly “telephone-morphed” vocals of “This Mess.” The renowned record producer and keyboard player Paul Hornsby contributes a beautiful piano accompaniment to the song “Destination Unknown.” Hornsby has played with Elvin Bishop, and with Duane and Greg Allman in the Hour Glass in 1967, and has produced Charlie Daniels, Wet Willie and the Marshall Tucker Band. His piano playing is somewhat obscured by the organ track, and in my hearing would well have served the song better if it was brought up in the mix and more pronounced.

The standout tracks are “Vortex,” and the opening song “Ready” which brings the heavy guns of Woods’ rolling guitars driving the song in front of producer Rogers’ propulsive drumming. These two characters have clearly spent a long time together practicing their art, and fit together musically hand-in-glove. The album deserves attention for the power of Woods’ dreams. There’s enough contrast and dynamic variance in the musical landscape it depicts to merit repeated playing. We should look forward to what comes next from these guys.

Reviewer Conrad Warre originally from London, England, is a freelance writer and plays lead guitar in the Boston-based acid-blues band Bees Deluxe..

I came across the work of Tim Woods ten years ago with his debut album entitled "The Blues Sessions". The reason that made me reach for that album was not! Tim, and above all the large group of distinguished guests, whom he invited to the studio, incl. David "Honeyboy" Edwards, John Primer, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith. Tim Woods has been active in the music scene for over three decades, but his personal discography is very modest. With tg, the newest one contains only three items. The album was inspired by Woods' visit to the desert of Sedona, Arizona. Enchanted by the beauty of wild nature, he realized that the destructive activity of man could lead to the disaster that future generations would be deprived of such miracles of nature. The album is basically a work of two people. Tim Woods composed all the songs, sang and played guitars, and producer Bobby Lee Rodgers added bass, drums and keyboards.

To be precise, it should be added that in the song Vortex, vocal support was given to Tim by his sons, with whom he is also active in The Woods Family Band, and in Destination Unknown, Paul Hornsby serves beautiful piano parts. The opening is not particularly surprising - it is a solid rocker Ready with clearly audible southern rock elements. A real surprise awaits the listener at number two, because the title composition ^ can easily be classified as ... progressive rock. As if that was not enough, the next item on the track list is a fiery and zjnviolowy funk in the style of James Brown (characteristic shouts also sg). A really surprising beginning. Then it's just as intriguing. The instrumental Sage evokes distant echoes of Wish You Where Here Pink Floyd for the acoustic guitar part. The ballads Take Me Away, Destination Unknown and Water is Life perform well. The main thing is that they are not sugary and Izawa, which unfortunately often happens in this type of compositions.