FOR YOU (2023) - ALBUM REVIEWS
LIVING BLUES:
BLUES BYTES
(Tempe, Arizona)
Pennsylvania-based guitarist/singer/songwriter Tim Woods’ latest release, For You, pays tribute to his many musical influences, so the ten tracks offer a variety of styles ranging from blues to rock and folk with variations of each genre in the mix. Woods has enjoyed a long career, nearly five decades, performing as a solo artist, also fronting his own five-piece band (The Tim Woods Band) while also serving as a longtime member of The Mountain Jam Band. He also performs regularly as part of the Woods Family Band with his sons Derek and Ryan. Woods’ lifelong dedication to the blues also earned him a spot in the New York Blues Hall of Fame in 2012.
For You teams Woods with multi-instrumentalist Bobby Lee Rodgers (who also produced the album), keyboardist Paul Hornsby, and saxophonist Erik Lawrence for ten original songs, beginning with the tough blues-rocker “Can’t Stop Rockin’,” a catchy rocker with a strong fretwork from Woods. The title track follows, which features Hornsby’s B3 and Lawrence’s saxophone and has a swinging R&B feel. “Are You Kind?” has a late 60’s/early 70’s feel with the churning guitars and its message of peace and love, while “It’s True” is an easy-going rock ballad that recalls the same era. The funky instrumental “Mimic” features Woods’ guitar and Rodgers’ B3.
The emotional “Low Down Blues” focuses on recovering from the repercussions of the Covid lockdown, and the ballad “Believe” has a psychedelic edge as Woods encourages us to continue to persevere through life’s challenges. The hypnotic blues rock n’ boogie “Reaching Out” ventures into hill country territory, while “The Story” blends rock with Eastern influences. The closer, “Within,” is an mostly-acoustic piece that finds Woods reminiscing about a romantic night.
For You shows Tim Woods’ diverse musical influences to great effect. Though the influences span multiple genres, the album flows smoothly, owing to Woods’ deft guitar work and songwriting and the seamless interplay with the band.
Graham Clarke
ZICAZIC
(France)
The story of Tim Woods is punctuated by virtual but also very real encounters since after having discovered music in the broad sense of the term through the jazz, rock, blues and bluegrass albums of his brothers in his native Pennsylvania, his choice fell on Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters until he started jamming when he followed his family to Macon, Georgia. Influenced by the music of Reverend Gary Davis, the guitarist will develop a personal style mixing the use of the thumb and the mediator and allowing him to ensure both the lead and the rhythm and it is by sharing the stage with Sonny Landreth, Donna Godcheaux of the Grateful Dead or Commander Cody and Mick Fleetwood that he will make a name for himself, founding The Mountain Jam Band which, during the first decade of the 2000s, will experience some success. The meeting with Honeyboy Edwards, Homesick James, Sam Lay and Pinetop Perkins in 2005 will mark a new beginning in the musical adventure of Tim Woods who will record his first personal album with sixteen big names including Honeyboy Edwards, John Primer, Big Jack Johnson or Bob Stroger and after two more albums and an entry into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, it is with a fourth musically very expanded opus that the singer songwriter returns this year, a work of ten titles in which the influences range from Van Morrison to Peter Green via the Grateful Dead, Neil Young and the Doors. There are influences from Chicago but also a good dose of swing, 70's tinged rock, some nice hints of funk, psychedelic hints and more broadly a very wide musical palette that allows Tim Woods to give free rein to his desires. the craziest through titles like "Can't Stop Rockin'", "For You", "Low Down Blues" or "Reaching Out". Enough to spend about forty minutes in very good company in an atmosphere that is both warm, colorful and a bit old school!
ERA JAZZU
(Poland)
For nearly five decades, the career of singer and guitarist Tim Woods has taken him on a long and storied journey that writes new chapters every year. Originally from Western Pennsylvania, he grew up in a virtual "crucible" of music. Thanks to his older brothers, who introduced him to a wide range of styles, including jazz, blues, bluegrass and rock, Tim's love of music took root as if naturally. Admiration and admiration turned into a deep love for the blues of Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. Tim Woods began performing professionally with improvised rock 'n' roll bands playing psychedelic blues and playing in all sorts of styles with local musicians.
In the fall of 2020, Tim Woods released his major album " Vortex " (produced by Bobby Lee Rodgers). The session was attended by famous musicians, including the legendary Paul Hornsby (Marshall Tucker Band, Hour Glass, Charlie Daniels), Derek Woods & Ryan Woods (Tim's two sons) and Bobby Lee Rodgers. The album was well received both in the US and Europe and appeared on the prestigious Roots Report Blues Rock List (#4) and was a #1 hit in Pennsylvania. In the summer of 2023, Tim Woods presents his next new album " For You".Also produced by Bobby Lee Rodgers, with special guests Paul Hornsby and Eric Lawrence (Levon Helm Midnight Ramble Band, Little Feat). This is to some extent a cross-sectional album by Tim Woods, who has over two hundred songs in his repertoire. The guitarist also performs in various regional and national configurations, plays solo recitals, in a duet or trio. He not only runs his own The Tim Woods Band, but also - with his sons, Derek and Ryan - the family The Woods Family Band. There is a neat phrase in the music of Tim Woods built on the one hand by the nonchalance of Van Morrison, the aggressiveness of Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, but also the subtleties of blues nostalgia and hit rock. Excellent American Roots .
BLUES IN THE SOUTH
(United Kingdom)
This is the fourth solo album from Western Pennsylvania singer
and guitarist Tim Woods. It was recorded in Georgia and
features some stellar players, including producer and multi-
instrumentalist Bobby Lee Rodgers. There is also plenty of organ
work, which gives the set a strong 60s feel at times.
That is almost certainly intended too. Lend an ear to the
psychedelic influences on both organ and guitar on ‘Low Down
Blues’ (which isn’t, by the way), and the spirit of 1967 crops up
elsewhere too. But the focus of the first half of this album is generally on the blues, sometimes
more over towards the blues-rock end of the spectrum , as on the first three numbers, though
the opening ‘Can’t Stop Rockin’’ has hints of both John Lee Hooker and Howling Wolf.
‘Mimic’ is an instrumental leaning a little towards funk and more towards the jam band
approach, and ‘Reaching Out’ draws on blues, soul and rock. Some of the remaining tracks move
further away from the blues, but most readers should find a lot to enjoy about this set, especially
if they are “of a certain age”.
Norman Darwen
LA HORA DEL BLUES
(Spain)
Artist / Group: Tim Woods
Album: "For You"
Label: Self Production / Blind Raccoon
Publication year: 2023
Critical date: 09/2023
Assessment: VERY GOOD
Website: http://www.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Tim Woods has not only been a blues musician but also an enthusiast of the genre who, among other activities, has dedicated himself to recovering and recording old blues legends such as Honeyboy Edwards, Homesick James, Sammy Lay, Big Jack Johnson, John Primer, Bob Stroger or Pinetop Perkins. His love comes from a young age when, at just eighteen years old, his family moved to Macon, Georgia where Tim immersed himself in the blues scene working in a club, as well as promoting and coordinating the concerts of many of the bluesmen who They toured nationally, making great friends.
This is the fourth album that he has recorded under his own name where he develops a varied and eclectic repertoire that goes from blues to folk, through rock and psychedelia. In addition, his music combines influences from musicians such as Van Morrison, Jerry García, Neil Young, Peter Green or The Doors. In the recording of this album, among others, the multi-instrumentalist, old friend and producer, Bobby Lee Rodgers, along with Paul Hornsby on organ and Erik Lawrence on sax, have contributed.
Although it is not the classic blues album to use, lovers of good music and especially the sounds of those sixties and seventies, will discover in this album a more than interesting and attractive singer, guitarist and composer with a musical discourse. that I dare to assure will captivate the listener who is looking for records with a good level.
VORTEX (2020) - ALBUM REVIEWS
BLUES DOODLES:
ROOTSTIME.BE
(Belgium, Netherlands)
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.
FOLK AND TUMBLE
(Ireland)
‘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.
BLUES AGAIN
(France)
Gilles Blampain
TAHOE ONSTAGE
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
MAKING A SCENE
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
ZICAZIC
(France)
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!
BLUES IN THE SOUTH
(UK)
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
BLUES ROADHOUSE
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
BLUES MATTERS
BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE
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..
TWOJ BLUES
(Poland)
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.
HUMAN RACE (2018) - ALBUM REVIEWS
ALAN PAUL (AUTHOR OF ONE WAY OUT):
DOWNBEAT:
INDIE VOICE BLOG
Recommendation: Drop everything and run to Get this one!
ROOTSTIME.BE
(Belgium, Netherlands)
Woods' debut album 'The Blues Sessions' was released in 2010. He recorded it during a studio tour that lasted six months and that Clarksdale, Atlanta and Chicago did. On the album, no less than sixteen guests can be heard, including David "Honeyboy" edwards, Big Jack Johnson, John Primer, Bob Stroger, Bobby Lee Rodgers & Jeff Sipe. In 2012 Woods was introduced in the NY Blues Hall of Fame. Woods performs solo, with his sons Derek and Ryan and with The Woods Family Band.
'Human Race' is the title of Woods' new studio album. His friend and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Lee Rogers, who also plays along, was the producer of the album. The album opener "Can You Feel It?", The first of the eleven songs, is a hypnotic slow blues drenched in an abundant portion of reverb. With "Every Day", Woods ventures to a waltz on acoustic guitar with solos that link the Allman Brothers.In the funky "Step" you will find fragments of Zeppelin and in the quiet "Take a Minute" influences of Pink Floyd. The number is Woods' call to free up some more time for the beauty that surrounds us. With "Human Race" Jim Morrison, with the help of Iggy Pop, comes back to life. "Black Maria" (written by Perry Werner, an old friend of Woods) is a love song. This mystical brew is a reminder of a wild trip to Mexico. The instrumental "TW Funk" focuses on itself and "Image Is Clear" is a number about repentance. Here William Newell Bate took over the place behind the drums from Lee Rodgers. Pete Lavezzolli is the drummer of service in the remaining tracks, starting with the instrumental "Trixie". "Have Mercy" is a dark blues rocker with Don Coffman on standing bass. In "Where Did She Go?" Woods, like Chester Burnett, cries out in the dark and the closing "Leave the Earth Alone" is a sincere plea with a simple but poignant message.
Songwriting implies pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity. Good songwriting always means that you pour out your heart and soul. Tim Woods does this, who has been trying to make his musical dreams come true for decades, every day.How he does that you hear on 'Human Race'. Tim Woods finds his inspiration on every corner and shares his ideas in every song in his own way, with everyone.
BLUES AGAIN
(France)
FLYIN SHOES
Norman Darwen
BMANS BLUES REPORT
BLUES IN THE SOUTH
(UK)
In the past Tim, who is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been a member of The Mountain Jam Band but, after the break up of the band due to the unfortunate death of a band member Tim became able to follow his dreamand play with such artists as his long-time friend George Frayne, also known as Commander Cody, Nowadays, he is a solo artist but, also he is an integral member of The Woods Family Band, in which he plays with his two sons. On this album Tim, who is on guitar and vocals, is joined by Bobby Lee Rodgers; guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, Don Coffman is on upright bass with Pete Lavezzoli and William Newell Bate helping out on drums. On the number “Leave The Earth Alone “, Tim sends out a gently building plea that has echoes of late sixties early seventies good-time rolling, ringing guitar work combined with satisfying, burning, urging organ-work to the ever hungry materialism of industrialists and for world leaders to abandon their obsessions with armaments races and finally truly embrace ecology, which is all wrapped up in true late sixties protesting rocking fashion. The very enticing instrumental “Step”, pleasantly displays hints of Led Zeppelin in the menacing drum-work and delightfully swaying guitar. “Take A Minute”, enjoyably inhabits The Eagles dreamy open rolling guitar world that is for most people the Californian dream. The driving instrumental “TW Funk”, is a splendid mixture of Jazz and Funk, which creates images and memories of Carlos Santana at his urging and free flowing best. On “Human Race”, Tim has a good deal of psychedelic guitar fun, mixing a strident Jimmy Reed beat with the more dramatic leanings of late sixties Doors.
Greatly endorsed!
Brian Harman.
LA HORA DEL BLUES
BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE
Tim Woods grew up in Pennsylvania and lives there these days, but the time that he lived in Macon, Georgia has left an indelible imprint upon his music. Woods is a fine guitarist, singer and songwriter, and the influence of the American south is easy to pick out of his blues-rock style. Tim has recorded a few discs over the years and has earned the respect of his peers, which was proven by his induction into the New York Blues Hall of Fame. He plays out as a solo artist and with his band, as well as with his two sons in The Woods Family Band. Tim Woods certainly does get around, and after many decades in the business this man knows exactly what he is doing.
Woods’ new solo release, Human Race, was recorded in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, and was produced by Tim’s friend, Bobby Lee Rodgers, who also contributed guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards to the mix. For his part, Tim played guitar, provided the vocals, and wrote all but one of the dozen tracks. This duo did most of the heavy lifting, but a few other fellows joined in, including Pete Lavezzoli and William Newell Bate on drums, and Don Coffman on the upright bass. This album is full of lyrics of hope and brotherhood, and all of them are set to a lovely mixture of rock, southern rock, blues, and even funk.
Most reviews include any mention of instrumentals after an in-depth discussion of the conventional songs, but the three instruments-only tracks on Human Race are quite compelling. “Step” is pretty much a funky bass solo with heavy guitar riffs and dry-sounding drums laid over the top of it, complete with Led-Zeppelin like stereo guitar layers. Then there is “TW Funk,” which uses even more funk and some sweet organ from Rodgers to augment killer solo work from Woods. And lastly, “Trixie” uses surf guitar leads over a funky Latin beat that is driven by Lavezzoli’s drumming. There is a lot of funk going on here!
The regular songs are all very good too. The nostalgic opener, “Can You Feel it?” is a nice chunk of 1970s blues-rock with Robin Trower-like leads and vocals with plenty of echo. Next up is the very catchy “Every Day” which carries an empowered message that is accompanied by layers of acoustic guitar from Tim and a fat walking bass line from Rodgers. And the title track includes an array of killer guitar tones over a 1960s rock beat, while “Human Race” features some solid grooves from Rodgers on the drums and vocals that channel the long-lost Jim Morrison.
There is only one track that was not written by Woods and that is “Black Maria,” which was penned by Tim’s longtime friend, Perry Warner. This tune is a semi-ballad that is a curious hybrid of Southern rock and rhythm and blues, and in this case there is more emphasis on Tim’s voice than on the instruments (all of this works out well, in case you were wondering).
The album ends as strongly as it begins with “Where Did She Go?” and “Leave the Earth Alone.” The former is a heavy blues piece that allows Woods to take his voice to its limit, and there is a cool Hendrix vibe to his rhythm guitar work. The latter is the fabulous closer that reminds us to take care of the world we were given, as we are not going to get another one.
Human Race is a pleasant break from everyday life, courtesy of Tim Woods and his friends. You can hear samples from this release at Woods’ website, and while you are there be sure to look over his gig schedule. If you are going to be in Pennsylvania (or Maryland) any time soon you might be able to catch Tim with the duo or the Woods Family Band, and that would surely be a treat!
Reviewer Rex Bartholomew is a Los Angeles-based writer and musician; his blog can be found at rexbass.blogspot.com.