In a career chock full of highlights, The Wood Brothers hold a special place in their hearts for their performances at Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble. As repeat special guests at Helm’s famed Woodstock barn, the trio—guitarist Oliver Wood, bassist Chris Wood, and drummer Jano Rix—developed a cherished friendship with the late icon that transcended simple musical collaboration and left an indelible mark on their songs and their lives. That shared history made it all the more emotional when The Wood Brothers returned to the barn on August 19, 2016, for their first Ramble since Helm’s passing. Captured pristinely on their new album, LIVE AT THE BARN (out Jan. 13 via Honey Jar Records/Thirty Tigers), the band’s sold-out performance that night spanned their career and showcased the kind of singularly eclectic and electrifying performance style that’s earned them devoted legions of fans around the world.
“We’re huge fans of Levon’s and count him as a big influence,” says Oliver, who named his son for Helm. “Since we actually got to know him, his influence was more than musical—it was personal. He was one of those unique and powerful personalities, and I’ll always remember how gracious he was. We also got to know Levon’s daughter Amy quite well and have had great tours and collaborations with her. She’s a beautiful soul just like her dad, and we have fond memories of playing with both of them in that barn.”
LIVE AT THE BARN follows 2015’s critically acclaimed PARADISE which the band recorded at Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye studio in their adopted hometown of Nashville, TN.
A few weeks after LIVE AT THE BARN’s release, The Wood Brothers kick-off a U.S. tour at Union Transfer in Philadelphia that spans both coasts. Among the eleven East Coast shows is a two night stand at Sommerville Theatre just outside of Boston, the band’s first ever headline performance at Webster Hall in New York City and a return to the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. A nine date West Coast swing includes performances at The Fillmore in San Francisco, The Troubadour in Los Angeles and Crystal Ballroom in Portland.
