It seems like ages; though, actually it was roughly two weeks ago that I saw The Wood Brothers perform at The Parish. Since then, a lot has happened – namely the Saints making it to the Super Bowl and glorious citywide celebration that has ensued. But there was much celebration taking place that night in The Parish as well. The French Quarter was abuzz following the Saints’ defeat of Arizona Cardinals. When I walked into venue, the eerie yet intimate room was bustling and alive. Good cheer flowed, and the crowd filled in. By the time I got settled, the group of chairs which were placed in front of the stage (something I’d never seen before at The Parish), had already been taken. Excited, I huddled in as close as I possibly could. This would be the first time I caught The Wood Brothers in well over three years. It was also the folk duo’s first trip to the Crescent City since forming in 2005. At the end of the night, it turned out to be one of the largest crowds I’d ever been a part of in The Parish.

So now that the Saints are done wailing away on the Cardinals, it’s time to celebrate! I don’t typically blog about a show I’m going to beforehand, but I feel it’s well warranted in this case. Tonight I’ll be heading to The Parish at the House of Blues to see folk duo The Wood Brothers. Formed in 2005 the band is comprised of brothers Chris (bass) and Oliver Wood (guitar). Though The Wood Brothers haven’t been around for a while, both brothers have a long history as professional musicians… Chris with avant groove jazzmasters Medeski, Martin, and Wood and Oliver with rootsy, blues rockers King Johnson. An early fan of The Wood Brothers, I first saw them perform at Bonnaroo 2006 (but haven’t seen them since), and their debut album Ways Not To Lose along with the standout track “Luckiest Man” are easily among my favorites of the decade. Recently they released a spirited covers album entitled Up Above My Head. Here are a few live cuts from it (Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out My Life Woman and the Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider) as well as a live version of “Luckiest Man” from the 2006 Newport Folk Festival. Enjoy – see you out there!

MP3: The Wood Brothers – Get Out My Life Woman
MP3: The Wood Brothers – Midnight Rider
MP3: The Wood Brothers – Luckiest Man Newport Folk Festival 2006
Amazon Music: The Wood Brothers