The Wood Brothers Up Above My Head

Following two respectable albums on Blue Note, Oliver and Chris Wood continue their collaboration with an independently released CD of classic cover tunes. On Up Above My Head, the Woods give reverence to a wide range of genres as filtered through their gentle, slightly lazy, but clearly appreciative groove. From old folk songs like “Little Liza Jane” to a unique, old-timey take on the Beatles’ “Fixin’ a Hole,” Oliver and Chris make each tune sound like one of their own. The stripped-down guitar, upright bass and fraternal harmonies are reminiscent of the mellow moments of the Band, and old front-porch blues artists. The duet is a labor of love, as Oliver continues to work with various Georgia-based roots and blues bands in addition to an occasional King Johnson reunion, while Chris maintains his membership in Medeski, Martin & Wood. Luckily for us, they stick together. 4 out of 5 stars