The Wood Brothers Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Debut Album with New Release "Puff of Smoke" on The Folk Show
In a recent live session at Studio D, The Wood Brothers—Oliver and Chris Wood, joined by multi‑instrumentalist Jano Rix—marked the 20th anniversary of their debut album on The Folk Show, hosted by Kate McNally. The trio previewed songs from their ninth studio effort, Puff of Smoke, delivering live renditions of "Pray God Listens," the title track, and an acoustic version of "Witness."
Oliver Wood’s guitar style draws from Southern blues‑rock, a lineage that began with his work in King Johnson, while Chris Wood’s roots lie in modern jazz‑funk, honed as a member of Medeski Martin & Wood. Adding Jano Rix, who can simultaneously play drums, keyboards and sing harmony, gives the trio a fuller sound that blends folk, gospel, blues and jazz into a cohesive whole.
During the interview, the band unpacked the lyrical philosophy that informs their music. Chris Wood described songs as "an alchemy where you take suffering and try to turn it into beauty," adding, "You have a set of choices when it hits you — you will feel the pain. But now, what are you going to do with it?" The conversation highlighted how the group uses humor and mindfulness to confront contemporary challenges.
The musicians also revealed their current listening habits, underscoring the eclectic influences that shape their sound. Chris Wood is drawn to the orchestral arrangements of pop artist Rosalía, Oliver Wood returns to blues masters Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, and Jano Rix studies Afro‑Cuban timba while practicing salsa dancing. The trio will bring the new material on a summer tour of New England, with stops at the Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing Company in Deerfield, MA on July 29; the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, MA on July 30; and the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Barnstable, MA on July 31. These dates follow the release of Puff of Smoke and coincide with the 20‑year milestone of their debut.
The Folk Show, produced in New Hampshire, made the session available online for listeners who missed the live broadcast. The program is part of a broader local initiative that includes weather forecasts, community events and live musical performances. Puff of Smoke adds to a catalog that spans more than a decade of roots‑inspired recordings. The upcoming tour will give audiences a chance to hear the new songs in a live setting while celebrating two decades of the band’s first album.
The band’s next steps include continued touring in 2026 and potential future releases, though no specific dates have been announced beyond the July dates listed above.
