“Wood Belly just keeps on getting bigger, broader and bolder. Their unique and inspiring approach to traditional acoustic music is not only creative craftsmanship it’s also foot stompin’ fun for the most diverse and demanding musical pallets. Wood Belly is committed to the art of old school meets new school. They are rooted in bluegrass with a contemporary backbone giving them innovative qualities and endless adventurous arrangement capabilities. When I said bigger and bolder it’s not only the music that keeps on growing with an ever changing worldly landscape to write about, it’s also the size of the band.

Chris Weist on lead vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar, Aaron McCloskey on banjo and electric guitar and vocals, Chris Zink on dobro and lap steel have recently enlisted into the band the very talented and equally diverse Brennan Mackey on bass and lead vocals and Dylan French on drums. This masterful quintet of all things stringed and now with percussion has just blown the roof off of their own house. Adding electric bass and drums to their already big sound simply gives the band lots of bottom and the songs have a solid platform to take shape from.

Wood Belly sure have a great following in Northern Colorado and were warmly welcomed last night at Washington's. The band played songs from many different eras in their history and also introduced new songs that they will be releasing soon. The new line-up was fantastic with Mackey on bass and vocals and French on drums adding an exciting new element to the Wood Belly sound. The quintet weaved country, folk, rock and pyschedelic arrangements together with style and impeccable musicianship. Weist and Mackey shared the lead vocals giving the songs different tonal qualities and great expression.

French on drums really brought the band to another level with his technical and traditional drumming style that suits all styles of music. To the best of my knowledge this is the first time the band is performing with a drummer. Zink simply shredded the dobro and lap steel like they owed him money. McCloskey on banjo and electric guitar added all kinds of flavors to the mix and with great tone and skill he provided both a bluegrass and rock and roll element to the sound. Weist and Mackey both have great vocal range that reaches all corners of the room with clarity and power. Weist on acoustic guitar captured the true essence of the instrument with fast picking to subtle melodic chords that were crisp and expressive.

I am sure for many fans of the band there were many firsts last night. The band has a new and exciting approach to their music, they have embraced the personnel changes and are running with it in many musical directions. They have a very full contemporary sound while holding onto the traditional influences that have served them very well over the years. I have always loved this band and after seeing them last night I am just at a loss for any more words other than they were simply fantastic!”

MICHAEL EMANUELE - BACKSTAGE FLASH