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Review: Chris Wood
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Subject: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Rich Date: 25 Jan 08 - 05:07 PM Been listening to Chris Wood's latest, Trespasser, he is just awesome. Both his solo albums have knocked me off my feet, the quality of both the self penned and the trad songs is just incredible. The imagery in 'Summerfield Avenue', the unbelievable 'England in Ribbons', and the interpretation of 'The Lady of York' is incredible. This, following on from the amazing 'The Lark Descending' album I think holds him up as one of our most important folk artists of recent years. Is it just me or does anyone else have this opinion? |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Les in Chorlton Date: 25 Jan 08 - 05:09 PM He is seriously special. his voice and the way he tells a tale - just does it for me. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Gene Burton Date: 25 Jan 08 - 05:31 PM "...does anyone else have this opinion" Yes, they do. On the other hand... :) |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: RTim Date: 25 Jan 08 - 05:41 PM I listen to him sing and play whenever I can -Trespasser is simply (well quite complex actually) wonderful, as are all of his recording. In the flesh, he is also very very good, there is a quietness and connection about his performances that are spell binding. This is a note from someone who praises others very seldomly! Tim Radford |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: melodeonboy Date: 26 Jan 08 - 06:48 AM I'm of the same opinion as you, Rich. An outstanding artist. It's very moving to see him live. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer (cookieless) Date: 26 Jan 08 - 10:28 AM Trespasser is a gorgeous album and one that kind of creeps up on you. His tunes are rarely particularly obvious, but when they click into place after a few listenings, they make absolute sense. Lovely voice, too. Nigel |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Guest Date: 26 Jan 08 - 11:28 AM Wish he'd play with Andy Cutting more though. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 26 Jan 08 - 11:36 AM He does, or at least says that he and Mr Cutting are still available for ceilidhs, though I'd imagine a fair amount of notice is necessary to negotiate colliding diaries. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Ed Date: 26 Jan 08 - 12:04 PM I agree. I think he's excellent. I bought the Wood, Wilson, Carthy album years ago but only really appreciated him as a solo artist after hearing his support slot on the Imagined Village tour last autumn. He was superb. For those who don't know him, there are a few songs (including the genius 'One in a million') on his MySpace Website. Give him a listen. Ed |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Jeff Date: 26 Jan 08 - 07:42 PM Thanks Ed, I gave him a listen and am duly impressed. On 'The Cottager's Reply' he's got his guitar tuned to an open C, which gives it that rich sound. Sounds like very heavy guage strings, too. Didn't bother trying to figure the guitar on 'One In A Million'. Haven't listened to the other two songs on his MySpace page, but I'm sure they're equally as brilliant. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:06 AM For me , Chris is a very special artist. I love all the combinations of English Acoustic Collective, or with Andy or with Hugh Lupton Annoyingly, with all his talent he is also an extremely nice man. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer (cookieless again) Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:34 AM Can I also add how much I like the Two Duos Quartet CD with Chris, Andy Cutting, Karen Tweed and Ian Carr? Ever managed to knock a non-folkie friend out with it last night... Nigel |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Rich Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:35 AM I only have his solo albums, does anyone have any recommendations for others, I know he has done a lot of stuff with other people, but I'm not really sure where to start. I tend to be a song as opposed to a tune man, if that helps... |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer (cookieless) Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:43 AM Rich - check out 'Ghosts' by the English Acoustic Collective. My favourite album Chris has been involved in. Mixture of songs and tunes, but probably more songs... english acoustic collective Nigel |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:03 PM The same message as I've just posted on another thread about Anne Lister. Please could people refrain from posting the names of artists as thread headings without any other indication. It always tends to read as if they might have died. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:09 PM Seconded. It's very alarming. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:29 PM Says more about your own morbid tendencies does'nt it! Another vote for Ghosts by EAC, though the standard of Chris's work is generally excellent i also like the 2 albums with Andy Cutting (Knock John and one with a French sounding name starting with an L) |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:31 PM Quote: "Another vote for Ghosts by EAC, though the standard of Chris's work is generally excellent." What I meant by that is its unlikely that you would be disappointed with any of them. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:42 PM I suppose you mean Lusignac (or you might mean Live at Sidmouth. You can't mean Lisa because it's sold out, which is shame because it's the best of all. If you come across Chris Wood's former collaborator Andy Turner, he might have a tape copy of Love Death & The Cossack that they made together around two decades ago. Then there's early Oysterband in which he played bass. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:46 PM My flow was interrupted. The Andy Turner/Chris Wood tape is Love Death & The Cossack. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Mrs_Annie Date: 27 Jan 08 - 12:47 PM I suppose you mean Lusignac (or you might mean Live at Sidmouth. You can't mean Lisa because it's sold out, which is shame because it's the best of all I've been trying to find Lisa for several years now without success, it's the only one I haven't got. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 27 Jan 08 - 04:07 PM Lusignac - yes Diane that does sound more French than Live at Sidmouth!! |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: John Routledge Date: 27 Jan 08 - 04:27 PM He held a full house spellbound in Glasgow last Sunday. Julie Fowlis headlined - Chris must be the best "Support" act she will ever have. :0) |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Richard Bridge Date: 27 Jan 08 - 04:45 PM I'm liking what I can find on youtube and Myspace - perhaps I should buy one! |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Rich Date: 27 Jan 08 - 05:03 PM Cheers, I will definitely get 'Ghosts' - thanks for that. Richard - go get some my friend, I can certainly recommend The Lark Descending and Trespasser - his solo albums - fantastic. As for other things to try see above. Re: the thread heading, sorry guys, I did not mean to alarm anyone, but don't worry if ever I post that anyone has kicked the bucket, I will put: FIRSTNAME SURNAME - DEAD as the title. Just to be absolutely clear. :-) Sorry, only messing. Cheers, Rich
-Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: michaelr Date: 27 Jan 08 - 06:37 PM Interesting man, just what English folk may need at this time... check out his article here. I didn't find his website per se... how can an US-based person get his recordings? Cheers, Michael |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Splott Man Date: 28 Jan 08 - 04:04 AM We had Frank Hennessy's Celtic Heartbeat on playback on Sunday morning, loud as we were busy about the house. He played One In A Million, and it just stopped us in our tracks. What a song! |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 28 Jan 08 - 04:13 AM The words of One In A Million (aka The Fish & Chips Song) were written by his collaborator Hugh Lupton. It doesn't make much sense unless coupled with Lord Bateman in an almost 20-minute-long marathon such as he achieved once live on Late Junction. I would indeed be a shame if he were to be stereotyped for just this one song. In response to the US-based person who wants to buy Chris Wood recordings: go two icons further to the right on the English Acoustic Collecive site from the JMI link you posted and this is the online shop. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Saro Date: 28 Jan 08 - 05:57 AM Diane, I was struck by "One in million" when I heard it on the radio, but didn't realise the lyrics were by Hugh, so thanks for that information. However, why do you feel it only makes sense when coupled with Lord Bateman - the story seemed to make sense to me with no trouble. On the other hand, I do sing Lord Bateman, so it might be in my head as an unconscious reference. Or maybe there is something about "One in a Million" that I've missed! Both great songs of course... Saro |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 28 Jan 08 - 06:17 AM "Old Bateman kept a chip shop And his daughter Peggy Sue She cleaned the fish and took the orders . . . " In the end, even after her bad behaviour, the ring came back. The chances were "one in a million". Just as Susie Pye hitchhikes from Turkey and finds Bateman in his castle just in the nick of time before his wedding to someone else. Something to do with Amor Vincit Omnia. I wouldn't know. What I'd like to have proved once and for all is that Susie/Shusha and Bateman/Beichan's son really was Thomas Becket. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Rich Date: 28 Jan 08 - 06:31 AM I still think the song works on its own though, even though as you rightly point out there are parallels. However, I think Hugh Lupton was a little out in one of his statistical references in the song. Although the ring, the chippy and the girl may have been one in a million, I think the actual chances of the ring coming back were one in 283 412 729 801. We'll let him off though. I think the song is just incredible, one of today's most brilliant tales of love and life. The saddest thing is that so many people will probably never hear it, such a shame. Then again, I suppose that is true of lots of great music. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Ed Date: 29 Jan 08 - 05:08 AM I think there is a need to realise that Diane Easby saying something doesn't make it correct. 'One in a million' is a fine song. Period. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 29 Jan 08 - 05:32 AM What I said about One In A Million is that Peggy Bateman behaved like a total arse towards the possibly dimwitted Billy Smith. I made no comment on the song itself other than that it makes better sense viewed in the context of Child #53. The fact that the tracks are adjacent on The Lark Descending and that Chris Wood also performs them consecutively (given the strength) in live performance should be a bit of a clue. I'm more than a bit bored by those who say "Oooh, isn't it nice?" It's a bit like judging Steeleye Span by All Around My Hat and pestering Spiers & Boden to do The Prickle Eye Bush. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Richard Bridge Date: 29 Jan 08 - 08:58 AM You know I was just about to say that mudcat standards are clearly slipping. Here is a thread about a live performer of relatively young age and no-one yet has said that the performer is rubbish! |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 29 Jan 08 - 11:59 AM Chris is 48 |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Giant Folk Eyeball (inactive) Date: 29 Jan 08 - 12:07 PM Four years older than me. That's young! |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: Richard Bridge Date: 29 Jan 08 - 01:53 PM Not young, but relatively young. That's what I said. |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 29 Jan 08 - 02:09 PM Get out of it Richard its not relative anything - its 48 An experienced artist who knows his trade and has been plying it professionally for nearly 3 decades - so don't be condescending |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: The Borchester Echo Date: 29 Jan 08 - 02:17 PM Good grief, it's only about a quarter of a century since Chris Wood started off in the Oysterband. Must be due for a Horizon For Newcomers before long . . . |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Rich Date: 29 Jan 08 - 03:14 PM Funny enough I was thinking about this today. Not wanting to cause a row with you Diane but I actually think that Hugh Lupton is careful not to make us think Peggy is an arse. I think he is very careful not to make any of the characters 'bad'. I think the contextual information is all there for us to understand her initial reaction. She is a young, beautiful woman, for whom dreams of a good life are fast passing her by because she has worked (it seems) in her dad's chippy all her life, with little hope of ever getting out. Accepting his initial offer (when I assume she was still quite young) would have been a resignation that she was never going to get out of a life she doesn't like and that all her dreams are gone. She wasn't ready to give up on that yet, even though she 'likes' Billy. In addition, she doesn't know the value of the ring or what Billy has put into it. Only years later, when she is older does she realise what is in front of her. I actually think this is one of the brilliant things about the song, that nobody is an arse, they are just all dealing with their life the best they can, in the only way they know how. Anyway, that's just what I get from it. Hugh - are you out there? can you tell us more :-) |
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Subject: RE: Chris Wood From: KeithofChester Date: 20 Feb 08 - 11:56 AM Chris Wood is apparently talking about Trespasser on tonight's Kate Rusby's Mike Harding Show on BBC Radio 2 (7pm GMT). |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: katlaughing Date: 21 Feb 08 - 04:05 PM Just found out about this by reading something about Hugh Lupton on another thread. I am listening to Chris on My space. Wow! Beautiful and definitely will get his CD. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: GUEST,Rich Date: 21 Feb 08 - 04:30 PM Since starting this thread, I have booked Chris to come and play in Southport on November 5th. I can't wait. I will put some details on the mudcat site nearer the time. Just going to listen to last nights Radio 2 show on the iPlayer, as I missed it last night. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 22 Feb 08 - 06:49 AM http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/video/default.asp Thats a link to the really good spiral earth web site, where amongst many other very interesting things is a 20 minute video interview with Chris. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 22 Feb 08 - 06:49 AM Well its not a link but go there anyway |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: KeithofChester Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:01 AM Chris got a lot longer with Spiral Earth than Mike Harding gave him the other night, but sadly that's always the case on Radio 2 unless it is one or two very eminent worthies. I don't think I've ever seen or heard an interview before where The Fair One from Show of Hands got to say so much without The Dark One interupting him. Phil has quite a bit to say about things with Jez Lowe, Mawkin:Causely and Jackie Oates in that. Then there is a separate nice interview with Jackie on her own too. Spiral Earth Videos |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: Paco Rabanne Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:23 AM Hey ,that Spiral Earth site looks a bit good! |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:25 AM Thanks for doing the link properly Keith I thought the SOH interview was really quite unusual to - the dark one made some odd jokes (one about Miranda Sykes involvement with the band)but anyway a great little web site I think |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: mattkeen Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:39 AM QUOTE Guest,Jeff ...... On 'The Cottager's Reply' he's got his guitar tuned to an open C, which gives it that rich sound. Sounds like very heavy gauage strings, too. ......" Hi Jeff Chris uses a Csus2 tuning that goes C G C G D C |
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Subject: RE: Review: Chris Wood From: GUEST,jeff Date: 22 Feb 08 - 11:22 PM Thank you, mattkeen. I've worked up a version using: C G C F A D. I could tell I was missing some of the notes when I broke it down, but it's close enough. I've written down the notes you gave and will give it a go, but when I play the song for people I'll use my own tuning...have too much respect for Mr. Wood than to try and lift the whole thing. My wife and I live in an area outside of Nashville, TN that's experiencing very much the same situation that are expressed in this song. Wealthy urbanites buying up old family farms and building mansions just out of sight over the ridges. But they leave the old farm houses visible...like lawn ornaments. |
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