Today, prolific singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Beth Wood is pleased to release her highly anticipated album, The Long Road. The album, Wood’s 11th studio production, has been highly acclaimed by Wide Open Country, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and Glide Magazine who says, “It’s the combination of Wood’s soaring soprano and her gifts for melody and catchy hooks that stand out. There’s both an intimacy and honesty that rings through in these songs.” Produced by Tyler Fortier at The Rye Room in Portland, Oregon, the album was crafted to create a sound harkening to a live musical performance. Ever the poet and storyteller, the 11 tracks on the album are a collection of stories that will have listeners feeling, healing, and standing back up again right beside her. The Long Road is available for purchase on Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, Amazon, and through Wood’s website, as well as streaming on all major platforms.
The songs on the album build on a variety of themes, from breaking free from a busted relationship in “Where I Go” to faith and redemption in “Painted Lines.” Wood’s delivery is warm and intimate; like a close friend, she’s someone with whom listeners feel comfortable opening up their own hearts and memories. Her crisp, crystalline vocals in songs like “One Shot” are sure to garner – as they frequently do – comparisons to Dolly Parton, one of Wood’s inspirations and longtime idols. Given that Wood has spent most of her life writing, performing, and growing, the title track is a stunningly perfect representation of her journey so far.
“Making this album was the fulfillment of a dream from start to finish,” Wood said. “To be able to record at a beautiful studio in my hometown with the people I most wanted to work with; to record live and capture the magic we did in two days and then build upon it; to co-create a vision with my producer Tyler Fortier and then make it come true – all of these things felt like not just the culmination of twenty years of work, but a reward for it.”
Joining Wood in the studio were bassist Milo Fultz, drummer Jeramy Burchett, fiddle-player Anna Tivel, pedal steel guitarist Bryan Daste, and vocalist Ara Lee. Also featured are guitarist Peter Perdichizzi, organist Brandon Bush, pianist Nathan Alef, and vocals by folk/Americana duo Freddy & Francine.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Wood grew up studying classical music (including piano, harp, violin, and voice). She’s a sensational singer, a prolific songwriter, and an inspired poet, but perhaps the most striking thing about this multi-talented artist is her innate ability to connect with an audience. With every song, she crafts a form of art-as-personal-therapy with the hope that she can throw a lifeline to others in the process.
“I think that’s part of the magic of sharing the things we create – whether it’s based on anger, grief, or sorrow,” Wood says. “There’s this hope that it will resonate with everyone else and they’ll feel less alone in their experience.”
Wood’s winding journey has led to the release of 10 solo albums, a roar of critical acclaim, awards, and devoted fans around the world. She’s been presented with the Kerrville New Folk Award, the Sisters Folk Festival Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Award, and has won the Billboard World Song Contest. Her innate ability to stir emotion and connect with listeners took her from the stage in crowded bars to opening for Steve Winwood, Shawn Colvin, Michael McDonald, Sam Bush, Lizz Wright among others; getting a feature on the nationally-syndicated documentary-style show, “Troubadour, TX;” performing with blues rocker Chris Whitley, and being invited to join the world’s most iconic singer-songwriters as a featured artist in “A Journey Through Song” on Cayamo Cruises. Over the years, the Cayamo roster has included greats such as Keb’ Mo’, Steve Earle, and Lyle Lovett.
Wood continues to tour and perform her original music, appearing at dozens of Americana and folk festivals, music venues and private shows throughout the world. Wood will continue a nationwide tour in support of her album release. Tour dates are listed below.
For more information on Beth Wood: http://www.bethwoodmusic.com/
Tour Dates:
11/16 – Anderson Fair – Houston, TX
11/17 – The Epic Theater – Grand Prairie, TX
11/18 – MCL Grand – Lewisville, TX
11/24 – The Old Firehouse – Edom, TX
12/14 – Eugene Caldera Songwriters Concert – Eugene, OR
12/15 – Artichoke Music Holiday Concert – Portland, OR
1/17 – BlackRock Center for the Arts – Germantown, MD
1/19 – Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall – Winston-Salem, NC
1/25 – Red Clay Music Foundry – Duluth, GA
2/02 – Doverlaff House Concerts – Portland, OR