NASHVILLE, Tenn., — September 20, 2018 — Today, prolific singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Beth Wood is pleased to announce her 11th studio album, The Long Road, set for release on November 16th. Produced by Tyler Fortier in Wood’s home studio 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.
Joining Wood in the studio were bassist Milo Fultz, drummer Jeramy Burchett, fiddle-player Anna Tivel, pedal steel guitarist Bryan Daste, and vocalists Peter Mulvey and Ara Lee. Also featured are guitarist Peter Perdichizzi, organist Brandon Bush, pianist Nathan Alef, and vocals by folk/Americana duo Freddy & Francine.
“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.”
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.
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. This fall, Wood will kick off a nationwide tour to support her album release. Tour dates are listed below.
For more information on Beth Wood: http://www.bethwoodmusic.com/
Tour Dates:
9/21 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR
9/22 – The Crocodile – Seattle, WA
9/23 – The Triple Door – Seattle, WA
9/28 – HPPR Living Room Concepts – Garden City, KS
9/29 – Last Minute Folk – Topeka, KS
10/07 – Fiddler’s Crossing – Tehachapi, CA
10/13 – Songwriting Workshop – Songwriters in Seattle – Seattle, WA
10/19 – Camarilla Cafe – Camarillo, CA
10/20 – Manhattan Beach Studios In-House Concert – Redondo Beach, CA
11/01 – Listening Room of Palmer Ranch at the Music Compound – Sarasota, FL
11/02 – Mudville Music Room – Jacksonville, FL
11/03 – Academy for Five Element Acupuncture 30th Anniversary Gala – Gainesville, FL
11/09 – Alberta Street Pub – Portland, OR
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