Woodenhead formed in 1975 By Jimmy Robinson and Danny Cassin. The two were students at the Loyola University music department is New Orleans. and were pursuing degrees, Robinson in classical guitar and Cassin in cello. Both had grown up playing rock music, and had played in bands since their early days. influenced by The Beatles,The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix and Cream. In the 70's The Mahavishnu Orchestra had appeared on the scene, and now a music that combined it all, Rock, classical, jazz, seemed like a viable road to follow.
The band performed original songs in a an instrumental format, with odd meters, complicated arrangements and improvised solos. The band played New Orleans clubs like Ford's Place, and the newly opened Tipitina's. They played at the New Contemporary Arts Center in multi-style concerts with rock and jazz groups.The band was soon hired for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (by young festival promoter Quint Davis who club hopped into Ford's Place) After a series of personnel changes, the current lineup, guitarist Robinson and pianist fran Comiskey, bassist Paul Clement and drummer Mark Whitaker came together. The group has toured the U.S. and Central America and has played the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for over 20 years. The band has been the opening act for The Dixie Dregs,The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea's Elektrik Band, The John McLaughlin Trio, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Tuck And Patty, Hugh Masekela, Spyro Gyra, Robben Ford, Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Mayall, and has toured with The Steve Morse Band and Allan Holdsworth.
Biography credited to: Ken Golden
My notes:
Woodenhead is a 40+ year old band that defines the word fusion. It is also a shame that though they have been around for a long time (and with their talent), they are still relatively unknown outside of the New Orleans area. At first glace they seem to be a jazz band, but with their eclectic style, they include elements of New Orleans sounds, rock, celtic music, blues, R & B and more.
Reviews of the band hae constantly been highly positive. The great John McLaughlin of The Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1985 described Woodenhead: "A great band. Really great feeling"
Lead by guitar maestro Jimmy Robinson, Woodenhead is adventurous and have no problem bursting the confines of the genre. They definately need greater exposure. They are performing at the pre-show of Nearfest 2003, which I hope will get these musicans greater exposure across the country and beyond. I will hope to have a better biography up as I get more info. on this talented band.
DISCOGRAPHY:
WOODENHEAD
WOODENHEAD LIVE ,
HEARTPRINTS
THE BIG PICTURE MUSIC
FROM THE BIG GREEN WAREHOUSE
PERSEVERANCE
