Music Style Blues Rock

Musical Influences John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmi Hendrix

Artist History Memphis-based guitarist and singer Wood, long a music fan favorite in his native Bay Area, has taken his music around the world and back again - in the space of two album releases - with a sheaf of praise from critics, musicians and industry insiders alike. His smoking, yet always tasty, guitar tone is inflected with "done it all, seen it all" Rock, and "born to sing the Blues" aptly describes his unique vocal sound. Currently rehearsing with his band for the summer kickoff of his "Blues Is My Business" U.S. tour, Wood should only boost his visibility and name value while reinforcing markets where airplay and sales are skyrocketing. Crossover success does not seem out of the question. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Wood started playing guitar at the age of eleven. Initially inspired by George Harrison, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Mike Bloomfield, he journeyed into the roots of his heroes, only to discover and meticulously study the legendary talents of John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters. On his 20th birthday, through a series of propitious circumstances, Wood was in a recording studio with blues legend John Lee Hooker, and the likes of Van Morrison, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite. He spent two years on the road with Hooker and his Coast To Coast Blues Band, recorded three albums and soaked up the unadulterated styling of the late classic Chicago blues guitarist Luther Tucker. After performing with his own bands back in the Bay Area - culminating with four consecutive appearances at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival and opening for such artists as Stephen Stills, James Brown, Albert King, Albert Collins and The Tubes - Wood took his music to Europe for two years, riding the blues circuit in Amsterdam and Hamburg. Returning to the States in 1997, Wood relocated to Memphis, taking advantage of the close proximity of northern Mississippi's "hill country" blues scene at Junior Kimbrough's and becoming a mainstay on the esteemed Beale Streat club circuit. His self-produced tribute album, "Bridgeburner", was recorded in 1999. It was on world-famous Beale Street that same year that Wood met Memphis producer Jack Holder, well-known in music circles for his own guitar prowess and for producing/recording such artists as Buddy Guy, Albert King, Travis Tritt, Jonny Lang, Shannon Curfman and Black Oak Arkansas. At Holder's suggestion, Wood began work on his second solo album - adding 'songwriter' to his credit list with original material - and nine months later, in May 2001, this effort was born as the acclaimed "Blues Is My Business" CD. Wood and Holder's mutual admiration society is in evidence on this first class, top shelf production currently receiving airplay from Hawaii to St. Louis to Belgium and critical praise from both fans and industry insiders. Look for Paul Wood playing a venue near you during his "Blues Is My Business" tour; you'll kick yourself if you miss this future guitar legend in action... headed to the top.

Press Reviews Go to my website, Paul-Wood.com

Location Memphis, TN - USA

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