The Muse

The Muse

The Wood Brothers, featuring acoustic bassist Chris Wood of Medeski, Martin & Wood and brother Oliver, grabbed the perfect producer (alt-country icon Buddy Miller) for their fourth album, The Muse. Here, all the comparisons to The Band remain in place. It’s inevitable; The Band wrote the rulebook, and all great practitioners follow through. There’s even a horn section employed in spots to remind you of the Allen Toussaint collaborations on Rock of Ages. These aren’t shortcomings when played by such able musicians. Getting into that peculiar pocket where a band swings, shuffles, and rocks is no easy play, and yet The Wood Brothers find it as naturally as breathing. “Wastin’ My Mind” and “Honey Jar” are manifestations of that talent. The title track is a teaser, playing out as a number with acoustic guitar and vocals but always with the threat of the band lurking in the tension. “Keep Me Around” is more straightforward, celebrating its basic acoustic flow with perfect country harmonies. “I Got Loaded” adds a touch of calypso to the brothers’ usual roots.

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