Something downright musically mystical continues to manifest along Colorado’s front range. There’s a forward-progress movement that stems from deep within the roots of folk and Americana culture, and such is the music of Wood Belly. Today, Wood Belly is pleased to announce the release of their new album, Great Big Skies, available June 3, 2022 on Americana Vibes.
Wood Belly, who is composed of Chris Weist (mandolin), Tom Knowlton (guitar), Chris Zink (dobro), Aaron McCloskey (banjo) and Taylor Shuck (bass) hits new strides with Great Big Skies, and its first single “Old Home” available now on all streaming platforms.
“The evolution of the band is evident in these recordings. This is apparent, not only in our individual growth as players, but how we craft a song and play together as a whole,” shared Chris Zink, dobro. “Our guitar player and vocalist Tom Knowlton makes his recording debut as a member of Wood Belly and while his talents are striking and abundant throughout the album, it is the way he makes the band a tighter unit that is most impressive. With the perceptive and imaginative Jon Weisberger manning the helm as producer, Great Big Skies marks a further development of what we want to define as the Wood Belly sound, and a glimpse into where we may be heading.”
The band has been garnering attention since the release of their 2018 debut album Solid Ground, which was followed by a win at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition (earning them a main stage performance slot at the 2019 festival), as well as a 2018 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year nomination.
“The modern music world is like the wild west in some respects. There are amazing bands all over the world releasing an unending supply of great songs into the streaming ether and it can be very challenging to reach people and make an impact, shared Aaron McCloskey, banjo. “Enter Americana Vibes. Teaming up with a label that is equipped for the current climate is invaluable to us and we're thrilled to have their knowledge and guidance for the release of our new album, Great Big Skies.”
Great Big Skies is available to pre-save and preorder now at: https://fanlink.to/GreatBigSkies And give the album’s first single, “Old Home,” a spin here: https://fanlink.to/WB_OldHome
Driving Rain
Kentucky Coal
Old Home
Angel
Telluride Jubilee
Great Big Skies
The Bottle
That Kind of Blue
Bluebird
Hindsight
The Road That Takes Me Home
Though no formal touring plans have been set in stone, Wood Belly expects to hit the road for select shows in support of Great Big Skies. In the meantime, catch Wood Belly live at any of the below upcoming stops:
March 19 - Taos High Hazard Hoedown - Taos, NM
April 2 - Schmiggity’s - Steamboat Springs, CO
April 23 - Palisade Bluegrass Bash - Palisades, CO
April 26 - The Sherbino - Ridgway, CO
May 15 - Tico Time Bluegrass Festival - Aztec, NM
July 2 - Mishawaka Amphitheater - Bellvue, CO (supporting Leftover Salmon)
July 23 - Northwest String Summit - North Plains, OR
