Acclaimed rising Bluegrass/Newgrass/Grassicana quintet WOOD BELLY is looking forward to the release of their new album, Man On The Radio, on January 31 and ahead of the full-length release, they've just dropped a new single, "Caroline."
"Caroline" is available now on all digital platforms: https://woodbellymusic.com/new-release
"'Caroline' is a love song composed and performed with a more classic bluegrass timbre in mind," explains songwriter and mandolin player Chris Weist. "With Aaron's punchy banjo in the driver seat, it describes longing for the love of someone with a rambling spirit. Often times in love and relationships, the two individuals aren't on the exact same page, and 'Caroline' depicts a love so strong you would wait 'til the end of time to make it work. It's very much a nod to our traditional roots playing off the classic themes of trains, travel and heartache."
"Caroline" follows the release of previously released singles "Can't Get Behind" and "Gone Are The Days," both which feature special guest fiddler Jeremy Garrett of The Infamous Stringdusters. All three songs are included in the 13-track collection recorded at Swingfingers Studio in Fort Collins, CO with producer Sally Van Meter and engineer Aaron Youngberg, who also worked on WOOD BELLY's 2018 debut album Solid Ground.
"We are so fortunate to have worked with Sally Van Meter and Aaron Youngberg," says banjo player Aaron McCloskey. "Sally has an amazing ear for harmonies, arrangements, and groove, just what you'd expect from a Grammy winner. She's spent decades in the bluegrass industry as both a player and producer and it was easy for us to trust her experienced ears. In addition to being an excellent engineer, Aaron Youngberg is a very talented bluegrass musician. He's curated an amazing collection of vintage gear and knows just how to use it to get amazing tones."
To celebrate the release of Man On The Radio, WOOD BELLY is throwing a special hometown album release party and show on January 31 at The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO. Special guest and album collaborator Jeremy Garrett will join the band on fiddle, and show openers include Billy Failing Band (of Billy Strings) and Grace Clark Band. Tickets are on sale now via the venue's website here.
2018 was a landmark year for WOOD BELLY--Chris Weist (mandolin), Craig Patterson (guitar), Chris Zink (dobro), Aaron McCloskey (banjo) and Taylor Shuck (bass). Following the release of their debut album Solid Ground, the band won the prestigious 2018 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition (earning them a main stage performance slot at the festival the following year),as well as an IBMA Momentum Band of the Year nomination; all served to open doors and create new opportunities.
The group has shared bills with Del McCoury Band, The SteelDrivers, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Jeff Austin Band, Front Country, Wood & Wire, Trout Steak Revival, Steel Wheels, and many more, and has played an ever-expanding list of notable venues including Mishawaka Amphitheatre (Bellvue, CO), Fox Theater (Boulder), Boulder Theater, Wildflower Pavilion (Planet Bluegrass), and Cervantes' (Denver). Their festival resume includes the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Winter WonderGrass, Northwest String Summit, Palisade Bluegrass and Roots, the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, the Ogden Bluegrass Festival, Rhythms on the Rio, the Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival, the Wyoming State Bluegrass and BBQ festival, Snowygrass, Grapes and Grass, Rapidgrass, and more.
