On June 1st 1998 a handful of people gathered at a night club in Tempe Arizona. The band was billed as....there was no billing for the band. The entertainment section read “live entertainment.” At the night club, security checked with the owner before allowing the band and sound crew to set up.

The doorman was overheard telling a potential patron, “I’VE never heard them!” But this was a band that performed 20 gigs each month in the mid 90s’....and never had its name in print. Sick, Tired, And Wounded. ...broken bones, head colds, and hangovers, the band performed as they had done in the past, with no promotion, little audience, no rehearsal, and a direct line to the nearest hospital. Still, those who were there, be it by chance, dinner, or dumb luck, were entertained. One fan got so excited he thought he was seeing another band. He started yelling the name of the wrong band. The Woodguys continued playing. After the show the doorman, who had remained outside the whole night, still didn’t know who the band was but this recording proves that there WAS a show and that the band DID play.

MYSTERY has always been an odd thing. What has kept The Wouldband out of the spotlight can only be compared to Van Gogh and his attempts to sell his paintings...or maybe it is like the electric car. Jason Grossman, David Frost, and Joe Montero are at the heart of the band. Larry Anderson is on sax and performs with them today. Others have been added on. This multi-rhythmic and ethnic blend of songs written by the The Woodmen and a band called Mr. Sunshine create a sound that has been compared to Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Pantera, Paul Simon, and Arrowsmith.

So why has no one heard of them?
After winning the Music Voice Award for Best Unsigned Band in 1993, one would think The Wood Band would have gone on to stadiums. This was not to be. Although they toured extensively for a weekend in California “the guys” (as they were often called ) performed in bars and restaurants like Fatso’s Pizza. “They took our picture down, but we used to play there.” the guys said recently. Writing the liner notes required me to call some of the local media in Phoenix and inquire about the band. No one had heard of them...not radio stations, TV, not even the local newspapers...even after they had received the band’s flyers. “We get a lot of mail.” said a mail boy who would rather remain annonomous. This recording proves once and for all that the band did and maybe still does exist.

The Woodman’s music covers life observations about life, prison, God, death, and life, and more death. While this writer has never actually heard the music, or seen the band, I’m sure it is good and well worth the playing time. I listen to records and don’t own a CD player.

Separated at birth (they were originally “Brothers Wood”) these fellows put on one hell of a show.