Artwoods… For Arts Sake
Art Wood brother of Birds guitarist Ron Wood started out as a member of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. Art would eventually front his own band, The Art Woods Combo until his groove ridden Red Bludd’s Bluesicians which evolved into Artwoods in 1963. The final Artwoods compliment comprised ex Bludd’s Bluesicians guitarist Derek Griffiths, vocalist Art Wood & keyboardist Jon Lord who started out with the Bill Ashton Combo, joined by ex Ice Blue drummer Keef Hartley and ex Roadrunner bassist Malcolm Poole. The groups debut Leadbelly’s “Sweet Mary” with full sneer vox by Art had the makings of a great opener, even lauded on ‘Ready Steady Go’. From the first note a Booker T groove signified their sound which rolled vibrantly with a jazzy scorch.
The Artwoods turned ‘Klooks Kleek’ upside down and although not as charismatic as Eric Burdon or Graham Bond seemed to have a superb longevity in their throbbing vox and roll. The groups soulful “Goodbye Sisters” almost Al Kooper was their closest commercial shave. The Artwood groove and harmonies are tightly in check with their second single, Derrick & Patsy’s “Oh My Love” but when it comes to that Lord shuffle check out Dr John’s “She Knows What To Do” or Allen Toussaint’s riffing “I Feel Good”. “One More Heartache” is fearless with Poole’s pounding bass and Hartley’s steadfast beat, I tell you the early Stones ain’t got nothing on this as they crunch through Booker T’s “Be My Lady” with Griffith fully warmed up. Artwoods opus 100 Oxford Street hold more virtue and stealth than any rolling Alexis Korner or Duffy Power. Art slows the blues rough and toxic on “Stop And I’ll Think It Over” and you know that train is coming. A jazzy EP Jazz In Jeans largely Lord in roll pounded through Hazlewood’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking”, a wow instrumental version of Bobby Scott’s “A Taste Of Honey” and an outstanding rendition of Jerry Goldsmith’s “Our Man Flint” which had heads nodding at ‘Ronnie Scotts’. The Artwoods compilation Art Gallery holds the meanest version of Jimmy Smith’s “Walk On The Wild Side” with Jon Lord never sounding better, while a superb comical edge thuds steadily through “I’m Looking For A Saxophonist”.
The Woods full of Art also charged up with an old Freddie & The Dreamers standard “If You Gotta Make A fool Of Somebody” and an infectious version of Marvin Gaye’s “One More Heartache” joined their golden repertoire. Notably the Artwoods also hold one of the golden psychedelic nugget’s of the UK which this book may be the first to reveal namely the rare single “Brother can You Spare Me A Dime”/ “St Valentine’s Day Massacre”, also known as “Al’s Party”. After forming Quiet Melon in 1969 Art was also seen backing Keef Hartley’s Dog Soldier. Jon Lord joined The Flowerpot Men and later Roundabout that evolved into Deep Purple while Keef Hartley moved through John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers until his eventual actualisation as England’s foremost blues jazz fusion group, The Keef Hartley Band.
Added: January 6th 2011
Reviewer: shiloh noone
Category: Music
Score: 
Related Link: Seekers Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear