Bob Wood Folk Singer

BOB WOOD

Singer ~ guitarist

Biographic details

Bob Wood grew up in Ayr on the west coast of Scotland . He became drawn irresistibly to folk music in his teens and took hold of his first guitar some time back in the last century.

Having fumbled his way around the fingerboard, Bob and an accomplice adopted their middle names to form a guitar /close harmony duo known as McKinlay and James. Playing chiefly traditional music, they were soon making a mark on the then burgeoning Scottish club and university circuit, and found themselves opening concerts for such showstoppers of the time as The Corries, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty (aka The Humblebums), Gallagher and Lyle, Magna Carta and a host of others.

Bob then moved to London where he has been active ever since as a soloist on the city and Home Counties club scene, whether as a guest performer or club resident, including ~ in the latter category, for several years at London’s Cecil Sharp House folk club. To this day, he also remains a founder member and organiser of the prestigious Ram Folk Club in Claygate Surrey, now in its storming 23rd year ~ www.theramclub.co.uk

Bob’s debut album When the Moon Sits Fat on a Scudding Cloud (14 tracks with guest appearances from Benny Gallagher, Pauline Cato, Tom McConville, Mark Feltham and Lee Collinson), has been described as delightful, haunting, reflective and exquisite : sample reviews attached from FROOTS, IRISH MUSIC and LIVING TRADITION magazines.

Down the years he has quietly developed as a warm and engaging solo singer and performer, with an easy going sense of humour. He is also known as a highly accomplished finger style guitarist. Exploring a range of open tunings, his playing and song interpretations have been described as displaying rare sensitivity , lightness of touch and great technique. [Guitars built by Rob Armstrong and Stefan Sobell - see www.sobellinstruments.com. Elixir Nanoweb light-medium strings. Also check out www.pegasus-cases.com.

He is an experienced performer who has guested at countless clubs and festivals throughout the

, and has featured on various radio programmes. He has also hosted and organised guitar workshops, focusing on alternative guitar tunings and song accompaniment.

In 2004, Bob’s playing was featured on ‘Vanishing Girl’, the second album of the hugely talented Liz Simcock ~ www.lizsimcock.com.

On a more occasional basis and as a departure from his regular repertoire, Bob also gigs with Benny Gallagher (McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle) and, during 2006 the two have been in the recording studio with Bob providing harmony vocals and second guitar parts to a number of Benny’s recent compositions. Check out his website at www.bennygallagher.com.

Bob’s repertoire nowadays retains firm links with the tradition, but includes also a splendid array of more contemporary songs. Expect therefore to hear material ranging from Robert Burns to Lyle Lovett; from Archie Fisher to Hank Williams; plus a smattering of pipe, harp and other tunes on guitar.