BOB WOOD

   Singer ~ guitarist

  Biographic details

                  

Bob Wood, from the west of Scotland, became drawn to folk music in his teens. He took hold of his first guitar some time back in the last century.

Having fumbled his way around the fingerboard for a bit, Bob and an accomplice formed a guitar /close harmony duo. Playing chiefly traditional music, they were soon making a small mark on the burgeoning Scottish club and university circuit, and found themselves opening concerts for such showstoppers of the time as The Corries, Gallagher & Lyle, Billy Connolly & Gerry Rafferty (aka The Humblebums,) and a host of others.

Bob moved to London in 1972 and has been active ever since as a soloist. To this day, he also remains a founder member and organiser of the Ram Folk Club in Thames Ditton, Surrey, now in its 26th year and voted BBC Folk Club of the Year 2007 ~ 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, Mark Feltham, Lee Collinson and 2009 BBC Musician of the Year, Tom McConville), 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.

He is an experienced performer who has guested at countless clubs and festivals throughout the UK, and has featured on various radio programmes. He has also hosted and organised guitar workshops, focusing on alternative guitar tunings and song accompaniment.

On a more occasional basis and as a departure from his regular repertoire, Bob also gigs with Benny Gallagher (McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle). In December 2008, Benny released his most recent album At the Edge of the Wave on which Bob contributed harmony vocals and second guitar parts to a number of Benny’s recent compositions. The two also performed the songs from the album at Dougie MacLean’s 2008 Perthshire Amber Festival.

Bob’s regular 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 Pete Morton; from Archie Fisher to Hank Williams; plus a smattering of pipe, harp and other tunes on guitar.

02086 869421 (home)
07908 992794 (mobile)
email@bobwood.co.uk

Bob and Benny at the Ram Club October 2006