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Wilder Woods and Abraham Alexander Play a Smokin' Show at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
These are high times to be Wilder Woods. Not only is the singer, songwriter and guitarist riding a wave of achievement on the strength of his recently released sophomore record FEVER / SKY out now on Dualtone Records. But, his other band NEEDTOBREATHE has become one of the hottest touring acts in America after more than a decade and a half of grinding it out on the road. So, it was a celebratory occasion on April 20, 2023 when W.W. rolled into the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee for a much anticipated showcase that was also streamed live around the world in benefit of OneWorld Health.
Bear moves into the crowd to close out a memorable night in Music City.
Now for the confusing part. When Wilder Woods was introduced in 2019 the act was portrayed as an alter-ego or pseudonym for musician Bear Rinehart. The destination on the web even goes so far to be named "I Am Wilder Woods". But, in Nashville, Bear - or, Wilder - introduced his large band several times saying, "We are Wilder Woods". What really matters is that the group is an amazing outlet for powerful roots-rock and R&B infused anthems alongside potent, reflective moments. The fact is that Rinehart might even be making catchier more radio-friendly fare with this intoxicating group of musicians. He sees Wilder Woods as a creative outlet independent of the beloved NTB where he can offer another side of himself and experiment with different sounds, themes and textures - and he does this to great success.
Wilder Woods play to a packed house on 3rd Avenue.
Bear stepped up to the microphone to declare that - in his opinion - Nashville is the greatest live music city in the world. He described how Wilder Woods was named after his two oldest sons before offering "Make Your Own Mistakes" dedicated to them with some humorous accounts of his own past and recent mistakes added in at the start. But, there is no error in regard to this band that he called his passion project and likened to the early days in NEEDTOBREATHE. He name-checked the venues they performed at in Music City mentioning playing at the Exit/In, Cannery Ballroom, 12th & Porter, Ryman Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater and Bridgestone Arena on previous trips to town.
Bear or Wilder? Either way - so good!
Wilder Woods is very strong in a live setting with a configuration similar to NTB making it familiar for both fans and the lead singer. Anthems from the new record like "Go Ahead" and "Maestro (Tears Don't Lie)" combined with the pure pop perfection of the lullaby-like "Supply & Demand" - the first single from the debut album - have the power and potential to propel this outfit to Arena Rock status in their own right if they keep moving in the direction they are heading. And, that's pretty rarified territory if you think about the handful of acts that have been able to make that similar journey fronting different groups from the ones that launched them. Think Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Diana Ross and Stevie Nicks. There's been a few but not many. For now Bear and company are on a wild ride that is progressing along nicely.
No sophomore jinx for Wilder Woods - the amazing second album is here.
At the sold-out Brooklyn Bowl, Wilder Woods ended the concert with a more intimate approach as Bear with an acoustic guitar made his way to the middle of the floor to serenade the fans sans microphone with a heartfelt version of "Heartland" sending everyone home heartened for what they had just witnessed - an amazing concert by a truly awesome act in the best live music town in the world.
Lighting 100 presented Wilder Woods at the Brooklyn Bowl.
Opening for Wilder Woods was rising singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander who is on the road in support of his debut album SEA/SONS out now on Dualtone Records. In, Nashville which he said "might be my favorite town", Abraham had no trouble winning the crowd over with his strong singing and guitar playing. Early on during a pause in the music someone bowled a strike that had everyone laughing including the performer. The smiles continued for the now Texas-based artist who was born in Greece to parents of Nigerian descent when the packed house sang along with him on the solid "Stay" from his record.
Abraham Alexander easily won the crowd over in Nashville.
About OneWorld Health: OneWorld Health exists to provide quality, affordable healthcare to people in need. They fill the gaps left by governmental, temporary and narrowly focused healthcare efforts by creating a smarter, sustainable, permanent approach that puts the power to heal back into the community's hands. They build healthcare facilities that provide a full scope of medical services and are designed to be affordable and accessible. OneWorld Health's vision is to see impoverished communities take ownership in a sustainable healthcare model, so that they become empowered to bring about long-term change and tangible improvements in their health and quality of life. OneWorld Health's mission is to provide quality, affordable healthcare to people in need. We have developed a model that provides affordable healthcare to the communities who need it most and does not require ongoing support to keep the doors open.
The debut album from Abraham Alexander dropped in April.
WILDER WOODS SETLIST: Sure Ain't | Go Ahead | Mary, You're Wrong | Light Shine In | Criminal | Someday Soon | Patience | Feel | Make Your Own Mistakes | Get Back (Beatles cover) | Electric Woman | Be the Man | Cochise (Audioslave cover) | Be Yourself | Supply & Demand | Encore | Maestro | Heartland
At the sold-out Brooklyn Bowl with Wilder Woods.
Related Links:
For more information on WILDER WOODS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Wilder Woods |
Abraham Alexander |
OneWorld Health |
Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
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