"Soul is the essence of all great music. Blues music is particularly soulful expression of all human emotions. That is why it is universally loved. People can find joy, sadness, hope, and it helps with the human condition to express these emotions."

Mitch Woods: Friends Along the Way

San Francisco Bay Area roots keyboard wizard Mitch Woods has set an August 18 release date for the expanded deluxe edition of his 2-CD album set, Friends Along the Way, on Club 88 Records, distributed by The Orchard. The multi-disc set features Woods in simple duo and trio settings with such stars as Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, Marcia Ball, John Lee Hooker and many more. The theme of friendship has carried Mitch Woods along throughout his life and led him to this career-defining project.  Originally released in 2017 on the eOne imprint, the Deluxe Edition of Friends Along the Way, totals 21 cuts, with the last five tracks having been previously unreleased. Upon its initial release, eOne decided they would become a film company and dropped all promotion on its musical releases, including Mitch Woods’ Friends Along the Way.               (Mitch Woods / Photo by Jeff Fasano)

Mitch Woods has delivered a career spanning tour de force on Friends Along the Way. What you hear on these songs is a simple duo or trio of musicians each expressing their innermost feelings and emotions through their instrument... the voice, piano, guitar, harmonica, tambourine... anything that can communicate the feelings, the rhythms of life to the audience. Friends Along the Way finds Mitch reaching into his historical sense of music. He reaches backwards to the roots rather than forward for his inspiration. With Friends Along the Way, Mitch wanted to get a chance to play with some of his contemporaries in an intimate and mostly unplugged environment. The piano as an instrument lends itself to this format so perfectly.  Mitch can play rhythm, lead, bass, and sing while accompanying some of his friends, who happen to be today’s blues and musical greats. It is a great instrument for bringing out the best of these awesome artists who are keeping the blues flame burning for generations to come.

Interview by Michael Limnios       Archive: 2015 Mitch Woods interview @ blues.gr

Special Thanks: Mitch Woods & Mark Pucci Media

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better musician?

The hardest obstacle was Covid pandemic shutdown. For 2 years I had to completely abandon performing which I love. I did what I could and found that I could be creative in different ways. I did virtual shows via Facebook, etc. but I also started editing all the great video I have accumulated over 40 years of travel and performance around the world. Now I can present some of these gems to my fans and the public.

What moment changed your music life the most? How has the music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

When I first heard someone play piano when I was 10 or 11 years old. I decided I wanted to play piano. Music has taken me around the world. I love travel and I love people. I have been able to experience different cultures and make friends around the world. It has taught me that people all over the world are one. All of us have the same needs and desires.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Keep playing, don’t give up, and get paid!

"When I first heard someone play piano when I was 10 or 11 years old. I decided I wanted to play piano. Music has taken me around the world. I love travel and I love people. I have been able to experience different cultures and make friends around the world. It has taught me that people all over the world are one. All of us have the same needs and desires." (Taj Mahal, Van Morrison and Mitch Woods / Photo by Jason Villemarette)

You’ve a Deluxe Edition of album “Friends Along The Way” (2017) with Van Morrison JLH, Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite and many more. How did that relationship with all of them greats musicians come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of album?

I had an earlier album titled "Keeper of The Flame" where I played duets with the great American Blues musicians including John Lee Hooker, Johnnie Johnson, Earl King, James Cotton, and Lee Allen. I decided it would be great to do another duet album this time with my contemporaries who happen to all be my friends.

Van Morrison used to live near me in California and we became friends over many years. I had never recorded with him, but I asked him if he would like to play on FATW and he agreed. I was flattered and a bit awe inspired. The Gods were on my side as he was playing the New Orleans Jazzfest, and so was Taj. So I asked Taj if he would like to play with me and Van and he agreed. It was magic in the studio. We were only going to do one cut, but Van got inspired and we wound up doing 3 tunes. All came out great! Van started doing Take This Hammer and we all joined in, but the tape was not rolling! I asked if we could do another take and he said yes, and it came out magical.

Taj has been a friend since our meeting on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop both lived in the San Francisco Bay area so we have played together and been friends for many years as well. And so it goes with all the rest of the wonderful artists on this album. We have been touring and playing together at many festivals and all agreed to play on my album. I am forever grateful to them.

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the Blues/Jazz/Roots music?

Soul is the essence of all great music. Blues music is particularly soulful expression of all human emotions. That is why it is universally loved. People can find joy, sadness, hope, and it helps with the human condition to express these emotions.

"The hardest obstacle was Covid pandemic shutdown. For 2 years I had to completely abandon performing which I love. I did what I could and found that I could be creative in different ways. I did virtual shows via Facebook, etc. but I also started editing all the great video I have accumulated over 40 years of travel and performance around the world. Now I can present some of these gems to my fans and the public."

(Mitch Woods / Photo by Jeff Fasano)

Do you think there is an audience for Roots music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Yes, there is an audience for Roots music. I always find that when people here me they love it. They may not be familiar with the style of music but young and old all enjoy it and become curious about where it came from. I try and preserve and carry on some of the essence of Roots music to the current audience.

There are many young musicians coming up that are giving hope to Blues and Roots. Dylan Triplett, who I played with is 21 and very soulful, also Christone "Kingfish" Anderson is great, and many more. So I have hope that Blues will survive.

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