Beth Wood
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Beth Wood

Portland, OR | Established. Jan 01, 1995 | SELF

Portland, OR | SELF
Established on Jan, 1995
Solo Americana Singer/Songwriter

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"“Modern Troubadour” Beth Wood Not Too Busy For Egan - See more at: http://www.svdp.us/news/article/local/#sthash.vm1uJpbR.dpuf"

Homeless adults in Lane County have a friend in singer/songwriter Beth Wood. Shortly before Christmas she assembled like-minded artists for an evening of entertainment to benefit the Egan Warming Center (EWC). The result was nearly $700 and a huge collection of coats, hats, gloves and other items that ease the discomfort of living outdoors.

At the time, Egan volunteers were still recovering from an 8-day activation that brought more than 400 homeless individuals out of the weather for a meal and a warm and safe to sleep. Despite record cold temperatures there was no loss of life. The Egan Warming Center operated as intended.

The Dec. 22nd event was the second colaboration by Beth Wood and the Caldera Songwriters to benefit the EWC. "For a second year we were treated to a great evening of great music and good company," said Doug Bales, Program Manager.

Beth and her husband, Marty Ochs, moved to Eugene not long after MAJ Thomas Egan froze to death during a cold spell in 2008. She was horrified initially, then greatly impressed by the grassroots effort to launch the cold-weather shelter that operates in Thomas Egan’s name. She wanted to help.

“Because I tour most of the year, I am not here consistently enough to volunteer,” Beth explained. “I tried to think of what I could do instead.”

Egan Warming Center logoWhat she could do was take to the stage at Tsunami Books along with her cadre of talented friends for an evening of music and poetry. Twice, admirers have responded, buying tickets on a sliding scale and showering the cause with clothing and cash. Last year, the cash proceeds alone funded a night of shelter.

Beth is quick to credit her fellow Caldera Songwriters: Lori Kats, Peter Newman, Sean & Hannah Mcgowan, John Shipe, Kathy Marshall, Della Perry, Steve Gibson, Ken Zimmerman, and Laura Golden, for lending their time, talent and generous spirits. She’s grateful to the folks at Tsunami: Scott Landfield, Katherine, Nate and Sean, for providing space and sound equipment.

And she appreciates those who attended. When Beth arrived in Eugene it was for her Marty's job. The job has changed, but their affection for the place has only grown.

Said Beth, “I'm grateful for all the folks who came out to listen and donated money and warm things. I am so grateful to be a part of this community.”

An essential part, according to Doug Bales.

"Benefits like these are the living heart of the Egan system that provides better food, professional staff, supplies and equipment," he said. "This community has stepped up again to provide for our most vulnerable in their time of greatest need."

- See more at: http://www.svdp.us/news/article/local/#sthash.vm1uJpbR.dpuf - St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County


"Wood makes herself at home in Eugene"


By Serena Markstrom

The Register-Guard

Published: (Friday, Feb 24, 2012 05:00AM) Midnight, Feb. 24


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Those who follow the local Americana and folk scene likely have acquainted themselves already with Beth Wood.

The singer-songwriter moved to Eugene in the summer of 2009 when her husband, Marty Ochs, took a job at Ninkasi as the fast-growing brewery’s national sales director. The pair moved from Colorado with their dog, Marble, and have started to put down roots.

“It’s a little challenging touring out of here,” Wood said during an interview in the Ninkasi tasting room. “We feel like this is home.”

Wood and Ochs just returned from the Cayamo cruise, where she was on the boat as an entertainer — as were the likes of Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Mullins, Keb’ Mo’ and many others. It was a working vacation, but she said that event has been a highlight of her career the last three years.

Wood recently completed “The Weather Inside” and is hoping to find a recording label for it before doing a formal CD release tour.

It is her eighth studio album — the first came out in 1996 — and it will be available to the audience Saturday when she plays at Tsunami Books.

Local English teacher Jeffrey Martin, who also is preparing for a CD release, will open the show.

Before moving to Oregon, Wood, 40, had played at the Sisters Folk Festival and networked with a number of musicians from this area. Since relocating, the performer, originally from Texas, has joined a songwriters group that includes Martin.

Not surprisingly, Wood played the Ninkasi patio on its opening day. But even without the obvious “in,” it’s still hard to argue that she is not one of the best solo performers in this area.

Started writing songs as a teen

Wood started writing songs on piano as a teenager who already had some classical training. The songs were an emotional outlet for her.

During college, she realized the classical route was not for her. She switched schools and picked up an English degree at the University of Texas.

“Then I freaked out because I didn’t have music,” she said.

Wood joined a band, and when it came time to step into the spotlight with her own songs, it was a natural transition. Picking up the guitar opened a world for her. It gave her not only a blank slate, but freedom, she said.

After all these years, she finds that inspiration can still strike at any time. She doesn’t have a set method when it comes to writing songs.

“I’ll get ideas when I am sleeping and, in the morning, it’s gone,” Wood said. “If the muse taps you on the shoulder, you have to get out the pen and paper.”

On the song “Close Your Eyes, Here We Go,” she shares a story about her grandfather leaving for World War II and her grandmother taking the kids and making a long road trip to see him off.

As a writer, she faced the challenge of wanting to share the human aspect of their story, but not exploit it.

“The Weather Inside” is another song like that, dealing thematically with war and the way people handle emotions after their return from it.

“People of his generation and my parents’ generation really connect with that,” she said. “Sometimes I worry, is this too personal? I find those are the ones people really identify with.

“My radar is no good. The songs I think no one is going to like are the ones people freak out about.”

She’s comfortable on stage

The balance between being a creative spirit and running the small business that is your career is another ever-present challenge for Wood. She tackles both sides head-on.

Wood’s impact on the Oregon roots scene was almost immediate. She already has been a featured artist on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Oregon Art Beat” program.

In addition, she is one of a handful of songwriters being followed on the syndicated television show “Troubadour Texas.”

Staff members for the show, which features writers with Texas roots, have come to Oregon to film Wood in her home environment.

Wood describes herself as a bit of a homebody, but also said she’s always been comfortable on stage and found the energy exchange between her and the audience a rewarding phenomenon worth leaving home for again and again.

“It’s so fun coming here after being out on the road,” she said of Eugene.

Call Serena Markstrom at 541-338-2371 or you can reach her by e-mail her at serena.markstrom@registerguard.com.


“I’ll get ideas when I am sleeping and, in the morning, it’s gone. If the muse taps you on the shoulder you have to get out the pen and paper.”

Beth Wood

On songwriting
- Eugene Register-Guard


"Review of "The Weather Inside""

The term “recording artist” has become somewhat devalued in an era where any singer/songwriter with garageband, a little gumption, a couple hundred bucks and a cdbaby account can get their music heard. But it’s one thing to be heard, and quite another to be noticed. So when you come across a recording like Beth Wood’s “The Weather Inside” you take note and recognize that this is the work of a genuine artist with a remarkable voice determined to make meaningful and lasting art. The West Texas native has been doing just that since her 1996 debut album Woodwork, proving that the vaunted Lubbock musical genius gene isn’t just an XY chromosome kinda thing. Of course, the degree in literature from the University of Texas in Austin also has served her well.





With The Weather Inside, produced by Billy Crockett and recorded at Wimberley’s Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio, Wood stakes her claim to the lofty heights occupied by the Gilkysons and Griffins of the world. The songs here deal with the various coping mechanisms humans use to deal with life’s stark realities, disappointments and setbacks with gritty resilience and the kindness of strangers. On the title track, Wood sings the tender story of a woman who considers leaving the domestic storm of living with a troubled veteran but opts instead to “find some place to ride it out.” She uses the feelings of insecurity that “The New Kid” in school always feels when uprooted and placed in new environments as a springboard to the other experiences life and love throw our way and which we survive when “somehow someone always reaches out a hand, someone always says “I understand, are you okay? I guess I am.” And Wood paints a beautiful picture of the “The House That Made Me” in that city on the Texas plains recalling “here’s where we would hide when tornados came, huddled in the hallway like it was a game, up above my reach there was a record playing, Willie with his blue eyes crying in the rain.”



?by D. C. Bloom - Lonestar Music Magzine


"Live Show Review"

"Wood is about as good as it gets if you appreciate the singer/songwriter
genre." - Charlotte Creative Loafing


"Live Show Review"

"Wood's real calling card is her voice - a soulful, opera-strength instrument that can do justice to Aretha Franklin's hit "Dr. Feelgood" or pull off a show-closing a cappella segment with minimum effort. Yet as strong and flexible as her pipes are, she rarely makes the mistake of oversinging. She has a keen sense of humor, but she also showed a knack for finding poignancy in simple things - such as the comfort of a car radio during long drives in "Late Night Radio", a brand new song that recalled the mind-set of Van Morrison's "Wavelength". A voice and songs this strong are bound to persevere."
- Dallas Morning News


"Press Quote"

“A woman with the heart of songcraft in her blood and the exceptional musicianship to back it up.” — The Corvallis Advocate - The Corvallis Advocate


"Review"

"A superb singer/songwriter whose versatility discourages labeling." - Fort Worth Star-Telegram


"Live Show Review"

"Acoustic singer/songwriter Beth Wood has a mix of stylistic distinction and classy restraint, exuding a natural vocal flair without getting into any of
that dramatic eye-squint/pinching-the-air business. Her voice delicately curls over into itself, like shaving soft wood off a long, massive plane."
- Atlanta Creative Loafing


""Ghostwriter" Review"

"Lord have mercy...Wood is a down-home, old-fashioned girl with a wicked streak." - Indiemusic.com


"Review"

"A woman with the heart of songcraft in her blood and the exceptional musicianship to back it up.” -- The Corvallis Advocate - The Corvallis Advocate


"Live Show Review"

"Wood's real calling card is her voice - a soulful, opera-strength instrument that can do justice to Aretha Franklin's hit "Dr. Feelgood" or pull off a show-closing a cappella segment with minimum effort. Yet as strong and flexible as her pipes are, she rarely makes the mistake of oversinging. She has a keen sense of humor, but she also showed a knack for finding poignancy in simple things - such as the comfort of a car radio during long drives in "Late Night Radio", a brand new song that recalled the mind-set of Van Morrison's "Wavelength". A voice and songs this strong are bound to persevere."
- Dallas Morning News


"Feature"

"Beth Wood is a musical triple-threat -- a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice." - Washington Post


""Late Night Radio" Review"

"Now comes 'Late Night Radio', which is sure to fulfill the promises of her first two efforts. As you hear, the songwriting is solid, the musicianship is top-notch and her voice is confident and versatile." - Album Network


""Late Night Radio" Review"

"(Late Night) 'Radio' takes the same basic musical blueprint of soulful, jazzy folk Wood created on last year's disc ('New Blood'), and refines it tenfold. The songs shimmer with a vibrancy, enthusiasm and warm passion that frames Wood's powerfully expressive voice."
- Atlanta Press


""Late Night Radio" Review"

If you have a hankering for soulful blues/rock a la Bonnie Raitt, look no further than Beth Wood." - Billboard Continental Drift


""New Blood" Review"

"Deliciously" begs to come bursting out of radios. Beth Wood's supple voice romps around teasingly, while the melody bounces atop a giddy banjo riff. Meanwhile, the lyrical hook is just deadly."
- Performing Songwriter


Discography

SPRING TIDE (2016). Beth and producer Tyler Fortier recorded these songs with just her voice and guitar in a house overlooking the Pacific ocean. The result is a collection of ten beautifully stark, elemental, tender songs sung with vulnerability straight from the heart.

SOMETIMES LOVE (2014). A return to Beth's earlier sound. Recorded in Beth's home town Eugene and produced by singer-songwriter and wunderkind Tyler Fortier, Sometimes Love captures the magical collaboration of extremely talented friends making music together and the emotional urgency of Beth's unique voice at its best. 

THE WEATHER INSIDE (2011). Developed and produced at Blue Rock Studio by Billy Crockett. This epic project presents Beth's most mature, complex, emotionally resonant work yet.

BEACHCOMBER'S DAUGHTER (2008). Self-produced project highlighting Beth's musical versatility, songwriting craftsmanship, powerful voice, and collaboration with Dallas's finest studio musicians.

MARIGOLDS (2005) furthered Beth's collaboration with producer Chris Rosser. A heartfelt collection of songs about family, life, and love, featuring guest musicians Shawn Mullins, Heather Morgan, Bandon Bush (Train), Greg Horne, John Felty, Matt Mayes.

YOU TAKE THE WHEEL (2003) is a fan-driven solo acoustic project that highlights Beths solid work as a strong, dynamic solo artist. Beths fans chose the songs for this project.

GHOSTWRITER (2001). Beths first collaboration with producer Chris Rosser signaled a return to more elemental production and showcases Beths vocal prowess and her continuing exploration and growth as a songwriter.

LATE NIGHT RADIO (1999), produced by Don McCollister (Indigo Girls, Sister Hazel). Featuring a full-band rockinsound and Beths popular rendition of Richard Thompsons song 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.

NEW BLOOD (1998, Automonous Records) made a much stronger statement, featuring a darker and more complex sound. Charted top 20 at the national AAA radio charts.

WOODWORK (1996) introduced Beth's clear and compelling voice and the promise of an emerging artist. Her single 'Geometry' was featured on FOX television's 'Party of Five.'

Photos

Bio

Beth Wood is a modern-day troubadour and believer in the power of song. Her exceptional musicianship, crafty songwriting, powerhouse voice, and commanding stage presence have been winning over American audiences for twenty years. Beth’s music is soulful, organic, intelligent, barefoot, high-energy communication of joy.

In February of 1997, Beth quit her day job and moved to Brevard, NC to pursue a life in music. Beth has been touring non-stop, writing songs, creating albums, collaborating, performing, and teaching ever since. Beth recently launched 20/20, a celebration of her twenty years as a full-time musician in which she will release twenty new works to subscribers and fans in 2017.

Beth has been featured on “Troubadour, TX”, a nationally syndicated documentary-style singer-songwriter reality television series airing in almost 40 million households and 140 U.S. markets.  Beth has also been a four-time featured artist on Cayamo, a week-long Caribbean songwriters’ cruise along with Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, John Prine, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Richard Thompson and many more.

In 2016, Beth expanded her repertoire and released her first book of poetry, “Kazoo Symphonies.” Soon to follow was her tenth album, “Spring Tide”, recorded live and solo acoustic on the Oregon coast and produced by Oregon’s own rising-star producer, Tyler Fortier.

Beth now lives in Portland, OR and is loving the Northwest life.  Beth has immersed herself in the northwest music community, including working on staff with the Sisters Folk Festival and Americana Song Academy for six years as staff director and host of the festival's well-loved Sunday Community Celebration. Beth’s work has expanded to include teaching voice and song coaching as well as leading workshops at festivals, retreats and beyond.

"A superb singer/songwriter whose versatility discourages labeling."  -Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Beth Wood is a musical triple-threat a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice."  --Washington Post

"Wood is about as good as it gets if you appreciate the singer/songwriter genre."  -Charlotte Creative Loafing

AWARDS... 
Winner - 2006 Sisters Folk Festival Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest 
Winner - Kerrville Folk Festival 2005 Songwriting Contest
Winner - 2nd Place - Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2005 Songwriters Contest
Winner - Wildflower Festival 2004 Songwriting Contest
Finalist - 2007 Telluride Troubadour Contest
Winner - Top 20 Acoustic/Folk Category - 2006 Unisong International Songwriting Contest
Honorable Mention - 2006 Mountain Stage Newsong Contest
Honorable Mention - 2005 Billboard World Song Contest
Campus Activities Magazine Coffeehouse Entertainer of the Year
Campus Activities Magazine Club Performer of the Year
Campus Activities Magazine Contemporary Music Artist of the Year Finalist

FESTIVALS...Music Midtown (Atlanta, GA)
Bele Chere Festival (Asheville, NC)
SXSW (Austin, TX)
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (Lyons, CO)
Mandarin Folk Festival (Jacksonville, FL) 
North Texas New Music Festival (Dallas, TX)
Kerrville Folk Festival (Kerrville, TX)
Sisters Folk Festival (Sisters, OR)
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Tucson Folk Festival
Riverbend Festival (Chattanooga, TN) 
Wildflower Festival (Richardson, TX)
Buddy Holly Music Festival and Symposium (Lubbock, TX)                                                 

BOOKING:
Renee Gebhardt
Mountain Time Booking
406-587-9318 (Mountain Time)
mtntimerenee@msn.com

Band Members