Bringing It Down at the Downbeat: The Return of Red Wood Central

Clarity. It's a word that aptly describes the traditional blues stylings that will be heard at the Downbeat Lounge, this weekend, October 1st and 2nd.

Currently based out of Ottawa, Red Wood Central was formed in 1995 by Sault natives Michelle "Red" April and Al Wood. Their bios tell us that their particular brand of musical magic unfolded in a "west end kitchen in Sault Ste. Marie...with the omnipresent backdrop of Algoma Steel blowing flames into the unimpeded sky above the St. Mary's River." Sounds about right for a Sault band.

Two CDs and many years later, Red Wood Central have taken their craft far beyond the kitchens of this city and brought it to an impressive and ever-growing list of clubs, festivals and radio stations.

Their most recent 14-track CD, the fittingly titled, "Behind the Times," is filled with old-style blues and folk inspired originals, all packed with strong singable melodies.

Although Red Wood Central focus on the vocals, guitars and harmonicas as the foundation of their sound, this weekend, they will be joined by multi-instrumentalist, performer extrordinaire, and long-time friend of RWC, Lindsay Pugh on bass guitar (for more info on Lindsay, click here). RWC's Al Wood, a multi-instrumentalist himself, performed regularly with Pugh many years ago in local blues favourites, The Rhythm Rats.

Don't miss the magic created by Michelle "Red" April's distinct voice and Al Wood's awesome picking and harmonica voicings this weekend at the Downbeat. Shows begin at 10:30 pm and have no cover charge.

For more information on these shows of the Downbeat Lounge, contact Trevor at(705) 256-8844 or by email at [email protected]