“The art school bloke told me I had ‘a remarkable eye for trivia’ – like it was a bad thing.”
It’s been 7 years since Chris Wood played at the Art House & we’re thrilled to have him back. Chris is an award-winning, versatile singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful performances & keen lyrical observations. an artist of depth & dimension who (seems to) effortlessly blends traditional English dance tunes with a variety of influences including French & Québécois folk & is open to musical experimentation, including collaborations in folk-rap with Dizraeli. He was a part of The Darwin Song Project, contributing songs that celebrate science while refuting the notion that science & atheism lack love & mystery.
“If i had a towel i’d throw it in” – Chris Difford (Squeeze)
Chris is a master of multiple instruments, including the fiddle, viola, & guitar, which add a rich sonic layer to his performances. He has collaborated with folk legends like Andy Cutting, Roger Wilson, & Martin Carthy, & Joan Armatrading personally chose Chris as her opening act for her British tour. His musical settings have even been covered by Sting. One of his first recordings was playing bass and percussion on “Jack’s Alive” (1980) the first album by the Oysterband (at that time called the Oyster Ceilidh Band). Chris has been recognized multiple times by the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards & received glowing reviews from the likes of The Guardian & Folk Radio UK. His albums like ‘Handmade Life,’ ‘None The Wiser,’ & ‘So Much To Defend’ have been highly praised for their lyrical & musical depth.
”Chris Wood is one of Britain’s most uncompromising and original singer-songwriters.” – The Guardian
His music is straightforward & genuine & he takes his time with his delivery. While some artists might make the song’s themes feel too mushy, Chris keeps it real. His music is both heartfelt & thought-provoking without ever being mawkish. creating a complex tapestry of character studies crafted with nuance, wit, & poetic insight. In the folk music scene, where sincerity is already a big deal, he stands out for the right reasons.
Chris often paints a grim picture of English life, political despair, evolution, & alienation. But every now & then, he lightens the mood with tales of love & making it through tough times. In “The Sweetness Game,” he mixes strong political views with a deeply personal love story. With “Thou Shalt,” he delivers one of his most raw & heartfelt songs & also gives a fresh, down-to-earth take on the classic “Jerusalem” by Blake.
