2020 has been anything but normal so far. The CoronaVirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new normal for day-to-day life. While the whole world has been impacted by the virus in one way or another, the entertainment industry is no exception. Open Chord was able to talk with some musicians – both local and national – to see how they were surviving the pandemic.
The Open Chord stage welcomes O’Connor Lee on Thursday as they prepare for their upcoming first debut duo album release.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Jeffrey Gaines graced the Open Chord stage Friday, January 17. With only his guitar and soulful lyrics, Gaines gave an impactful show to Knoxville.
Mark Lettieri is a guitarist, composer, producer, music instructor, husband, father, GRAMMY winner, and so much more. Lettieri made an appearance at Elements of Sound along with Phil X, Andy Wood, Josh Smith, Ariel Posen, and special guest, Andy Timmons.
Open Chord writers Chelsea Babin and Allie Holmes sit down with legendary guitarist Andy Timmons for an exclusive interview after his performance at the Jackson Terminal this last October. Timmons talked of his passion for his music, his beginnings, his future plans and his music life. Be on the lookout for Timmons’ upcoming projects and shows!
Guitarist Ariel Posen, among other artists, will make an appearance at Elements of Sound presented by Open Chord in Anaheim, California, on January 15.
Andy Wood will join other musicians at the pre-NAMM 2020 show hosted by Open Chord Music
Knoxville is about to meet the West Coast for an epic weekend of music. Influential guitarist, Andy Wood, will be making an appearance at Elements of Sound presented by Open Chord in Anaheim, California, on January 15.
Coming from a musical family in East Tennessee, Wood started playing the mandolin at age five and was influenced by bluegrass and country music. His grandfather, Paul Birchfield, and cousin Brian Arrowood taught him about music and are who he credits as to how he became the proficient musician he is today.
Wood went on to place in the top of multiple music competitions. At 16, he came in second at the world championship mandolin contest in Winfield, Kansas. At 18, Wood started playing the electric guitar – in addition to the mandolin and acoustic guitar – and the rest is history.
It did not take long for Wood to master the electric guitar. Soon after he picked it up, he started playing along to musicians like Mike Landau, Dan Huff, Brent Mason, and John Jorgenson.
In his early 20s, Wood discovered the rock stars Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Petrucci, and Paul Gilbert. He started to incorporate their musical styles into his own. At 22, Wood entered Guitar Center’s Guitarmeggadon National Guitar Competition and won.
In Knoxville, Wood is known for his time with the musical group Down From Up. They released their first album, “From Ashes to Empire,” and went on tour opening up for 10 Years.
Wood has also toured with other well known acts like country artist Billy Dean and Christian metal band Disciple. He has gone on to release a solo album, “A Disconcerting Amalgam” that features guest artists Jeff Sipe, Stu Hamm, Adam Nitti, and Lester Estelle. His album covers a wide range of genres such as fusion, rock, metal, and acoustic bluegrass – it has something for every listener.
Throughout his solo career, Wood has also worked with a plethora of famous acts some including: Locash, Rascal Flatts, Scott Stapp, and 10 Years. In addition to his solo work, Wood is also part of the Kennedy Wood Band with Nashville singer/songwriting Dave Kennedy. The duo has released a self-titled album, “Kennedy Wood Band EP.”
Wood uses a variety of techniques in his music and this is not only what he is known for but also why he is considered one of this generation's leading guitarists. Wood has his own Signature Series Suhr Guitars.
In addition to his first solo album, Wood has since released three more albums. “Caught Between a Truth and a Lie,” “Live at the Bijou,” and “JunkTown.” Wood recently went on tour promoting his latest album. He even stopped at the Jackson Terminal in October 2019.
After the Elements of Sound performance, Wood will be on the Shiprocked XL Cruise in February and later in August, he will make an appearance at the John Petrucci’s Guitar Universe 3.0 in California.
Tickets are still available for Elements of Sound. Get them while you can!
