FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BLUES PIANIST MITCH WOODS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Album features Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Joe Louis Walker, Maria Muldaur, Cyril Neville, Marcia Ball, John Hammond, Kenny Neal, James Cotton, John Lee Hooker and more

(New York, NY – August 22, 2017) Blues pianist Mitch Woods announces the release of his new album Friends Along The Way on September 29, 2017. The theme of friendship has carried Mitch Woods along through his career and has culminated in the special recordings of this album, which feature Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Joe Louis Walker, Maria Muldaur, Cyril Neville, Marcia Ball, John Hammond, Kenny Neal, and earlier recordings with James Cotton and John Lee Hooker.

Friends Along The Way is a career spanning tour de force. On each song, Mitch performs as part of a duo or trio in an intimate and mostly unplugged environment. The musicians on each track – who happen to be some of today’s blues and musical greats – express their innermost feelings and emotions through their instruments….the voice, piano, guitar, harmonica, tambourine…and communicate the feelings, the rhythms of life to the audience.

This shines through on the first song “Take This Hammer,” which features a stunning vocal performance from Van Morrison and Taj Mahal on guitar. “We were all playing in New Orleans and had just a few hours to meet in the studio,” Mitch recalls. “The first take was not recorded as they hadn't turned on the tape yet! I couldn't believe it. It was so good and Van agreed to do another take, which is what you hear on the album. On this cut, Van reaches deep down in his musical well to bring out the soulful emotions that embody this classic song that goes back to Leadbelly and the roots of blues.”

Listen to the single here.

“I have always strived to get close to the roots in my career,” Mitch continues. “I played with John Lee Hooker and James Cotton earlier in my musical adventures. I have known Van and Taj for many years. I consider them both friends as well taproots and masters of The Blues. What a great honor and pleasure for me to work with these great treasures.”

Tracklisting:

1. Take This Hammer - Van Morrison (vocals, tambourine), Taj Mahal (guitar), Mitch Woods (piano) 2. C.C. Rider – Taj Mahal (vocals, guitar), Van Morrison (vocals), Mitch Woods (piano) 3. Keep a Dollar in Your Pocket – Elvin Bishop (vocals, guitar), Mitch Woods (vocals, piano), Larry Vann (drums) 4. Singin’ The Blues – Ruthie Foster (vocals, guitar), Mitch Woods (piano) 5. Mother In Law Blues – John Hammond (vocals, national steel guitar), Mitch Woods (piano) 6. Cryin’ For My Baby – Mitch Woods (vocals, piano), Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica) 7. Nasty Boogie – Mitch Woods (vocals, piano), Joe Louis Walker (guitar, vocals) 8. Empty Bed Blues – Maria Muldaur (vocals), Mitch Woods (piano) 9. Blues Mobile - Kenny Neal (vocals, guitar), Mitch Woods (vocals, piano) 10. The Blues – Cyril Nevile (vocals), Mitch Woods (piano, vocals) 11. Saturday Night Boogie Woogie Man – Mitch Woods (vocals, piano), Elvin Bishop (guitar) 12. Blues Gave Me a Ride – Charlie Musselwhite (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Mitch Woods (piano) 13. Chicago Express – James Cotton (harmonica), Mitch Woods (piano, vocals) 14. Never Get Out of These Blues Alive – John Lee Hooker (vocals, guitar), Mitch Woods (piano) 15. Midnight Hour Blues – Van Morrison (vocals, harmonica), Taj Mahal (national steel guitar), Mitch Woods (piano) 16. In The Night – Marcia Ball (piano, vocals), Mitch Woods (piano, vocals)

Additionally, Mitch is touring with his band The Rocket 88s. Dates below:

August 24 - St. Helena, CA - Big Bad Voodoo Boogie @ Rock The Rails August 27 - San Francisco, CA - Biscuit & Blues September 1 - Pacifica, CA - Dancin’ in Pacifica @ Nick’s September 2 - Sausalito, CA - Boogie on the Barge @ Sausalito Crising Club September 8 - San Jose, CA - New Orleans in San Jose @ Poorhouse Bistro September 10 - Guerneville, CA - Russian River Blues Festival September 15-17 - Telluride, CO - Telluride Blues & Brews Festival September 23 - Orinda, CA - House Party @ Sunjams Orinda September 27 - Petaluma, CA - Lagunitas Tap Room September 29 - Oakland, CA - Terrace Room September 30 - Mill Valley, CA - Record Release Party With Special Guests @ 142 Throckmorton Theater October 17 – Delray Beach, FL - Boston's (CD Release Party) October 21-28 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise November 4 - Seattle, WA - Highway 99 Feb. 4-11 2018 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Caribbean

For more information, contact Giovanna Melchiorre at 212-353-8800x5279 / [email protected]

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