Jazz is generally popular in Japan so we wouldn’t be surprised to hear there are some fans of Medeski Martin & Wood out there. Chris Wood, the bassist of that avant-garde trio, has more recently been working with his brother Oliver Wood in a very different genre: folk and Americana. Although they have been putting out albums since 2005, it’s their most recent one, The Muse, that is garnering so much attention and radio play.

Chris’ skills on upright bass are well established. The delightful surprise for many listeners is guitarist Oliver’s unique voice, which is alternately frail and resonant, raspy and clean. The brothers get additional multi-instrument support—mostly on percussion—from Jano Rix. The trio’s vocal harmonies are a prominent part of the album. Many songs are acoustic, but it’s not all Americana. Songs that draw elements from rock, gospel, funk, jazz and blues create an album of great variety. The song, though, from which the album takes its name is beautifully soulful folk. Check out “The Muse” on YouTube, sip some beer and breathe deeply.

Is this music to drink beer to? Absolutely. And we’re not the only ones to think so. We recently discovered that Lagunitas Brewing Company thought so highly of the Wood Brothers that it sponsored them!

This article was published in Japan Beer Times # () and is among the limited content available online. Order your copy through our online shop or download the digital version from the iTunes store to access the full contents of this issue.