The Redwood Trio - Ontario Stereo

The Redwood Trio

Ontario Stereo
self-released; 2017

3.6 out of 5

By Dom Eagle

The Redwood Trio is a trio, believe it or not, from Western New York, and they specialize in acoustic soul, blues, and reggae. The band and name started from Nick Reding and Mark Woodworth who grew up together listening to reggae and blues; it made sense that they would one day create their own musical pieces. Once Gabe Puccio entered into the picture, the band gained more of a soul/hip-hop vibe but retained their blues roots. The collision of different but complementary sounds creates something influenced yet new and exciting. Through years of practicing, collaborating and improvising, they have tapped into an awesome live sound that has been heard on local radio stations (91.3, 107.7). It’s no wonder, really, as these boys definitely have that special “something.”

​Their first five-track EP is entitled Ontario Stereo and it opens with “Summer Traverse.” This track bursts straight into what will soon become noticeable as The Redwood Trio sound. The clanging of drum cymbals and the blues-esque acoustic guitar playing of a beautiful arpeggio are both the core components of their satisfyingly mellow sound. The beat remains relatively simple but there are flourishes and switch-ups which keep the sound ever-evolving and engaging. The second half of the track, in particular, really slows down and turns into a beautiful, reflective, melancholic masterpiece. I loved the first half, but the upbeat energy is replaced with something emotive and raw.

“One Of A Kind” is an Incubus-esque piece. Mellow, beautiful, elongated vocals ring out soothingly atop blues-esque acoustic riffing, punchy and powerful hip-hop beats and a funky, flavorsome reggae-esque melody. This song is the perfect example of The Redwood Trio combining all their styles into musical perfection. It’s a beautiful, transfixing, catchy piece of music.

“It’s Alright” is a slower effort. The drums are bigger; They shuffle on aggressively, precisely and with absolute purpose. The guitars chug and whir atop this catchy and laid-back beat as a funky, raw, and guttural bass rhythm drives the song ever onwards. It’s another instrumental piece initial, but this five-minute-long track eventually re-introduces the soothing, calming, and engaging vocals from the previous track. It’s engaging and infectious. 

This band delivers so many styles, and yet they do so in such an accessible, straightforward, and engaging manner. The EP is almost far too short. This trio needs to carry on doing what they’ve done within these five tracks because they’re onto something good. They need to keep evolving their sound and striving to create new and original music. They’ve already achieved so much, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

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