Chris Wood
Masterclass artist
Chris Wood
Chris Wood is a legendary double bassist and bass guitarist from Colorado, US. He is known for playing with and co-founding jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood, and Americana fusion band The Wood Brothers. Chris attended the New England Conservatory of Music and has studied with the likes of Dave Holland, Geri Allen, and Bob Moses. Chris Wood is an internationally-recognised bassist and musician, known for free, genre-fusing performances as well as rock-solid grooves and a general mastery of his instrument.
2021 saw the 30-year anniversary of hugely popular Avant-jazz-funk group Medeski Martin & Wood, which alongside Chris on bass features John Medeski on piano and Billy Martin on drums. The group has released over two dozen records and has frequently collaborated with jazz guitarist John Scofield (Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock).
In 2004, Chris Wood and his brother, Oliver, formed The Wood Brothers after separate successful 15-year careers and are joined permanently by drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. Their fusion of Americana, roots, blues, country, and jazz captivates a worldwide audience, and their sixth studio album ‘One Drop of Truth’ was grammy nominated for Best Americana Album. In 2020, they released their acclaimed seventh studio album, ‘Kingdom in my Mind’ recorded in Nashville, US.
This performance of Atlas by The Wood Brothers showcases Chris’ tasteful solo work and rock-solid grooves!
A MMW live performance from filmed by WDR JAZZline at Leverkusener Jazztage, Germany in 2013.
The Chris Wood Masterclass
The Chris Wood Masterclass is an in-depth video interview hosted by DDB Founder, Geoff Chalmers. Over three hours of discussion, they unpack the music and techniques of Chris Wood, exploring topics that include: double bass technique, transcription, soloing, optimum performance, bass gear, and much more.
Chris draws upon his years of experience playing in The Wood Brothers and Medeski Martin & Wood as well as with John Scofield, Marc Ribot, John Zorn, and many other legendary musicians. His unique approach to the bass will help you find your own voice on your musical journey. In addition to the discussion, there are numerous musical demonstrations and we have included detailed transcriptions so you can practice them at home.
Trailer and Preview Clips from the Masterclass
Watch the trailer here or find out more here.
Get a taste of what's in the Chris Wood Masterclass with this preview clip compilation.
In this preview from the Masterclass, sonic explorer Chris Wood share some of his more unusual influences and cultures, demonstrates some of his favourite extended techniques and sounds both with and without the bow.