Oban duo‘s album is just the tonic

Do you suffer from low moods, a broken funny bone or Dad Dancing Disorder? Then you need a dose of The Woods Family’s Finest Tonic.

Blended Americana, made in Scotland. That’s how The Woods Family describe their flavoursome transatlantic mojo of 11 herbs and spices.

The Woods Family consist of Oban-based husband and wife duo Rab and Michelle Woods.

Rab, a fixture on the Scottish music scene as a founding member of popular acts including The Hollow Mountain String Band (HMSB) and The Kings Road, plays most of the instruments on the album, including guitar, mandolin, Dobro, bass, harmonica and fiddle.

Michelle, also a member of HMSB, plays drums and percussion with a steady backbeat flavoured by her upbringing in Mississippi, the birthplace of American music.

Tonic was recorded in the couple’s home studio during lockdown and is made up of Rab’s original songs and tunes that Hollow Mountain perform live, as well as some he wrote especially for the album. He describes the sound as ‘blended Americana’, with strong influences from across the Atlantic.

‘We take some roots from Scotland and beef that up with

Rab and Michelle Woods and their newly-released album.

classic American country and western,’ he added. ‘Then we add some old time herbs, a few sprigs each of bluegrass and jazz and for some sweet notes, more than a dash of blues.’

Producer Reuben Taylor, who has worked with Meursault and Storm the Palace, and sound engineer

Niall Sinclair, who has worked with Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro and Amy MacDonald, help bring out the band’s retro vibe on the album.

‘Because I have a background as a disc jockey, we conceived it as a tongue-in-cheek radio show,’ said Michelle.

‘I present Tonic as a local broadcaster in the fictional community of Cruachan County, complete with spoof ads and jingles.’

Tonic features a special guest performance by keyboard player David Morrison of The Placks.

To find out more, download the album, watch the video and sing along to the lyrics and lots more go to www. imaginealba.com/tonic