“IT’S INDEPENDENCE DAY – BY JEFF WOOD” In the summer of 1994, just before my third year of law school began at Oklahoma City University, I dropped out. Why you ask? Was I nuts? With only 30 hours shy of a law degree – I must have been; at least according to my parents. I could understand why they thought I’d gone loco. Especially after the way I broke the news: I called them from a buddy’s house 750 miles east of OKC. I’d moved what little I owned to Nashville, Tennessee – Music City. Needless to say, I didn’t have their absolute support. “You’ve done what? Moved where – to write songs – for a living?” If you’ve ever had the bug or have it, you know the feeling. The feeling that if you don’t at least try this music thing – I mean really go “all out” in pursuit of it – you’ll never forgive yourself. I was sick with it. Unfortunately, at that time, my sickness was driving me more towards being famous than perfecting my craft. Garth Brooks was kind enough a few years earlier to introduce me to a bunch of movers and shakers on Music Row. He would introduce me like this: “This is Jeff Wood – he’s thinkin’ about movin’ out here to write songs.” “No I wasn’t,” I thought. “I’m movin’ out here to make records and videos – to be a star.” Man was I clueless! I decided after that first trip to Nashville to give it a few years – to chew on it for a while. Well, I chewed on it for a couple years back in Oklahoma, writing songs and playing the club scene; all while completing two years of law school. Just before beginning my third year of law school, fate stepped in. Crazy as it sounds, one weekend afternoon I helped the police apprehend a couple of fleeing burglars (by tackling one) right in my front yard. Three nights later, I came home to find a completely empty house, literally. The insurance company mailed me a nice little check. I needed clothes, a T.V., a new stereo, and was headed to purchase them, but then something occurred to me: “I don’t need this stuff.” And so, I headed to a local studio and used the money to record ten songs I had written over the past two years. It wasn’t long before some Nashville scout caught wind of my music. He gave me a call and did his best to “entice” me to make the move east. I still had doubts. Reality finally set in one night around 2:00 a.m. after I’d played a rowdy gig and heard from a patron (for the last time) the line from Billy Joel’s tune, Piano Man – “Man, what are you doin’ here?” My best friend helped me move that morning. I didn’t tell a soul – that is, not until I got to Nashville. A lot of people asked me when I signed my first of two record deals what it felt like to have my dreams come true. I would always respond, “My dreams came true when I made the decision to move to Nashville.” Over the next several years, by the grace of God, and a lot of knockin’ on doors, I was lucky enough to pen a hit song for John Michael Montgomery and have several songs recorded by many of Nashville’s top selling artists. I was also fortunate enough to have had three charting singles as an artist as well as appear on several nationally televised programs. To top it off, I opened up hundreds of shows (with just me and a guitar) for timeless artists such as Wynona, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Vince Gill, and Phil Vassar to name a few. When my second label closed its doors, at first, my world stopped – then, I realized what a blessing it was. I really needed to re-group – particularly – I needed to re-define myself as an artist. The artists who’d inspired me to move to Nashville (Merle Haggard, James Taylor, John Cougar, John Denver, Glenn Fry, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Garth of course) were still in my heart – they’d just left my music. My songs, though good, had lost the most important ingredient music can offer: authenticity. For the first time since making the move to Nashville I began writing solo. It was liberating. It also brought out the music in “me”. Over time, I renewed my comfort with who I was as an artist and musician. It’s a great place to be, but it’s been one heck of a trek getting here. It’s funny how the rocky roads of life can mold us. Though, had I not traveled them, truthfully, I believe I would have been pretty shallow as an artist (without even knowing it). I truly believe God does bless the “Broken Road”. My new CD, 100% LIVE WOOD, (recorded live at the Rodeo Opry) encompasses 10 new songs, all inspired by life experiences. I can hear/feel my musical influences, in every composition, but I also sense a fresh sound that I didn’t expect – a sound that’s uniquely, me. This compilation of tunes is my story, somewhat chronological in nature, from my club days in Oklahoma, to my roller coaster ride in Nashville. What a ride it’s been! I love country music, but I wouldn’t just categorize this CD as country. 100% LIVE WOOD covers many genres of music, including R&B, Americana, and a touch of Rock. The diversity, I hope, allows the listener to take a musical journey that grows more on you with every listen – a CD you’ll want to keep in rotation. If you are a music critic, I would be honored to mail you a free copy or Mp3 of RAW WOOD to review. Please e-mail me your address if you are interested. Jeff Wood jeffwoodrecords@cox.net