Woodzen has been compared to an immense variety of bands (The Wallflowers, Gov’t Mule, The War on Drugs). Melding funk grooves with jazzy saxophone, blistering guitars, ethereal keyboards, and shimmering vocal harmonies, Woodzen’s live shows capture the essence of a jam band that’s not really a jam band. Add in evocative lyrics and call it psychedelic folk. Or, go see for yourself.The earliest iteration of Woodzen began when Jake Johnson (lead vocals, guitar, and violin) and Brody Kucera (percussionist) were assigned as roommates at Hamline University in 2018. They would often head to the practice room on Fridays to work on Jake’s song ideas. Through the music classes and ensemble practices at Hamline, Jake and Brody met Bob Delage (aka. Big Bass Bob), and the core group from which Woodzen began to grow. Later meeting Lydia Lecher and Peter Hanson through Hamline’s jazz programs, Woodzen’s sound became more defined as Lydia’s keys and Peter’s saxophone were added. Finally, after Bob’s lifelong friend Ben Brunfelt joined the band on guitar, Woodzen as it is today took form. Today, Jake, Brody, Bob and Ben all live together and are able to hone their craft and inspire each other everyday in an attempt to play their instruments at a higher level. You might recognize members of Woodzen playing with other local bands, such as Emmy Woods and the Red Pine Ramblers, Greg Volker and the River, Jesse Anderson Band, and The Matt Arthur Contraption.
Woodzen’s first full length album is set to release in the spring of 2024. Listen to Woodzen’s first two singles, “Day is Long” and “Stolen Gold” on all streaming platforms now.
Event Venue
385 N Broadway St Suite 104, Saint Paul, MN, United States, Minnesota 55101, 385 Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
