OpEdNews - Page 2 of Article: A Musical Interlude with The Northwoods

Jeremy and I both play acoustic guitar and drums. During most performances we keep it simple - just two acoustic guitars and vocal harmony. Other times, we'll randomly break into intense, improvised, percussion jams. Beat boxing (mouth percussion) also adds a very unique and high-energy twist to some of our songs.

I love beat boxing! How do you write the material you perform?

The writing of our songs is always different. Sometimes I'll bring Jeremy a tune I've been working on, other times he'll bring me some chords he's been putting together. Sometimes, one of us will have an entire song finished and ready for the other's critique. There are also times we'll sit down together and write a song from start to finish. Our songwriting is always changing and our musicianship is always evolving... Being able to create music with someone that I hold very dear to me is a true blessing.

It sounds like a great partnership and it's a blessing for your fans, too. Does it bother you when people compare your music to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young or Simon and Garfunkel? After all, those are the sounds of my generation, from the '60s, '70s and '80s.

Not at all. Those are some of our favorite artists. Comparisons like that help people quickly understand what kind of music we play before they hear it.

So, what are your plans now? And how can people learn more about you?

They can learn more at our website www.TheNorthwoodsMusic.com. As for now, we've established a solid home base here in St. Louis. It's time to start traveling and playing around the region. We've been branching out to Chicago quite a bit. We're headed down to Memphis at the end of February. We're also planning a small tour through Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Sounds great. Anything you'd like to add, Eli?

I think that's it. Thank you for your patience. This was the first email interview I've ever done.

Pretty painless, no? I understand that The Riverfront Times (RFT), St. Louis' most trusted music review, awarded The Northwoods "Best new band of St. Louis 2009." And their readers voted your new album, "Morning, Noon, & Night" best local album of the year. A promising beginning. May you go from strength to strength! Thanks for talking with me, Eli. Good luck to you and Jeremy.

For those readers who grew up in the '60s like I did, The Northwoods sound will bring it all back. But, while there are definite echoes from our folk past, their artistry - demonstrated by upbeat lyrics and lilting harmonies - allows this duo to stand firmly on their own merit. Too often, the Stuff my kids listen to leaves me cold, and no doubt, vice versa. But, in this rare case, the entire Brunwasser family gives The Northwoods an enthusiastic "thumbs up." Check them out. I think you'll agree.

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