I've never really focused my attentions on the folk music scene in Vermont. If the Wood's Tea Co. is any indication, then I've been missing out.

This live recording is an excellent introduction to the four-piece band, which can sing up a storm with wit or pathos, as required by the song.

First, let's meet the band. We've got Rusty Jacobs on guitar, pennywhistle, grey plastic saxophone, bodhran and vocals; Mike Lussen on guitar, banjo, bodhran, bouzouki and vocals; Tom Mackenzie on hammered dulcimer, banjo, guitar, keyboard and vocals; and Howard Wooden on bass, guitar and vocals.

The boys all sing, and they sing well, whether individually or in a chorus. They also perform well instrumentally, so the musical package is solid from the start.

The selection of songs and their delivery is likewise excellent throughout this 19-track recording. There are funny songs ("Wee Wee," "The Scotsman's Kilt," "The Folker," "Foolish Questions") and touching songs ("Daughters and Sons," "The Dutchman," "There Were Roses"). There are a few unusual choices ("The Cat Came Back," "Over the Rainbow") that seem odd out of context but work surprisingly well in the flow of the album.

And then there's the banter among band and audience members, which is the kind of easy humor that makes a live show like this such a treat. I wish I'd been there in the audience when this album was being made.

Although the liner notes don't specify when or where Live! was recorded, it's obvious the crowd was enthusiastic about the music from beginning to end. Prepare to get caught up in their enthusiasm; the Wood's Tea Co. provides a show worth hearing again and again.

- Rambles
written by Tom Knapp
published 26 October 2002