The Wildwood Ruminators - Elemental (2013)

The Wildwood Ruminators is a group emanating from the fertile musical soil of the Muscle Shoals, Alabama area. Originally a trio comprised of veteran singer/songwriter and independent producer Eddie Martin, Tony Lee (formerly of the celebrated Celtic band, Full Moon Ensemble) and John Jackson (leader of the pop/punk band, Jessica’s Mistake), they have recently expanded by adding the dynamic rhythm section of Malcolm Singleton on drums and bassist Bill Williams. Four of the five members are Shoals-area natives yet come from disparate musical backgrounds; it’s an interesting mix!

The new album, ELEMENTAL, is a true band project with live tracks augmented by minimal overdubs, mostly by a small group of actual friends of the band. Award-winning banjo player Scooter Muse adds fire to the opening track, "In The Wildwood", noted jazz cat Ken Watters lays down urbane flugel and muted trumpet to "Meet Me In New York (Our Last Hurrah), Muscle Shoals guitar virtuoso Barry Billings adds an intriguing slide guitar to "Shadows", while Grammy-nominated producer Kelvin Wooten adds soulful keyboard touches throughout the album. Once again, the group worked with Daniel Beard for mixing and mastering while cutting the basic tracks at The Nutthouse studio in Sheffield, Alabama with owner Jimmy Nutt twisting the knobs and pushing the faders, etc.

The Wildwood Ruminators have served up yet another album for those seeking an authentic musical experience, without gimmicks. Be sure to check them out.