Episode 314. The Steel Woods- Country Music Band-Hometown Rising- ***(1978-2021) THE STEEL WOODS’ CO-FOUNDER JASON “ROWDY” COPE MOVES ON @ 42*** https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/jason-rowdy-cope-steel-woods-dead-obituary-1115742/  

With a pair of critically acclaimed Woods Music/Thirty Tigers releases under their belts in Straw in the Wind (2017) and Old News(2019), Nashville-based The Steel Woods have lived up to their name as a hybrid musical force both in the studio, but especially live.

The band’s two original members are native sons of the south from small-town backgrounds. The Alabama-born Wes Bayliss played harmonica from eight in his family’s gospel band, eventually teaching himself piano, bass, and drums. Jason “Rowdy” Cope turned his love of Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix into a career as a session guitarist/songwriter and producer, moving to Los Angeles and then playing in Jamey Johnson’s band for nine years. The two met in Nashville, playing for the same cover band in some out-of-town dive, and immediately discovered an affinity for each other. Part hard-edged Southern rock, part Americana roots country folk, manufactured, yet organic, rock but also bluegrass, R&B, blues, gospel, soul, and heavy metal, The Steel Woods’ completed their first recordings barely months after they first met before being joined by current bassist Johnny Stanton.

While their albums have received kudos, their live concerts are where The Steel Woods truly shine, expanding on the blueprints on record and involving the crowd in a joyous, communal experience. “We want to get good songs out to a bunch of people who need them,” says Wes. “We want to make a living making music because it’s the greatest job in the world. I don’t mind working but prefer loving what I do.

”Over just over three years as a band, The Steel Woods has toured with fellow Southern rockers like Cody Johnson, Cody Jinks, Whiskey Myers, and Blackberry Smoke, as well as inspirations such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Miranda Lambert, performing in Europe for the first time last year.

Between another hectic year of concert dates, The Steel Woods are also preparing to release their third studio album for Woods Music/Thirty Tigers. “We’re going to tour these two records and do everything in our power to do them justice and get our music out to our fans,” says Wes.

Rolling Stone noted The Steel Woods repurposed their cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Southern Accent” into a “roaring… Southern rock power ballad,” while Saving Country Music raved, “Though there is not a shortage of Southern rock bands, few have the edge and darkness The Steel Woods bring to the table.”

All upcoming dates can be found on their website at thesteelwoods.com.

The Steel Woods are an American country music group from Nashville, Tennessee, known for their distinctive blend of country, Southern rock, bluegrass, and Americana influences. Formed in 2016, the band was co-founded by guitarist and songwriter Jason “Rowdy” Cope and multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist Wes Bayliss. Their music reflects a rich tapestry of influences, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Led Zeppelin.

The band’s discography includes four studio albums:

1. Straw in the Wind (2017): Their debut album, which reached number 42 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
2. Old News (2019): Recorded in Asheville, North Carolina, this album was completed during a break in their touring schedule.
3. All of Your Stones (2021): Released in May 2021, this album was completed before the passing of co-founder Jason “Rowdy” Cope in January 2021.
4. On Your Time (2023): The band’s latest album, released on October 6, 2023, marks its first release since the loss of Cope.

The Steel Woods have toured extensively throughout their career, sharing stages with artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dwight Yoakam, Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, Miranda Lambert, and Blackberry Smoke.

Their music has been praised for honoring the Southern rock tradition while incorporating diverse influences, creating a timeless and contemporary sound.

In March 2024, Wes Bayliss announced that The Steel Woods would disband after completing their final United States tour throughout 2024, citing personal reasons.

Consequently, a scheduled autumn 2024 UK and European tour with fellow Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke was canceled.

The Steel Woods have significantly impacted the Southern rock and country music scenes, earning a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for their heartfelt lyrics and powerful sound.