Mitch s pile drivin piano licks and energetic stage persona combine with the Rocket 88 s swingin horns, thumpin bass, rockin guitar and jungle drums to send a crowd into dancing delight. The band broke up as Mitch moved to Hawaii to embark on a solo career in the late 70 s. He returned in 1981 to form the first incarnation of the Rocket 88 s with former members of the David Bromberg Band, including John Firmin on sax, now leading his own swingin big band - The Johnny Nocturne Band. Mitch Woods And His Rocket 88's have built a large national and international following as they perform at clubs and festivals worldwide. Woods sings with smooth ebullience and hammers the piano keys with the unchecked gaiety of mentors Fess Longhair and Amos Milburn.
Woods also has a fine touch for New Orleans' piano polyrhythms.
This may be complicated music to play, but it's very easy music to hear. There's something about the syncopated bounce of boogie-woogie that lifts one's spirits even as it shifts one's shoulders and hips. It's like witnessing one of those breathtaking moments of music where the unspoken communication and the resulting musical dialogue can raise a goose bump or two. It has the power to charm and to entertain, the power to inspire and to motivate. Definitely do not miss out.