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"MEMORY ON LARIMER" Rocky Mountain News by Dave Flomberg June 1, 2007 "Grab your horn and meet us down at Who's on First." Zach was playing drums for the open jam at the long-since-closed Cherry Creek bar and grill with Denver pianist Joe Bonner that summer evening, more than a dozen summers ago. I wasn't even old enough to drink legally, but Zach said it was cool. They were set up on the patio, and as I assembled my horn, I noticed a trombone sitting on a table a few feet away. It was a stunning instrument; the gloss-black-lacquered bell was elegantly adorned with gold etching. I was agog. I asked Zach whom the horn belonged to. He jerked his thumb over at a man chatting with a couple of other musicians. "It's Fred's." Fred Wesley was there. The former musical director of the James Brown band. George Clinton's main man. The greatest living funkbonist in the known universe. I quickly began packing up my horn. No way was I gonna get on the same stage as that guy. But Zach eventually talked me down, and I ended up not only playing, but getting to chat later with an idol of mine. Fred wasn't just magnanimous, he was encouraging. It was one of those chance encounters that sparks an epiphany, or at least nudges a young player's musical focus in a new direction. These days, Front Range aficionados have had ample opportunity to see another of James Brown's sidemen. Damon Wood was the Godfather of Soul's lead guitarist in the late '90s and early '00s; his jam band Harmonious Junk has become a Mile-High groove staple in the past few years. Anyone in attendance last week at Herb's, the jazz and blues dive on Larimer at the north end of LoDo, can attest to why. Rolling through blues, old school R&B, funk and jazz tunes sprinkled with rock riffs and swamp-soaked delta changes, Harmonious Junk is one of the more aptly named bands you'll see. Its ability to blend styles and influences is exceptional, matched only by the players' musicianship. The cool thing about seeing a band fronted by a sideman to one of the most influential figures in the history of pop music is you'll never know who might show up. Last week, saxophonist Jeff Watkins and trumpeter Hollie Farris joined Junk's lone sax player, Pete Wall, along with Fred Thomas, Brown's bassist, who was also taking some vocals. Between the horns and Fred on the mic, the mood was visibly energized. Herb's was packed with bodies. We were at a booth to the side of the stage; the narrow path between the bar and booths became impossible to navigate. The crowd was heady and drunk, thoroughly enjoying the jam, and just as excited when Journey blared on the jukebox between sets. Band members were mobbed by well-wishers when they stepped off stage. It's a moment I can't help but pause to appreciate. From Fred Wesley to Fred Thomas, the number of lives touched by James Brown still grows. Even here, at a calescent gin mill at the edge of downtown Denver, five months to the day after his death, he's still the hardest-working man in show business. Harmonious Junk • HJ plays June 9 at the Hornet (76 Broadway, 303-777-7676) and at 11:15 a.m. June 16 at the Highlands Street Fair (West 32nd Avenue and Irving Street). Buy our CD and find out for yourself what Space Cadet is all about.

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JAM ON IT-By Katie Flannery-Colorado Music Buzz July 07'(excerpts)-When I received a message from former James Brown guitarist Damon Wood predicting a "Funk throw-down" at Herb's, I knew I had to attend. The house packed and the crowd buzzing with excitement, the night of May 25th was one to remember. Sitting in with Harmonious Junk was long time bassist for the James Brown band Fred Thomas, who laid down the funk and took over on vocals from time to time. Joining the band during the second and third sets were two more Brown alumni: Jeff Watkins on saxophone and Hollie Farris on trumpet. The band whipped the crowd into a dancing frenzy as they flawlessly snaked through songs of varying genres, and the James Brown cover were performed with precision and joy. I have never seen Wood and the members of his band smile so much while playing. My friend Mel tapped me on the shoulder as she leaned over to yell in my ear, "James Brown is in the house...who knew?" Wood's original tunes often make a statement - with humor. Aware that there is already more than enough negativity in some music, he consciously tries to insert comic features into his songs. Wood describes his music as "Improv rock that is Funk and Jazz based. I don't want to be classified in any particular genre...it's hard to step out of that box if you want to do something different in the future." Harmonious Junk will release their second album at the end of the summer, feauturing drummer Jason Kather, saxophonist Justin Jones, keyboardist Chad Aman, and bassists Sam Smith and Fred Thomas.

-------------------The Telluride Watch April 27, 2007. Harmonious Junk to Rock Fly Me to the Moon Saloon. By Rebecca Thoreson (excerpts) The Denver based Harmonious Junk is headed up by former lead guitarist for the James Brown Band, Damon Wood, who toured with the Godfather of Soul for some eight years. "I'm kind of in this reflective, sentimental time, looking back at everything," says Wood, referring to the passing of Brown last year. "It was an amazing experience, he was such a personality," recalls Wood. "He would never cease to amaze me. I learned a lot about being a bandleader from James Brown. One of the things was that if a tune is not working, don't try to trudge through it, move on to something else. You have to have eye contact so you can jump into something new. It's a spontaneous thing, being in touch with the people who are there." Spontaneous may best describe the multi-faceted, and sometimes eccentric Brown. Wood recalled a session with the Black Eyed Peas while they were recording the multi-platinum album "Monkey Business". "James Brown hi-jacked that session," said Wood. "James said, I'm bringing my band, my singers and my wife." Not without controversy, Brown's legacy endures. "..when you got to know him, you realized he just had his own musical glossary. He'd use words like 'tonation' and 'ten chords,' and all the jazz guys would freak out, because those aren't really musical terms. But he knew what sound he wanted and he got it." Wood also recalled the energy that JB brought to his performances. "I'll always remember him sweating buckets of sweat on stage, and thinking, wow - he's in his seventies." Wood brings his incredible wealth of experience and his own dynamic energy into his latest project, Harmonious Junk, with their heavy funk, jazz, and soul-laced rock and roll. Dubbed Denver's "Best Jam Band" in the 2005 issue of Westword Magazine, the group released their debut effort, Space Cadet to rave reviews. "I probably should mention that I have been in Telluride before. It was the weekend of 9/11. That's when James Brown did his acapella version of 'God Bless America.' That was quite a day. This will be our first time in Telluride, and we're really looking forward to it." Get down with Harmonious Junk, with their infectious jamadelic, soul tinged brand of rock and roll. Wood is a musical treat, so don't miss it! Rebecca Thoreson-Telluride Watch 4/27/07

-------------------------Damon Wood’s music career has taken him many places with many people, but his experiences with James Brown always rise to the top. It was during a performance honoring the Godfather of Soul that Wood found himself performing “Sex Machine” with Brown and Michael Jackson. “In L.A., when James Brown was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, Michael Jackson jumped out of the wings and read a speech to give him the award. Then he jammed ‘Sex Machine’ with us,” Wood said. “Me and the bass player looked at each other and were like, ‘Is that Michael Jackson on stage with us?’” Wood was a lead guitarist in the James Brown Band and played with the legendary musician for almost eight years. “He’s real intense, and I had a lot to learn from him. He’s probably the greatest entertainer I’ve ever seen at work,” Wood said. “He definitely knows a lot about the business. He put out his first single in 1956.” Wood now leads the band Harmonious Junk, a funk-rock based ensemble that takes a jazz approach to improvisation. “We take you through a lot of different styles within one set. If you hear 10 songs in a set that are all in the same genre, it gets kind of old,” he said. “And people are more picky now with, ‘Take me here and take me there.’” When Harmonious Junk improvises on stage, the band members do it with a “group mind” — everyone listens to one another and takes turns leading. “We look at it as how we create our art on stage, and that’s bigger than all of us individually,” Wood said. “It’s one of the funnest aspects; it’s more deep and fulfilling and meaningful — almost spiritual.” When working on the soundtrack for the movie “The Tuxedo,” Woods had to get used to changing things around. “We recorded ‘Sex Machine’ with Jackie Chan in the DreamWorks Studio with us,” he said. “And James Brown, as usual, changed the whole arrangement on the spot.” One of the highlights of Woods’ career was when he toured Japan with Brown. “The Japanese people are so appreciative, and in Japan, they all know your names and have gifts for you,” he said. The people who set up the shows for the band impressed him even more because of their helpfulness and attention to detail. “They had everything completely set up before you even get there,” Woods said. “The guitar pick you lost at the show the night before, they found it, and put it on top of your amp.” But no matter where or whom Wood plays with, his goal is always the same. “You have to figure out what’s going to make people get off,” he said. “And we have to make sure we get off, too.” By Allison Plean Steamboat Pilot 10/13/06

Oriental Theater Showcase: "Those in attendance at the Oriental Theater on September 6th were the ones in the know. The newly renovated venue hosted three talented Front Range bands that night:Poontucky, The High Five and Damon Wood's Harmonious Junk. Damon Wood's rock star stylings were in full effect for the final set of the night. Fueled by funk-driven improvisations, the former lead guitarist for the James Brown Band led his Harmonious Junk band through classic covers and recent originals. With several years of touring around the world and performances with many well known musicians under his belt, Wood knows how to put on a show. His band is full of ultra-talented musicians willing to take risks, and the group is not afraid to extend jams to the cosmic outer reaches. The Junk got everyone up and dancing and Wood's spectacular stage jump to close the show left everyone wanting more." Music Buzz magazine October 06' by Katie Flannery

"Since forming in Las Vegas in 2001, it (Harmonious Junk) has released the superbly crafted 'Space Cadet' which see the band exploring a plethora of instrumental textures with some unusual twists. Not surprisingly there's an underlying funk edge but in a jagged sort of psychedelic fashion. Witness the sassy opener 'Sweet Delight' and the percolating riffs of 'Bubbledown'. Elsewhere the band flits from melodic jazz-rock to the beautifully haunting title cut, which features pirouetting leads counter-pointed by delicate piano work that really highlights the sophistication of this ensemble. Wood and fellow band members are each accomplished and exciting players that like to take risks and turn things around (Wood in particular can whip out funk riffs, blues solos and jazz fills with ease and finesse)." Relix Magazine by Mick Skidmore June 2005

"The debut album is packed with the spontaneity and creative material Junk's performances are known for. In 2005 Westword voted the band Denver's "Best Jamband", a title that fits well for the quartet." The Marquee by Monica Banks

"Junk's guitar-driven sound is tight, even when venturing on flights of improvisational fancy....Between Soul Brother Number One and Harmonious Junk, Wood is well positioned to stay in front of the musically well-informed, though he takes nothing for granted. - Nick Hutchinson - Jambase.com - 1/22/05

"Over at La Rumba Damon Wood was on fire with Harmonious Junk." Westword 6/21/06

"Harmonious Junk pulls together savory parts of funk, jazz, blues, psychedelic, soul, and jam. Expect classic covers, fresh originals and the sweet sounds of real talent" - Westword - Best of Denver 2005 Issue

"Wood struts his road tested guitar stuff on 'Space Cadet' and demonstrates creative songwriting ability, weaving diverse influences into a musical tapestry that recalls classics like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Albert Collins and Jimmy Herring. The music feels new and bears a unique stamp. The disc goes out strong, stringing together four very solid cuts: 'Gimme Gimme', 'Only True Friend', 'Magic' and' Luster'." Jambase.com by Nick Hutchinson