Wonderly Road, Knock Knocking Review
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Josh Baird has a vision of his life’s journey and no obstacle would stop him. From the decision of saying goodbye to drums and picking up guitar with countless hours of guitar lessons that meant commutes to Portland, he honed his craft and committed to playing guitar. Baird made a New Years resolution to start a country project with his brother Robert who himself was playing rockabilly and country music as second guitarist for Broadway Calls. Originally, the Baird Brothers imagined their group Wonderly Road sporting a female vocalist, but after several attempts Josh Baird stepped forward and decided to not only take voice lessons, but to take opera lessons. “What better way to learn how to sing than learning opera?” Seriously, Baird was determined to have the kind of vocal technique that would erupt the soul. Their latest single “Knock Knocking” will knock you off your feet.
Positives:
An ala John Fogerty ah hah! moment came upon me when listening to Josh Baird. All that training did not diminish the rock heart inside him, it only enhanced the natural talent abounding from his soul.
Bottom Line:
Baird has a raspy bad boy sound, the sound of America songs that reminisce the raw and resonating sound of CCR and the craftmanship of John Prine. His throwback voice is reminiscent of a time when rebellion was about change, not endless complaining, when the world was on its ear meeting it with resolve. On “Knock Knocking” Baird touches on the subject of loss. The trauma inside the pain. Baird explains, “As much as I’d love to talk about it, you just don’t bring up that shit so it’s easier to do that in a song. It’s definitely therapeutic.” Wonderly Road has given Josh Baird a vehicle of expression, one that was fought hard for with perseverance and tenacity. That’s the short of it!