Billy Woodward and the Senders + The Woodshedders + Chester River Runoff March 7, 2010

Born with the voice of an angel and raised to rock, DC area singer / songwriter Billy Woodward's broad appreciation of early rock and roll and rhythm and blues music has been instrumental in his songwriting and live performances, ever since he was old enough to strum a guitar.

Thanks due in large part to his father's record collection, Billy was introduced to the musical styling of Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles & other pioneering 50's/60's performers at an early age, which helped shape his musical sensibility. These influences can be felt in his songs, but certainly do not define them. "The music from that time period contains so much charm and honesty. I'm constantly hoping to create something that catches people the same way".

Drawing on the inspiration from his musical heroes, Billy sought create something completely different; to develop his own, truly unique style. The result is a new, refreshingly energetic rock and roll experience. Billy's live performances are full-throttle and rockin' from start to end, drawing the audience in as if they were part of the performance.

Billy Woodward hit the Washington DC music scene in 2008 after organizing a full band of some of the finest local musicians. Since that point Billy Woodward and the Senders have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with such varied touring acts as Three Bad Jacks, Th' Legendary Shack Shakers & Thomas Nicholas Band.

The varied influences brought by Billy's band, The Senders are an integral ingredient to the fresh and energetic smashing crash. Their large sound and bursting live performances have fast become legend within the DC music scene.

With an undeniable rock and roll soul and deep appreciation for the raw manner of the Replacements and Chuck Berry, lead guitarist Mike Amacher adds an unprocessed, well-suited compatibility to Billy's rock-solid rhythm guitar. The occasional Townshend-esque abandon adds to the intensity of the band's raucous, not-to-be-missed live set.

Double bassist Mike Centrella combines equal parts tasteful backbone with raw and driving intensity. Mikey's punk rock influences being quite apparent as he mercilessly pounds his intense rhythm through his poor, harangued upright. It can appear at times that he's actually persuaded himself he's got an electric strapped on... At all times he appears possessed.

Scott rabino rounds the rhythm section with his precision timing and old skool jazz sensibilities. Scott, a well-known veteran to the local music scene, lends an acute, hypnotic-yet-pounding, unrelenting beat that provides the foundation for the bands' irresistibly hip-shakin' music.

Scotty Miller adds to the musical landscape by laying down his beautifully melodic, honky tonk piano styling. An ardent fan of Faces and The Stones, as well as being a badgerous Stax aficionado, Scotty's infectious piano hooks beautifully weave in and out of the music-riding the crest and then back down below the surface in brilliant harmony. Scotty is also a brilliant maracas maestro.

http://www.myspace.com/billywoodward
http://www.reverbnation.com/thewoodshedders
http://www.myspace.com/chesterriverrunoff

Official Website: http://www.jamminjava.com/