The Oklahoma Reviews went on the road to Fayetteville, Arkansas to see and hear one of the hottest up and coming southern rock bands in the country. The Steel Woods took over George’s Majestic Lounge on March 7, 2019 and played an absolutely awe-inspiring set in front of an intimate and enthusiastic Thursday night crowd. Over the past two years, the band has been gradually building a loyal and dedicated fan base through their nonstop touring schedule. They have opened shows for known acts such as Dwight Yoakam, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, Miranda Lambert, and Blackberry Smoke. The band has also been gaining momentum since their sophomore album release of “Old News” via Thirty Tigers on January 18, 2019.

The Steel Woods were co-founded by guitarists Wes Bayliss and Jason “Rowdy” Cope prior to releasing their four track, self-titled EP in 2016. Before the release, bassist Johnny Stanton and drummer Jay Tooke were added to the band. The following year, 2017, the group would release their debut full length album, “Straw in the Wind” on Thirty Tigers/Woods Music. The Steel Woods would continue to tour nonstop, promoting their southern rock sound while continuing to gain a very loyal following. A cover of Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents” arrived in December 2018 as the first track off their 2019 full length album, “Old News.”

The Steel Woods began the set with one of their most popular songs that is played frequently on satellite radio, “Rock That Says My Name” and finished the set with the self-titled track from the new album, “Old News.” The band played their set nonstop without much time or stoppage in between tunes, keeping the momentum and the mood going throughout the evening. The set and the band are one of the musically tightest groups that I have seen this year. The band did not come out for an encore, but an encore was not needed for this set or show, as no more ass kickin’ was needed on this particular night.

The band was scheduled to travel to Texarkana, TX to open for Cody Jinks the following Saturday. After the gig, all members of the band were present outside behind the bus, talking with fans and signing merchandise and a lot of “Old News” vinyl. Even their tour manager was present talking with fans and those hanging around with the band. This group of fellas can easily be described as a tight group of professional musicians that are down to earth and very approachable. The Steel Woods will not be playing in smaller venues such as George’s Majestic Lounge for very much longer. In fact, as festival season approaches, you can catch them at larger festivals to include “Rocklahoma” and “Tumbleweed Music Festival,” to name a few. The band will also be making their historic Cain’s Ballroom debut as a headlining act, with Tennessee Jet supporting the show on June 7, 2019. Get out and see these guys while you still can in these smaller, much more intimate environments. The Steel Woods are climbing the mountain, and they are gonna get their fast!