Woodenhead formed in 1975 at Loyola University's music department, where guitarist Jimmy Robinson and cellist Danny Cassin — both classically trained — discovered a shared love of the Beatles, Hendrix and Cream, and, crucially, of the progressive and fusion sounds of Frank Zappa, Yes and the Dixie Dregs. The result was a spicy gumbo of jazz fusion, symphonic rock and New Orleans R&B flavors.
After a few early personnel changes the lineup stabilized: Robinson on guitar, Fran Comiskey on keyboards, Paul Clement on bass and Mark Whitaker on drums. Original music has always been the star attraction of the band's live shows and its albums, from Perseverance (2004) to Live at Tipitina's — and the band is sometimes augmented by the Bonerama Horns and other guest artists.
Woodenhead has opened for the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chick Corea's Elektrik Band, the Dixie Dregs, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and Billy Cobham, and has played the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for over 20 years. The group marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 with remastered reissues of its seven-album catalog and a landmark greatest-hits compilation.
“At the New Orleans jazz festival, Woodenhead gets a standing ovation for teaching traditional jazz fans just how far imagination and electricity can push the form.”
Esquire magazine
