Royal Wood @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: iTunes Canada voted this talented singer/multi-instrumentalist one of the best songwriters of 2007, and the accolade is well deserved. He took turns on keyboard and acoustic guitar and was joined for this gig by a killer three-piece backing band.

Grade: 100

Comment: Wood recently wrapped up a series of shows opening for Sarah Slean, but any man capable of moving an audience to tears with a song about the tender love of a friend's grandparents deserves to headline his own tour.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Wood was working the classy clean-cut suit and tie look, and his bandmates followed his lead. He scanned the audience with a look that was so personal and intimate that it was almost intimidating — nevertheless, when asked to move in closer to the stage, the crowd willingly obliged.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
A bit of jazz, a bit of alt.country, a bit of rock and exquisite songwriting and musicianship are par for the course where Wood is concerned. He's a consummate professional and sounds great on his own, but add three more top-notch musicians to the mix and the result is something truly special. They should just form an official band already... Royal Wood and the Shavings?

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E 
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Some vaguely audible radio noise coming through the monitors were the only tiny blemishes on an otherwise spellbinding set (and this wasn't even the band's fault).