Rather than repeating the formal studio experiences of previous albums, The Wooks—CJ Cain on guitar and vocals, Harry Clark on mandolin and vocals, George Guthrie on banjo and vocals, and Allen Cooke on Dobro—recorded fly high, their next album will be released on February 25, over two sessions in Nashville at the home studio of bluegrass guitarist Jake Stargel. One of the tracks that came out of the buttoned-up but still creative studio experience was “Little While”, the second single from the album which is available everywhere today. Earlier this week, Folk Alley released the track alongside an alternate video that showcases the band’s roots: circled around a mic, pitch-perfect harmonies and flavorful picking. Folk Alley noted that “the music and lively vocals evoke the human tendency to look back and dwell on the past that is part of us while celebrating those moments from the past that make us smile”. Folk Alley continued, “There’s a melancholy undertone to the song, but the band’s upbeat vocals remind us to ‘enjoy the things that make you smile’ because they’re gone in no time. The energetic music spirals happily as the final notes of the song fade away, leaving us smiling. Listen to the track and watch the accompanying video here. Flux fly highthe first two singles now via this link and watch the video of the title song by clicking on here.

Digging deeper into the studio experience of this album, fans will be interested to know that the Lexington, KY-based band was looking for a sound “like Bela Fleck’s Drive album or Tony Rice’s work at Arch Studios with Bill Wolf. This feeling alive. A lot of bluegrass these days is almost self-tuned and fixed to the point of perfection. We were trying to run away from that as quickly as possible,” Cain explains. A full-loop moment a few months later: Cain called Bill Wolf to see if he’d master the album.” Wolf replied, asking to hear it, then took Flyin’ High to the next level. “For a guy who’s been making iconic albums his whole life, he’s put a ton of work in there,” Cain says. “Bill told me to listen to it to see if I was happy with it, and I was like, ‘Man, what am I supposed to listen to? And he said, ‘Is that fun to listen to?’ I think he accomplished that.

About The Wooks: Inspired by the traditional and the unconventional, The Wooks have established a distinctive sound through original songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and outside influences ranging from jam bands to Southern rock. Although their origin stories are diverse, the four members of The Wooks have forged a common bond that honors individuality and innovation. But with minimal shows to test Flyin’ High material, Cooke speaks for the band when he says he can’t wait for fans to experience these new songs, both on the album and on stage. “This band is definitely not a band determined to keep things the way they sounded on the record,” he says. “We all want to keep these songs fresh and new as the shows go on.

The Wooks are the ambassadors of I can’t help, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that brings together volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities; through their work with Can’d Aid, they have played and donated instruments to underserved schools and youth.

Catch the Wooks on tour:
2/24 – Louisville, Kentucky – Zanzabar
2/25 – Huntington, WV – The Fort
2/26 – Lexington, KY – The Bramble
3/1 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic
3/2 – Birmingham, AL – The Nick
3/4 – Asheville, North Carolina – Isis Music Hall
3/5 – Nashville, TN – Station Inn
3/9 – Awendaw, SC – Awendaw Green
3/10 – Raleigh, NC – For House
3/12 – Roanoke, VA – Martin’s St Patty Street Fair
3/13 – Richmond, VA – The Camel
3/16 – Charlottesville, VA – The South
3/17 – Washington DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
3/18 – Farmville, VA – North Street Press Club
3/19 – Round Hill, VA – B Chord Brewing
3/30 – Ferndale, MI – Otus Supply
4/1 – Newport, KY – Southgate Revival House
4/2 – Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant
4/5 – Syracuse, NY – Funk n Waffles
4/7 – New Haven, CT – New Cafe
4/8 – Boston, MA – The Burren
4/9 – New York, NY – Jalopy Theater
4/10 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Saint
4/13 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – City Winery
4/14 – Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Zoetropolis
4/15 – Grove City, Pennsylvania – Big Rail Brewery
4/16 – Thomas, WV – The Purple Violin