Biography
Woodenhead is an instrumental rock fusion band formed in 1975 in New Orleans by guitarist Jimmy Robinson and cellist Danny Cassin, both students at Loyola University's music department. Despite their classical training, the band drew from rock, progressive rock, and fusion influences including Frank Zappa, Yes, Dixie Dregs, the Beatles, Hendrix, the Byrds, and Cream, creating a dynamic sound blending composed sections with intricate interplay.[1][2][3][7][8] Jimmy Robinson, who had previously fronted the progrock band Laugh In The Dark in the 1970s, led Woodenhead through decades of persistence in the competitive New Orleans music scene.[2][3]
The band's career spanned over 50 years, releasing at least six albums, including the 2004 live recording Perseverance, which featured lineup changes such as Fran Cominsky on keys, Paul Clement on bass, Mark Whitaker on drums, and guest appearances by the horn section 'Trombones From Hell' (Mark Mullins, Brian O’Neil, Rick Trolsen).[3][9] Woodenhead's music is characterized by technical proficiency, rapid shifts between melodic sections, and influences from Zappa-esque complexity to Celtic-flavored prog fusion, earning praise as one of New Orleans' most fascinating musical units.[1][3][9]
Woodenhead's legacy endures as a staple of the New Orleans progressive and fusion scene, with Robinson's guitar work blowing minds of audiences since 1975, maintaining a cult following among fans of Yes, King Crimson, and Mahavishnu Orchestra despite limited mainstream recognition.[3][5]
Fun Facts
- Woodenhead has persisted for over 50 years in New Orleans' crowded music scene, with their site celebrating '50 years of who said what'.[9]
- The band's name evokes their instrumental focus, emerging from classical students' love for prog rock despite formal training.[3]
- Perseverance (2004) was recorded live in New Orleans, highlighting tracks like 'Big G' with Celtic flavors and 'Little Blue' as a dark standout.[3]
- Jimmy Robinson transitioned from fronting 1970s prog band Laugh In The Dark directly to founding Woodenhead.[2]
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Danny Cassin - co-founder and cellist, met at Loyola University (formed core of early Woodenhead) [1975]
- Fran Cominsky - keys player in later lineup (Perseverance album) [2004]
- Paul Clement - bassist in later lineup (Perseverance album) [2004]
- Mark Whitaker - drummer in later lineup (Perseverance album) [2004]
- Trombones From Hell (Mark Mullins, Brian O’Neil, Rick Trolsen) - guest horn section (Perseverance album tracks like Bonewars) [2004]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Woodenhead has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 29, 2025 | 11:58 | Antifunkfrom Woodenhead 50th Anniversary | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves |