The Wood 'N Hannah Band


THE WOOD 'N HANNAH BAND

L-R: David Wood, John Hannah, Harvey Kostenchuk, and Rob Wallace

Photo credit: Jim Walker

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
May 19, 1976, Page 33

I spent the better part of Sunday evening (after the game, of course) celebrating my Canadiens' decisive sweep of the defending NHL champion Philadelphia Flyers at a social in the University of Manitoba's multi-purpose room. The big attraction was the third Winnipeg appearance (and first in more than a month) for The Wood 'n Hannah Band, a Winnipeg quartet with the potential to make quite a name for itself in the months and year ahead.

Although there were less than 200 people at the social, the band turned in two inspired sets of group originals, which went on well past the MPR's usual 1 a.m. shutdown time. David Wood and John Hannah's tremendous dual-guitar interplay -- which forms the integral part of the band's sound for songs like Back On The Scene, Polynesia and Wood Work -- is characterized by some of the sweetest sounding, intensely delivered playing it has been my pleasure to hear in a long time.

I believe the group already has enough top-notch material to cut a debut album. It's been a long time since any Winnipeg band has excited me the way The Wood 'n Hannah Band has during the two opportunities I Have had to see the group perform. Believe me, if imaginative two-guitar rock is up your alley, you have got to see these guys in action.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
October 23, 1976, Page 183

Since its inception in March of this year, The Wood 'N Hannah Band has displayed the talent and musical potential of which stars are made. From its first public performance, the group has made it abundantly clear that it has a very bright future ahead of it.

The four-man group was founded by John (Johnno) Hannah and David Wood, a pair of 23-year old guitar players whose dual lead work is already becoming something of a legend around the city. John Hannah is a respected veteran of the Winnipeg scene and is regarded as one of the biggies of the Winnipeg underground rock scene.

Drummer Harvey Kostenchuk and bassist Scott smith (he recently replaced founding member Rob Wallace, who is recuperating from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident) provide the band's tight, authorative [sic] bottom.

Almost 90 per cent of the group's repertoire consists of its own explosive, high voltage original material. The Wood 'N Hannah Band's dynamic, hard-hitting sound has earned it a massive following throughout Manitoba which is certain to be increased in the months ahead.

The group will continue to work the social and one-nighter circuit while formulating plans for its first venture into a recording studio. The band easily has enough material to record a terrific debut album. In the meantime, the group continues to maintain a highly creative atmosphere, having written a number of new tunes, during the summer months which will be worked into its existing sets gradually. Make no doubt about it, The Wood 'N Hannah Band is (a) group going places.

Andy Mellen

August 9 - 19, 1976

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
January 5, 1977, Page 48

What a way to start of a new year! In a shocking and totally surprising development, The Wood 'N Hannah Band has ceased to be. I had no advance warning at all of the move, which took place on Christmas Day. As it turns out, neither did guitarist David Wood, who was told on that day that his services were no longer required. No specific reason for the decision was offered, other than the usual vague rumblings about the band's members wishing to move in a different musical direction.

It seems unbelievable that a band I felt possessed the potential for greatness no longer exists. I was a great supporter of The Wood 'N Hannah Band right from its inception nine months ago. Of all the many talented Winnipeg band on the scene, I felt that this band had the best shot at advancing well beyond the local pub and one-nighter circuit. There's no question that the talent (and more importantly the original material) to achieve wide recognition was there in abundance.

Although the nucleus of the group (singer-guitarist John Hannah, drummer Harvey Kostenchuk and bassist Scott Smith) will carry on under the name of Hurricane Hannah, I have my doubts whether the new group will be able to create the sort of musical magic which The Wood 'N Hannah Band cooked up on the several dozen occasions I witnessed the band perform. Only time will tell whether the lineup - which includes former Next guitar player Bob White - will be able to duplicate the original band's accomplishments.

David Wood, the lanky 23-year-old guitar player, is undecided about his musical future. There is a possibility that he may join forces with one of several existing bands, although I personally would like to see him start up a new band. He developed into one of this city's most proficient and exciting instrumentalists last year, and also showed great ability as a composer, having written all or most of songs such a Wood Work, Back On The Scene and Polynesia. Whatever his decision turns out to be, you can expect to hear plenty more from this talented young musician in the months to come.

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