The Wooden Revolt

Nathan Dale and Bruce Spencer know what it’s like to be a star in someone else’s show. The duo had long played together behind Bay-area Americana icon Jackie Greene. Yet, now they’re celebrating a new leg of their musical journey: taking their powerful musical chemistry to the stage as The Wooden Revolt. For the better part of a decade Nathan and Bruce (guitar/vocal and drums/vocals, respectively) have been supporting Jackie Greene’s rise to international recognition. Through recordings and live performances, the duo’s talents have been heard in North America’s most popular venues and festivals such as Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Red Rocks, The House of Blues circuit and The Fillmore. They’ve also been featured on broadcast radio and television, including appearances on NPR and The Conan O’Brien show. While in Jackie’s band, the two grew close and developed a kinship. They created demo recordings that, over time, have become the musical nucleus of The Wooden Revolt. “When things were starting to blow up with Jackie, it was impossible to focus on our project. It was tough because we really thought we had the start of something good in the demos that we were making together.” As members of bands signed to Columbia Records (Sweet Vine), MCA (Zoppi), Warner Bros. (Agnes Stone), as well as indie deals with A&M and Island Records, Nathan and Bruce are seasoned veterans of the recording industry. Both men have worked with an impressive list of world class and Grammy award winning producers including Mike Barbiero (Blues Traveler), Bill Bottrell (Michael Jackson), Matthew Wilder (No Doubt), Albhy Galuten (The Bee Gees, Jellyfish), Glenn Rosenstein (U2), and Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars). Bruce has gained a reputation as an A-list, "pocket" drummer and singer in the music industry. A Northern California native, he made his way to Nashville in the 90’s to earn a job with top country artist, Wynonna, as her drummer. The experience had him playing alongside music legends, Willie Weeks and Jim Horn. Nathan's reputation for soulful guitar leads and an honest, smooth vocal style has brought him national attention as a solid and confident performer. Together, their abilities were the foundation for Jackie's current performances. Jackie’s fans have come to know and appreciate the duo’s influence on his energetic live sound. "We've done the record deals. We’ve been on national tours supporting other artists’ visions. The Wooden Revolt is clearly about our chemistry." After five years of touring and recording with Jackie, Bruce left the band in 2010 to pursue his interest as an artist/producer in his newly finished recording studio. During this time Nathan started writing for his solo debut album while still touring with Jackie. Nathan and Bruce remained close and when Nathan’s tour schedule permitted, the two would steal away with bassist, Mark Harmon (longtime bandmate of Bruce’s in the 70’s), recording tracks that would finally materialize as Nathan’s 2011 debut album, Major Key's Parade. In 2012, Jackie Greene joined The Black Crowes, which presented an opportunity for Nathan and Bruce to begin The Wooden Revolt. They spent days in the studio listening and revising their earlier demos. Using the help of bassists, Mark Harmon and Gabe Nelson (Cake), these songs have new synergy that bears a different kind of fruit. "Our musical philosophy is simple: make a record of the moment you’re in.” The duo describes their mission as “creating a classic, dynamic, acoustic-powered pop feel, with a fresh and vibrant energy on stage. Throw in some unpredictability for good measure.” With those marching orders, it appears 2013 might very well be the year of The Wooden Revolt. The Wooden Revolt is Nathan Dale and Bruce Spencer from The Jackie Greene Band.