John Wood (record producer)

John Wood is a British record producer and sound engineer, primarily known for his work with British folk and progressive rock artists in the late 1960s and 1970s. He is highly regarded for his innovative and sensitive approach to recording acoustic instruments and vocals, creating a distinctive and influential sound that helped define the era.

Wood began his career at Sound Techniques studio in London, where he quickly established a reputation for his technical expertise and artistic sensibility. He engineered and produced albums for a wide range of artists, including Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Sandy Denny, Incredible String Band, and John Martyn. His contributions were crucial in shaping their signature sounds, often characterized by a warm, natural acoustic quality.

Beyond his work with folk artists, Wood also played a significant role in the progressive rock scene, producing albums for artists such as Pink Floyd (early works), and notably for the band Genesis, with whom he worked on several influential albums. His engineering and production skills helped capture the complexity and ambition of their music.

Wood's production style is often described as understated and respectful of the artist's vision. He is known for his ability to create a comfortable and collaborative environment in the studio, allowing musicians to express themselves freely and achieve their best performances. His approach emphasizes clarity, depth, and emotional impact, resulting in recordings that are both technically impressive and artistically satisfying.

After Sound Techniques closed, Wood continued to work as a freelance producer and engineer, contributing to albums across various genres. His early work remains highly influential and is frequently cited as an example of exceptional recording artistry. He continues to be a respected figure in the music industry.