It’s only natural that The Wood Brothers would find live environs such natural habitats, well-suited to their amalgam of blues, funk and rootsy revival. Given the fact that they’re frequently deputized to help out on other people’s recordings, it’s always a revelation to find the core trio—brothers Chris and Oliver Wood and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix—in live performance, where the essence of their archival sound can be captured in full bloom. Recorded at Levon Helm’s barn studio in Woodstock, N.Y., this latest offering provides the ideal opportunity for the trio to serve up an appropriately rustic brew that reflects their timeless template, especially in a setting where they naturally belong. Indeed, the surroundings loom large in the proceedings, with the willowy “Postcards From Hell” dedicated to Levon himself and a sprightly cover of “Ophelia,” served up in homage to The Band. Nevertheless, the tempos vary considerably—from the well-fueled funk of “Tried and Tempted” and “I Got Loaded” to the tangled backwoods blues of “Trouble in Mind,” an ideal showcase for Oliver’s fluid fretwork. Likewise, when the band is on a tear, as evidenced in the unhinged drive and delivery of “Honey Jar,” they’re all but irrepressible, and their cohesive bond is consistently clear. Though technically accomplished musicians, The Wood Brothers consistently find inspiration by going back to the basics. With Live at the Barn, they not only return to their roots, but effectively serve them up with style.