After "You Know That Feeling", Bromberg's albums deviated from his smooth jazz roots. "Wood" (2002), produced by a Japanese label, was recorded with pianist Randy Waldman and brother David Bromberg on drums. "Wood" contains solo jazz versions of "Carry on My Wayward Son" by Kansas and "Let 'Em In" by Paul McCartney. In addition to the solo pieces, "Wood" and "Wood 2" (with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta replacing David Bromberg) contain interpretations of music by Wayne Shorter and Woody Herman. On an even sharper turn from his smooth jazz past, Bromberg released "Metal" (2005) with drummer Joel Taylor.