CD Review By Kerry Agnew(Guitarist-Sonic Bliss & Writter Aural Fix Magazine)
CD Review: Kenny Cook “Out of Mind”
Born and raised on Long Island, guitarist Kenny Cook was known locally as the best of the best. Back in the day, he was the guy who topped every other player around, and he was the one who every other guitar player in the land aspired to play like. His style covers the wide range from jazz to rock, and he had tons of local gigs. Everybody from the Hassles (Billy Joel) to Kiss knew him either personally or by reputation. Always in demand, he backed up a variety of acts in almost every genre there is from the hard rock of Rachel, to the likes of the Coasters, Peggy Scott, Chubby Checker and even Tiny Tim.
Kenny moved to Atlanta several years ago, but he still keeps in touch with his amigos here on the Island, and that’s how I came to hear about his new CD and labor of love Out of Mind. Kenny has always actively played, even while raising a family and holding a day gig like everyone else. Then in June of this year, he had brain surgery and was sidelined for a few months from just about everything, but his doctor told him to keep his brain as active as possible. He was ordered to stay home and when his doc learned he was a musician, he suggested he immerse himself in his guitar like never before. The result became what was to be Kenny’s finest work, and one of the best guitar instrumental CD’s I’ve ever heard. Apparently I’m not the only one. On Kenny’s myspace page (www.myspace.com/kennycookguitar) there is a comment from Australian guitarist Orianthi, who I’m sure you’ve seen as the blonde hottie who was to go on tour as Michael Jackson’s guitarist on the ill fated This Is It tour. The very fact that someone of her now world-wide notoriety would listen to and comment on his album speaks volumes. This is one album that will blow away any guitarist who can appreciate a real master of the instrument.
The disc took Kenny three months to record in his home studio and it is truly a solo effort. Cook plays all the instruments himself, and used no other musicians, technicians or engineers in the process. The only parts that were programmed were the drum parts, and the overall sound is as if Jeff Beck, Larry Carlton, Carlos Santana and Joe Satriani were all in the same body while writing these songs. What is even more amazing is that almost all of the solos were done in one take. This is one time when the doctors’ orders resulted in a focus that allowed Kenny to create what has the potential to become a national best seller. This CD is not an exercise in ego, but rather the culmination of something Cook has wanted to do for over twenty years, and now that he was forced to drop everything and do it, it has become a masterpiece.
The first track on the eleven song disc is called BTS, and your guess is as good as mine as to what that stands for, but it only takes a few seconds for the listener to know that this is no ordinary guitar player. Some albums by solo guitarists can get repetitive or even boring no matter how good they might be. Tracks like Burning Wood and Overtime will leave you speechless at the virtuosity and seemingly effortless blend of sound and emotion. The fact that Cook has his roots in many different styles of music enables him to avoid being typecast. Other notable tracks include Dazed in the Sun, and Kaputa but every track shows his fluid expertise and unparalleled skill. His axe of choice is a Gibson ES 335, but having also used a Fender Strat on several cuts, he shows the versatility that a great guitarist can get from these vastly different guitars.
Kenny gigs frequently in Georgia, and I certainly hope he is able to break into the national audience he so richly deserves. Do yourself a favor and check out the tunes on his myspace page, then do yourself a bigger favor by supporting him by buying his disc at CD baby. If you look at his myspace list of artists under the heading “Sounds Like:” you will see an impressive list of vastly different musicians. Cook is still the best of the best and can hold his own with any one of them.
Stay tuned…..
Kerry Agnew, Aural Fix/ Long Island NY
Sounds Like
Plays Guitar Like: Carlos Santana, Neal Schon, Larry Carlton, Al DiMeola, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton
Voice Like: Steve Perry, Eric Clapton, Don Henley
PARTIAL SONGLIST:
Eric Clapton-Wonderful Tonight,
Don Henley-End Of The Innocence,
Soundgarden-Black Hole Sun,
Peter Frampton-Baby I Love Your Way,
Eric Clapton-My Father’s Eyes,
3 Doors Down-Here Without You,
Tom Petty-Breakdown,
Police-Every Breath You Take,
Thin Lizzy-Boys Are Back In Town,
Eric Clapton-Tears In Heaven,
Bryan Adams-Everything I Do,
George Benson-Breezin,
George Benson-Turn Your Love Around,
Santana-Smooth,
Santana-Prima Vera,
BB King-The Thrill Is Gone,
Van Morrison-Brown Eyed Girl,
KC & The Sunshine Band-Shake Your Booty,
KC & The Sunshine Band-Get Down Tonight,
Stevie Wonder-Superstition,
KC & The Sunshine Band-That’s The Way I Like It,
Georgia-Sax Instrumental,
Joe Cocker-Feelin Alright,
Stevie Wonder-Higher Ground,
Christopher Cross-Ride Like The Wind,
Classics IV-Spooky,
Bee Gee’s-How Deep Is Your Love,
Eagles- Desperado,
Beatles-Imagine,
Jimi Hendrix-Voodoo Child,
BTO-Takin Care Of Business,
Sting-Fields Of Gold,
ZZ Top-Tush,
Boz Scaggs-Low Down,
Commodores-Brick House,
Paul Young-Everytime You Go Away,
Train-Drops Of Jupiter,
The Trammps-Disco Inferno,
Michael Buble-Home,
Alabama-Old Flame
**Songs can be performed vocally or instrumental using Sax, Flutes, Piano or Guitar
Orginally from New York(Long Island), I've played music for many years with all kinds of people. Played for the same agency as Kiss(when they were Kiss Power-before the makeup) & Twisted Sister- Played with The Hassles(members of Billy Joel's former band), Backed up The Coasters, Peggy Scott, Chubby Checker, Tiny Tim, & Bobby Lewis- Played with "Bulldog"(Jimmy Crespo/Aerosmith's guitarist), was in 3 movies-"Stars and Bars", "Made In Heaven", and "Mayflower Madam".
I finally planted my feet in Atlanta about 20 years ago and have played all around the area. I've played @ Centennial Park, Eddie's Attic, Red Light Cafe, Rocco's, The Tavern, Joey D's, Jimmy Mac's, The Ridge, Cinco, and more. I play guitar w/synthesizer, write, and sing. References and Demo available upon request. For booking dates, policies, and procedures: kccrecords@yahoo.com OR view more of my work at http://www.gigmasters.com/guitar/KennyCook/
****ORDER newly released CD "Out Of Mind" http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kennycook2*****
TESTIMONIALS:
***Sept.09"This is a great CD and I've worked with some of the best guitar players in the world including Grady Martin. There is no one better than Kenny Cook", Gerald Nelson-Record producer & Songwriter(Elvis Presley)-Atlanta, GA.
***Sept.09"Kenn Just wanted to thank you for the great performance during our final night banquet at the Ford Motor Company Southeast Truck Expo at Lake Lanier. Everyone had a great time and we had lots of comments on the variety and professional quality of music you delivered. Look forward to having you again next year. Let me know where your playing out next." Thanks, Jerry Deblon Ford Motor Company Coml. Business Manager
****Nov. 09"Hi Ken,
We had a great time and we heard lots of compliments too about you, your music and your lovely wife! Next time we have a get together we will call you!
Take Care!”
Amy Smith(Private Party-East Cobb)***"Hey Kenny, just checked out your myspace tunes..very cool-Rock on!"..-Peace and love Ori (Michael Jackson's Guitarist-This Is It Tour)
*** "I am a regular and I love to listen to Kenny Cook play his guitar. If you close your eyes he sounds just like Eric Clapton and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. Kenny Cook is awesome! He sounds like the real deal! Lipsiner, East Cobb, Atlanta GA
***"Kenny, I wanted to Thank You so much for helping make our daughters wedding such a memorable one. Your professional attitude and willingness to go above and beyond was greatly appreciated! I am always available for references!" Bordeaux Family, Georgia
Hi Kenny! Once my American friend has told me "Russia has the great musical culture but Americans have thought up only rock&roll! But nobody plays it as we - Americans "! It's true! Kenny, I thought about it when I was listening to your music! Thank you for request! Good luck!
Ken, the album is fantastic. Joe Satriani meets Jeff Beck, but with the distinctive and unique style of Kenny Cook. You sound better than ever. I write for a magazine up here called Aural Fix and I plan on reviewing the album. Great job dude. Kerry
Hey Buddy....got your CD today....thanks......SMOKIN"....no really....what were you smokin'.....lol.....awesome as always....I didn't expect anything less!!!!....genius!!!....remember what I told you....your stuff would make an awesome soundtrack....do I have to market you Cook?!?!....I still think you need a vocalist like me!....lol.....When I come see you we'll jam like the old days and show them what true harmonies are all about!....then you'll be smokin'....no really.... we'll be smokin'...some things never change old friend.....congrats on the new CD....you make us proud!....Bob
You still da man Cook....wish you could join us at the Festival this year. www. greatsouthbaymusicfestival. com The biggest on Long Island. Only thing missing is your axe. K-Rock
Hey bro site is looking great and you are sounding great as usual! I can still see you up there at the Hilton Downtown with that tux playin' disco on that 335! Your Les Paul is getting worked to death! It is my favorite guitar of the 38 that I own including 3 other Les Pauls. Check out my videos on www. youtube. com/ramsguitar and you will see the Black Beauty!!(0)=+
