| CD REVIEW |
| I AIN'T THE FOOL - ROD COOK AND TOAST |
 |
| Apart from two covers that fit right into the mix - Duster Bennett's "Jumpin' at Shadows" and Hank Williams' "Long Gone Daddy�- the remaining 10 tracks are all Rod Cook originals that do much justice to the term "progressive blues". While the basic recipe for blues music is fairly standard in its lyrical themes and chord progressions, the differentiation from one artist to another is contained in the different ingredients (players and vocalists) thrown into the stewing pot. Yes - there IS more than one way to make chicken soup! This deliciously spicy fare by master guitarist Rod Cook (on National Reso-phonic, Tacoma Papoose, acoustic and electric rhythm and slide) offers a gourmet musical repast that could hardly be described simply as "toast". Rod Cook (Laura Love, James "Curley" Cooke, Taj Mahal, Ranch Romance) and Chris Leighton (Laura Love, Randy Bachman, Chuck Berry, Bill Frisell), are undoubtedly the "(filet mignon) meaty-beaty-big-and-bouncy" portions being served, and the accompanying players supply the gravy and dessert - yummm! Rod Cook's equally tasty lead vocals are backed up by the cream of Seattle-area musicians - drummer/percussionist extraordinaire Chris Leighton; electric/acoustic and 8-string bassist Keith Lowe; award-winning artists Ric Ulsky and Sue Orfield on keyboards and tenor saxes, respectively; Max Paul Schwennson on harmony vocals; Dan Tyack on pedal steel and pedabro; Barbara Lamb on fiddle; and various vocalists including recording artist Laura Love, Ken "Burnie" Lacombe and Sheryl Sullivan. Although many of the musicians are from the Pacific Northwest, many of the tracks have either a New Orleans rhumba, Louisiana or Mississippi Delta flavour to them, with a bit of Appalachian spice thrown in for good measure. There are also several instrumentals, like the funkadelic "Snake Oil", the bluegrass strains of "Bob's Breakdown" and the exotic "Supercat", named after a feline pet of the band. The title track is particularly outstanding due to Laura Love's back-up vocals and the laundry-room percussion - a washer and dryer apparently add that extra "oomph" to the sound! My personal favourite was "Jumpin' at Shadows" but only because I'm such a sucker for a slow-blues tune, especially when it's played on either a slide, or in this case, a pedal steel guitar. Coming close to it were "Heaven When You're Near", an irresistible ginger snap of a shuffle, and "Chokin' the Chicken", another excellent instrumental, which showcases the immense talents of the all-star group, particularly Sue Orfield on sax and Ric Ulsky on Hammond organ. Although I first thought that Rod's bang-on interpretation of the upbeat Hank Williams song, "Long Gone Daddy", would have been better placed on the earlier, rootsy portion of this 1998 CD, the lyrics actually demand it be placed at the end (even if there are hidden bonus tracks following it, including a live version of Freddie King's "The Stumble"), laced with some great bass work and electric guitar! This is a meal that truly leaves you feeling satisfied - a toast to the chef! [NOTE: Rod's current bass player (2002) is Jon Bayless (who has recorded with both Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Vancouver's HEART and who also appears on the "Almost Famous" soundtrack). These very popular musicians can be seen and heard at numerous venues, and with very special guests, in and around the Seattle area! Check out their website for more details (www.rodcookandtoast.com). |
 |
| TO RETURN TO THE CD REVIEW INDEX PAGE, |