CD Reviews- Jeff Cook & The AGB- Ashes Won't Burn

The Background
After retiring from the road in 2004, country supergroup Alabama left millions of their fans salivating for more of the down-home country music they had been devouring for three decades. During the group's 30-year run, the boys managed to snag 42 #1 Hits, two Grammy Awards, 23 American Music Awards, three CMA "Entertainer of the Year" Awards, ACM's "Group of the Decade," and the RIAA's "Group of the Century." Now, five years later, Alabama lead guitarist, fiddle player and founding member Jeff Cook has cranked up his Allstar Goodtime Band (AGB) to bring fans that familiar Alabama sound as well as something new. Cook and the AGB have released Ashes Won't Burn. The new album, releasing on Quest Records, isn't genre specific. "This new record will please Rock, Blues and Soul fans alike... we had a lot of fun making it... we call it ‘Funtry' music. Country music fans can expect to hear those familiar guitar and fiddle licks from the past," says Cook. Cook's Allstar Goodtime Band is a nine-piece group (including Cook) complete with a three-piece horn section and percussion. Prior to forming the band, Cook methodically handpicked all eight band members based on stage chemistry... a difficult task when considering the large number of musicians he has collaborated with throughout the years.

The Review
I can’t lie. When I got received this CD of mostly covers from Alabama’s second most famous vocalist, I had some reservations. Boy, was I ever wrong. With a soulful, blues style that truly is reminiscent of the Hall Of Fame band’s former sound- especially on songs like "Ashes Won’t Burn" and "Kissing A Fool"- it’s a fresh new reflection on the past. The production is more energized (directly from Mr. Cook's mouth) than most of today's newer artists and less harmonized as most of Alabama’s albums. The song-selection is geared obviously to their forte- live shows. The album has a number covers including the popular Beatles song “I Feel Fine,” Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” Free’s “All Right Now,” Del McClinton’s “Monkey Around” and The Commodores “Brick House.” But Cook’s famous fiddle and trademark songwriting aren’t completely absent. He has original material like “Mist of Desire,” “A Million Times Today,” and “Wonderful Waste of Time.” They’ll remind those Alabama fans that Cook that it wasn’t all Randy Owen at the wheel. If Cooks’s concept for the band was for this to be a vehicle to tour the fair and casino circuit, this album is very representative of that desire. It won’t win any CMA’s, no music videos will be forthcoming, and you won’t see this album at the top of any Billboard charts. But if what you want is a welcome addition for those fans that miss that popular Alabama sound, this is a fun a CD to add to your collection. (Addition to post- note that there IS a music video for this album- one worth watching to get a full flavor of the album- see it HERE.)

Sounds Like
Alabama crossed with Ronnie Milsap & John Fogerty

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):

Knockin On Heaven’s Door
Ashes Won’t Burn
I Feel Fine
Kissing A Fool

The Verdict:

Three Stars Out Of Five