Wichita Falls native James Cook and his band are on fire. They held down the opening slot for Bowling for Soup frontman Jaret Ray Reddick’s North Texas country shows, and after catching the show at the Iron Horse Pub, I thought Jaret was lucky to have an artist of that caliber to open these shows. When Jaret took the stage later, he confirmed it with very gracious thanks to his opening act and longtime friends.
The James Cook Band has a rare combination of a unique, branded sound and a professional stage show that is so rare for an artist not yet signed to a big label. I told a new friend of mine that James Cook reminds me of Bruce Springsteen a little bit, with the way he prowls the stage and thrusts the neck of his guitar skyward in time with the beat.
My friend made the most beautiful observation. “It sounds like an experience,” she said. And she is absolutely right.
The James Cook Band is an experience.
The last time I saw the James Cook Band perform, I took a bunch of photos and listened to James’ music on Spotify while I processed them and I became an instant fan. Now, hearing the songs again months later in a live setting, they were instantly recognizable to me. These are quality songs, enjoyable, and memorable. Listen to “Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You” or one of my personal favorites “Let ’Em Run,” and tell me how long it takes before you catch yourself humming it.
The James Cook Band is one of a few musical acts in Texoma that strikes me as a major-label recording act, as yet undiscovered. Clint Vines is another that comes to mind. Ready for the big time.
For us, that means we need to get our asses out to these shows, and not just the sold-out ones where the local conquering hero comes home for a date. With artists like James Cook on the scene, I’m going out on Tuesday nights and Thursday nights and any other time I can get some more of this, before we have to share him with the world. The James Cook Band is on fire.
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