Last Sunday Haley's Lounge at the Grand Hotel was the site of a shooting -- a video shoot, to be precise, in support of country singer/songwriter Ryan Cook's latest album. Wrestling with Demons will be available on Feb. 28, but the first single off the album, Honky Tonk Music and Tatooed Women will hit the airwaves on Feb. 12 and the video will begin airing a week later on Feb. 19.
The Vanguard spoke with Cook after videotaping session wrapped up. This marks the first narrative, or story video Cook has been involved with and tells the story of a hen-pecked nerd who takes momentary solace at a local bar in the company of some honky tonk music and a few tatooed women.
Like a lot of Cook's music, this latest album offers a traditional roots-country sound with contemporary lyrics. His themes are rooted in 21st century culture, but the crsip, clear sound of the steel guitar harkens listeners back to country's early days. Indeed he covers I don't Hurt Anymore, an old song first made popular by Hank Snow in the 1950s in a duet with Nova Scotia singer/songwriter Jennah Barry.
Barry will be joining Cook on tour in support of the album starting March 1. The duo will perform Sunday, March 3 at the MacKinnon Cann Inn on Willow Street at 7 p.m.Tickets for this intimate release party are $35 and include the CD. Call 866-698-3142 to secure one of the limited seats.
Look for the complete interview with Ryan Cook in the next print edition.
