Troy Cook Jr. Takes “The Stage”

: the stage sign

Sometimes I forget the great entertainment we of have just down the road in Nashville. I am so use to covering festivals that I forget there is a whole world around me. Thanks to Barbara Doss Brewer of Stardust International I was reminded so one Sunday we took a road trip to Nashville. With her sister in-law Monta we headed to The Stage In Nashville on Broadway. For those of you who aren’t familiar with The Stage it was the home of the Roy Acuff exhibit. Back in the day he had his treasures on display in this very site. It is rich with history and the mural on the wall shows legions of the past while featuring the stars of the present. There is no cover charge unless there is a special event. For more information on The Stage go to thestageonbroadway.com

I had completely forgotten that the bars on Broadway are open during the day, offering not only some of the finest entertainment in town but you can grab a sandwich and soft drink also. In my case I have a coffee. You can also gab a beer or mixed drink – after all it is a bar. All the acts on Broad work for tips, I believe this to be one of the Nashville’s longest traditions.

We went to see Troy Cook, Jr. He is appearing at The Stage on Sundays between 11.00 am and 2.00 p.m. This young man is simply country. Smooth and laid back he’s quite a contrast to some of the musicians today. He doesn’t jump, climb, run around the stage. He sings and plays the guitar. There are some musicians that just need a guitar and a stool. They have the ability to tell you a story. They are the musicians that seem to be singing directly to you. Troy Cook, Jr. is also a gifted musician and songwriter, who has the ability to play several instruments, (steel guitar, mandolin, dobro & bass guitar, fiddle & drums) To be so young that is quite an accomplishment in itself. I will never claim to be an expert on any music, but I really enjoy the laid back style of Troy Cook, Jr. He is exactly the way he sings “Simply County” with boots and faded jeans. He is a traditional country music singer. From the slow moving ballads that reminds you of yesterday to the 2 step that back romance. His music reminds me of Nashville’s best on the Opry. With songs like “Plain and Simple Country”. A quick paced two step or one of my favorites “Call in Well.” He has many slow and story telling songs such as “Wine, Women and Song” & “Mexico.” You can hear a sample on http://studio515.net/site/clients/ or on http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=61714. I hope that you can stroll on by the Stage on any Sunday afternoon and take in the show. Troy Cook, Jr. and the Tennessee Two that have been backing him up take request and have great sense of humor.