Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Eli Cook is considerate one of the best blues singer of his generation. Cook has achieved this by his vocal style that has all the grit and raw power of old school blues, combined with melodies and song structures of contemporary blues, rock, and pop. His latest album, High-Dollar Gospel, is a festival of resophonic guitar and slide playing, combined with his gritty honest vocals. Cook wrote all eleven tracks and he is joined by Peter Spaar on upright bass, Nathan Brown on drums, and Cook performs on various string instruments. A Virginia native, Cook was raised on a strict diet of blues, rock and a side of grunge. His guitar work and powerful vocals are moody, but very honest in delivery. High-Dollar Gospel preaches high voltage to your ears and shakes loose your principals. The album is full of inspiration drenched in the blues, and that’s the short of it!
Positives:
Cook is an outstanding songwriter, combine that with his guitar skills and vocals, and you have a triple threat combination that hooks the music out of the park, like a great curve ball. Cook’s vocal style can convey a wide range of emotions and styles, alternating between tender and powerful, and always with a huge amount of soul.
Bottom Line:
With top-shelf slide guitar work and a strong sense of rhythm, Cook makes High Dollar Gospel a blues fan’s best friend. A perfect release to experience a little old with a little new all wrapped up in flavorful singing. Can I get an “Amen?”