ELI COOK – Primitive Son (2014)
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ELI COOK is a well known guitarist in Blues circles having recorded four albums since 2004 and sharing stages with the likes of Robert Cray and the legendary BB King. Now Cook has signed with LA-based label Cleopatra Records for his 5th studio album released today, April 29, entitled “Primitive Son”.
Before listening any bit of the CD, I was expecting a pure Blues record based on his previous works and Eli’s mentioned influences like John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, etc.
Well, since opener “War Horse” I am surprised to listen a very rocking album, many times bordering Hard Rock. With a strong Bluesy foundation, yes, but edgy an meaty for the most part.
Of course on the album we find traditional material for purists like the bluegrass “Tall & Twisted”, the groovy “Burying Ground” or the acoustic “Won’t Be Long”.
But “Primitive Son”, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a damn fine Hard Rockin’ / Classic Rock album.
For this matter, Eli Cook counts with the help of heavy-weight cats such as Leslie West of Mountain, Pat Travers, Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Harvey Mandel, Eric Gales, Reese Wynans of SRV Double Trouble, Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio), Tinsley Ellis, Rod Piazza and Jorgon Carlson of Gov’t Mule. Wow.
And all leave their mark with their respective participation.
Cook and company are busting a heavy rock groove combining it with his attention to melody and blues licks on the pumping hard rocker “Revelator” (featuring Vinny Appice), the riff-monster “Motor Queen”, the southern-heavy “Be Your Fool”, or the edgy “Shake the Devil Down”.
Apart from his six-string abilities, Cook owns a strong baritone voice and varied throughout, bringing to mind Richie Kotzen.
Surprisingly meaty and with a lot of bite, “Primitive Son” is a rocking fifth album from Eli Cook. Combining Blues with traditional Hard Rock that channels past greats, yet invoking contemporary influences, Eli Cook is difficult to beat.
This recording (immaculately produced) sounds vital and full of life, and will please fans of classic Hard Rock wrapped up in some Heavy Blues environment.
Very Recommended.
01. War Horse
02. Revelator (Feat. Vinny Appice & Jorgen Carlsson)
03. Sweet Thang (Feat. Tinsley Ellis)
04. High In The Morning (Feat. S. Landreth & Reese Wynans)
05. Won’t Be Long
06. Motor Queen (Feat. Leslie West)
07. Be Your Fool (Feat. Rod Piazza)
08. Swing A Little Harder
09. Shake The Devil Down (Feat. Harvey Mandel)
10. Tall & Twisted
11. The Great Southern Love Kill (Feat. Pat Travers & A. Pyle)
12. Amphetamine Saint (Feat. Eric Gales)
13. Primitive Son
14. Burying Ground
15. Kerosene (Bonus Track)
Eli Cook – Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Tinsley Ellis, Eric Gales, Harvey Mandel – Guitar
Sonny Landreth – Slide Guitar
Pat Travers, Erin Lunsford – Vocals
Rod Piazza – Harmonica
Rob Richmond – Bass
Artimus Pyle, Vinny Appice – Drums
Wade Warfield – Percussion, Drums
Reese Wynans – Hammond B3, Keyboards
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Primitive-Son-Eli-Cook/dp/B00IKM5NP2
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