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Shannon/Photo Editor John Cook (right) and Taylor Hicks (left), members of local band Fletch, perform at the War Eagle Supper Club.

Airs of Auburn victory and blues sounds mingled up on the small stage of the legendary War Eagle Supper Club.

Taylor Hicks and John Cook, members of local band Fletch, performed an acoustic-electric show Nov. 7 for a crowd of students wanting to squeeze the fun of the weekend to the last hour.

The evening started with instrumental sounds. Hicks, on an Alvarez acoustic guitar woke up the audience with a soul-funk rhythm while Cook, with his sandals and his BASS hat on, tuned up with some electric solos.

With a powerful melodramatic voice, Hicks started the night off with Eric Clapton’s unplugged hit “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out.”

The show went on with several original songs, all composed by Hicks, such as “Son of a Carpenter, “Somehow” or “The Fall.” They also performed some cover songs from James Taylor, among others.

Not everything was stringed instruments for Hicks, though. He spent time showing the audience his skills with the harmonica.

Cook also had the opportunity to put the electric sounds to a side, take the wood from Hicks’ hands and make some acoustic sounds while singing jazzy tunes.

Taylor & Hicks started playing music around 1995. They have been playing all over Alabama, guitar and pedal to the metal. “We’re a probable around Alabama,” they said.

They have a unique style mix between old jazz and soul, fostered by Cook’s funk, Grateful Dead and bluegrass influences. Hicks said he has been influenced by Ottis Redding and some white soul.

Hicks has just released his first CD, which also contains some tracks played with Cook and the rest of Fletch. He said now, he was trying to promote the CD and sell it.

“I ‘m trying to get my music out there,” Hicks said. “It’s working, slowly but surely. We usually play three shows per week.”

Hicks and Cook agreed that local music is growing around Auburn and beyond. They said that there has been a great improvement since they got to the plains back in 1993.

“The enrollment level is also helping,” Hicks said. “A lot of young guys and a lot of musicians come here because of the music.”

“ I wish the people that were listening and making the choices had better taste, though,” Hicks said.

When asked about the effect of Sunday liquor sales on local music, Hicks said that there would not be a great effect, especially in the Supper Club.

“The people that come here have been coming here forever, so that won’t make such a difference,” Hicks said. “The Supper Club is a laid-back place on Sunday nights.”

For more information on Taylor Hicks and his band, CD ordering and tour dates, visit their Web site at www.taylorhicks.com.