John Cook
Over at GrayCharles, someone linked to an interview with a musical mate of Taylor Hicks, John Cook. Taylor Hicks: Gray matter by Sally Tidwell at The Corner News.
From the Lucky Doggs website: Born and bread in the great music state of Georgia , Jon is truly a southern gentlemen. John cut his teeth while in school at AUBURN , where he and long time friend Taylor Hicks spent many nights honing in a very unique duo which also worked as a great band. The group the ” EZ WIDERS” played festivals , benefits and clubs earning a very good reputation as a Blue eyed soul and rock and roll band.
Sally writes: Hicks met Jon Cook, who currently performs with Johnny Barbato and the Lucky Doggs, in 1995 while they were both students at Auburn University. The pair performed in various bands and as a duo during the next several years. “Playing with Taylor was nothing but fun. We enjoyed it and had a good time,” Cook said. Performing everything from soul to bluegrass and reggae, Hicks and Cook made the Alabama rounds, became fixtures at the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge, and trekked out to Los Angeles to perform showcases at the House of Blues and the Playboy Mansion. “We had all sorts of fun on the road,” Cook said. A little over a year and a half ago, the Taylor Hicks Band was born. Mitch Jones is the bassist for that band.
“We had all sorts of fun on the road,” Cook said.
A little over a year and a half ago, the Taylor Hicks Band was born. Mitch Jones is the bassist for that band.
Jones said the first time he performed with Hicks was with Wynn Christian at Bodega.
“People were standing on the pool tables in the bar. It was crazy,” he said.
“The way the crowd responds to Taylor on ‘Idol’ is the same as when the band plays in clubs,” Jones said.
“He’s always been quirky,” Jones said. “He’s even a little restrained on ‘American Idol’ since he only has three minutes to perform.”
Cook said he’s known Hicks so long that he seems completely normal.
“He doesn’t seem so spastic to me. Maybe I’ve known him too long, but I don’t even notice,” Cook said. “Maybe because it’s just old hat to me.”
Since Hicks has been on “American Idol,” the Taylor Hicks Band has been put on hold while its other members continue to perform under the name Little Memphis Blues Orchestra.
See the LMBO for yourself Friday night at Bourbon Street Bar.
“I just couldn’t be prouder of him (Hicks). We talked about (him auditioning for ‘Idol’) and joked that he needed to hurry up since he was 29,” Cook said. “There’s no doubt he’s talented, but I don’t think anybody expected he’d do so well in that format.”Jones said he is also as proud as can be of Hicks. He even joins the WBRC-Fox 6 crew at local “American Idol” Soul Patrol parties.
Taylor’s “Idol” itinerary
“Change Gonna Come” 2/2/06
“The First Cut is the Deepest” 2/9/06
“Levon” 2/22/06
“Easy” 3/1/06
“Takin It to the Streets” 3/8/06
“Livin’ For the City” 3/14/06
“Not Fade Away” 3/21/06
“Trouble” 3/28/06
“Take Me Home Country Roads” 4/4/06
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” 4/11/06
“You Send Me” 4/18/06
“Just Once” 4/25/06
Original article here
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