Elizabeth Cook Performs in Birmingham

The local radio personality introduced her as "the best hillbilly singer in the world." Todd Berry, program director for WDXB-FM (102.5 The Bull) in Birmingham, was the speaker. He was referring to young Elizabeth Cook, a fast-rising star in the world of bluegrass/country/folk music.

After hearing her for the first time, I'd say he may be right.

Cook opened for Kathy Mattea Thursday night at Workplay Theater in Birmingham. The shortness of her abbreviated opening act didn't allow the crowd to fully appreciate her charms. Still, what they heard was impressive.

Even the star of the show was impressed. When she followed Cook on stage, headliner Mattea said, "This is the first time I've heard her sing live. What a voice!"

Cook sang mostly self-penned tunes in a strong alto voice with a wide vocal range. She shows no fear on stage, tackling her song with an enthusiasm and glee that enriches her performance. Her set included the popular "Sometimes It Takes Balls to Be a Woman," but it was well supported with "Mama's Prayers," "He Got No Heart," and "Gonna Be" ("I ain't no has-been, I'm still a gonna be."). All are available on her latest CD, "Balls."

Her show included only two songs from outside writers. "Sunday Morning" was a cover of a Velvet Underground song written by Lou Reed and John Cale. The other was "Today I Started Loving You Again,"a Merle Haggard classic performed as a tribute to Eddie Arnold. Arnold died earlier in the day, just short of his 90^th birthday.

Cook already has national exposure through her own national radio show. "Apron Strings" airs from 6-to-11 every Friday morning on the Sirius network's "Outlaw Country" channel (channel 63).

It's an appropriate venue. The "outlaw" label may be more accurate than the three-word slash of bluegrass, country and folk that's often used to describe her style.

Some of that outlaw personality might have passed down from her father, Tom Cook, who was manning her souvenir stand and talking to fans. "I owe him a lot," the young singer said. "He's always supported me.

He eagerly told of his exploits as a moonshiner in North Georgia, and his resulting stint in prison. "They convinced me that it was illegal," he said.

The elder Cook played bass fiddle for a prison band. The performers made their own instruments, using pass-the-hat money at local gigs to pay for parts and supplies. His prison band is featured on the back of Elizabeth's self-titled first CD, a small release that led to her major recording contract.

Tom Cook and his third wife have 11 children together, but Elizabeth is their only joint venture. "I drank away two marriages," he said.

Cook's mother is a native of West Virginia, growing up near the capitol city of Charleston. "I was talking with Kathy (Mattea), and we agreed that the gene pool doesn't go very deep up there," the young singer noted. "We're probably related."

Tom Cook dismisses his and his wife's role in Elizabeth's career. His only contribution, he says with a wink, is that "I was there at the beginning."

However, husband and songwriter Tim Carroll plays a major role. Cook recounted an instance of seeking inspiration for a new song. Starting in Nashville, Tim drove to Huntsville while she wrote. The reached Huntsville, drove through a McDonalds drive-thru, and returned to Nashville with two new tunes ready to record.

Carroll accompanied Cook on lead guitar and sang two of his own songs during the show. Carroll's works are included on Cook's albums and have also been covered by such singers as John Prine.

Elizabeth used one of his tunes to display her clog dancing skills. Unfortunately, Tim momentarily forgot one verse, continued playing as he tried to recall it, and Cook continued to dance. Catching her breath afterwards, she said, "That was a hillbilly, Jane Fonda workout."

But the highlight of the show was Cook's vocals and her infectious personality. She doesn't fit the mold of standard country music, but what she sings is authentic mountain music.

From an authentic singer.