By Leilani Roberts Ott
Phoenix Staff Writer
July 02, 2009 07:22 pm
—
Nothin’ but country sounds will fill the Roxy Theater today when Nashville recording artist David Ball brings his show to Muskogee.
Featured in his band is guitarist Troy Cook Jr., nephew of James “Buzz” Thomas of Muskogee. Thomas, owner of Thomas Talent and Booking, is bringing the band to perform at 6 and 9 p.m. today.
Amy Lynn, an employee of Muskogee Civic Center, said ticket sales were good for the 6 p.m. show with plenty of seats available for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets are $15 and available at the civic center or at the door at the Roxy.
Ball’s top hits include “Riding with Private Malone” in 2001 and “Thinkin’ Problem” in 1989. Both made it to No. 2 on the charts.
Cook, who spoke by phone Wednesday when he was on his way to perform at a rodeo concert in Springdale, Ark., said he opens the show for Ball.
“I warm the crowd with some old standards by Buck Owens like “Love’s Gonna to Live Here” and songs by Johnny Cash. I put as much original sound in as I can.”
Cook, 26, now living in Ashland City, Tenn., was born in California and grew up in Arkansas.
“I grew up in situation where nothing but country music was played in our house and our car,” he said.
He started traveling playing music at 15 with support from his family. His aunt, the late Kay Thomas, James Thomas’ wife, was a country singer. By the time Cook came along, her career was over but she gave him advice.
“She was a very talented person, worked hard at it. Things she would say stuck with me,” he said.
James Thomas, who moved here three years ago, said his nephew is very talented. He also plays the steel guitar, mandolin, dobro, bass, fiddle and drums, and writes songs.
“I have family all over Oklahoma,” Cook said. “I’m proud to come there to do a show. If people come out, they will have a good time, leave with a good feeling and hear some good country music.”
Cook said Ball’s show is “nothing but real, authentic country.”
“I pride myself in knowing the difference. That’s what I love,” he said.
Cook auditioned for Ball’s band and is “perfectly happy” being a part of that but his dream is to “get major record deal and get a major hit.”
He admires Ball and his show, which he called “one of the most authentic displays of country music” he’s heard. Cook’s favorite songs Ball performs are “Thinkin’ Problem,” a song Cook used to sing growing up, and a new song, “What’ll I do if I Don’t Have You.”
The new song will be on the band’s new album coming out in the next few months.
“It’s one of the strongest songs on the record. It’s kind of got its own sound — a little swing and a little bit of jazz. There’s something everybody can like about what we’re doing.”
The David Ball Show, along with Cook, will return to the area on July 24 at the Crescent Valley Music Theater, east of Fort Gibson.
Reach Leilani Roberts Ott at 684-2908 or lott@muskogeephoenix.com.
If you go
WHAT: David Ball Show.
WHEN: 6 and 9 p.m. today.
WHERE: The Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave.
TICKETS: $15 and available at Muskogee Civic Center and at the door before the show.
INFORMATION: davidball.com or troycookjr.com.
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