After losing my good friend and Recording Engineer, Hamp Walker in early 2010, I was at a crossroad in my music making. Together, over a five year stint, we had built and developed Earfood Studios into a first class recording facility. We had produced three fine projects and had begun the fourth. In a moment he was gone. The studio was silent, and on idle, missing his good nature and cool, thoughtful manner in the booth.

 

Months passed, and as fall neared, I approached another longtime friend, Danny Shepard, about helping me with a brand new project. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or how I wanted to do it. I had no songs written, only a desire to get back in the studio and see what might happen. I had the itch and I was glad to have it.

 

These songs and this music is the result of that collaboration. Hamp, I hope you’re looking down at us and listening, because this one’s for you. You are missed and we know you’re playin’ with all of the singers, slingers, and stringers on the biggest stage of all.

 

Dedicated to the Memory of Hamp Walker.

 

Following Review Courtesy Of Graham Clarke (Blues Bytes )

 

Tommy Lee Cook picked up a guitar when the Beatles were hot, but he's been putting out some great rocking blues in Florida, with his band, the Allstars, for years. On Cook's latest release, Outside Looking In (Two Mules Music), he almost goes it alone with only Pat "Cleanhead" Hayes on harmonica and Danny Shepard on electric guitar and midi-programming. Cook does the rest (electric and acoustic guitars, Dobro, vocals and midi-programming). Cook was at a musical crossroads following the death of his good friend and musical partner, Hamp Walker (the disc is dedicated to him).

 
Cook and the band play blues styles ranging from Chicago to Delbert McClinton roadhouse to the Allman Brothers' southern rock. He's also a clever songwriter, with tunes like "Take A Breath," a track about a talkative person that sounds like it's straight out of Albert Collins' songbook, "What You Gone Do," punctuated with sound advice from his mama, and "God's Little Acre," a straight roadhouse rocker. "This Old Flame" is a soulful number that waxes philosophical, similar to the opening track.

 
"Grits and Groceries" is a fun song that pays tribute to southern cuisine that makes you hungry just listening. "She's Got The Look" is a slinky rocker about a woman who has it all and knows what to do with it. "The Truth About Lies" is another track loaded with unique philosophy…..some of which listeners will find themselves nodding their heads in agreement.

 
If you're unfamiliar with Tommy Lee Cook, you will enjoy his songwriting, which puts a unique spin on everyday affairs. He's also a fine guitarist and singer. I'm glad that he decided to continue making music. He's got a gift that should be shared with blues fans. Hopefully, we will hear more from him before long. Stop by his website for more info and if you're in the Fort Myers area, visit his Buckingham Blues Bar, where he and the Allstars play every Sunday and Wednesday.

 

Listen To Samples Here...

 

 

 

Additional Artist Info... http://www.tommyleecook.com/tommyleecook.html