The Take Note! Music House presents three-time Music Nova Scotia Awards winner Ryan Cook on Friday, April 6 at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30). Requested donation is $20, with all proceeds going directly to the artist. You may reserve your seat by calling (705) 305-1687 or emailing concerts@takenotepromotion.com (address given upon reservation – downtown Barrie, near the courthouse).

“From Cowboy songs and country swing with a dash of Bakersfield, Cook’s feet seem firmly planted in real life. As a result, you’ll find far more peaks than valleys here and the view looks truly promising.” [Maverick Magazine]

Ryan Cook (www.ryancook.ca)

“Nova Scotia’s real country performer, Cook defiantly makes music that sticks to the tried-and-true sounds of the masters.” [Bob Mersereau, CBC]

Mixing classic country music with modern satire, Ryan Cook forges a sound between contemporary folk and dyed-in-the-wool country. With nuances of pop and western swing, Ryan’s songbook reminiscences of the early hillbilly and folk pioneers but stays very much in the current landscape. On stage, Ryan has toured as a solo performer, opening for artists like Dwight Yoakam, Rosanne Cash, and Travis Tritt, receiving over 20 award nominations in Canada, including three Album of the Year awards. His acoustic live show combines thumb-picking guitar styles, original folk country ballads and vintage music from the 1940’s and 1950’s.

“He’s a cool customer with little regard for adhering to trends, which makes him dangerous.” [Exclaim!]

As an independent artist, Ryan has receivedAs an independent artist Ryan has received over 20 nominations in Canada, three Album of the Year awards in Nova Scotia, and has written, produced and published music in Nashville, TN. Ryan has performed on many big stages including the Ryman Auditorium, Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree, CMA Music Festival, Music City Roots, Maverick Music Festival (UK), Stan Rogers Folk Festival (NS), and Cavendish Beach Music Festival (PE).  Online, Ryan has over a million YouTube views, 5000 Facebook followers, and 2000 Twitter followers.  Ryan regularly performs a theatrical musical tribute to Hank Williams Sr., and has performed tributes to Merle Travis, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash.  Beginning in 2007 Ryan has performed over 1000 concerts in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

“If you’re a fan of Hank, Glen and Merle then this is perfect for you.” [Americana UK]

Ryan’s fourth album reveals an appreciative homage to twin fiddles and the island sounds of Hawaiian steel guitars. 2017’s ”Having a Great Time” explores both the light and dark sides of snow-birding in southern Florida through the cool lens of a Canadian drifter.  Recorded at Joel Plasketts' New Scotland Yard Studios in Dartmouth, NS, Cook and company go highway driving in search of the proverbial great time.

“Cook’s authentic sound reflects his desire to pay musical tribute to the very roots of a genre that has lost its way over the past two decades. Cook indeed holds the country torch high.” [Music Nerd Chronicles]