about Ryan Cook
About
Mixing classic country music with modern satire, Ryan Cook forges a sound between contemporary folk and dyed-in-the wool country.
Tribute:
Merle Haggard
In 2021 Ryan will be presenting a full band show revolving around Merle’s “Live at Austin City Limits 1984” concert.
Social Media
Releases
Current Release:
Old Faithfuls: A Collection Of Hymns (2020)
On June 1st I released my newest collection of songs “Old Faithfuls”. It’s my first dive into the history of contemporary gospel music. The album begins in western Kentucky with the Baptist folk-ballad “I am a Pilgrim” and ends in Georgiana, Alabama with a thumb-style arrangement of Hank Williams “I Saw The Light”. The journey does stretch beyond the Appalachians, with European hymns like How Great Thou Art, reaching back to my earliest memories of morning mass at a Catholic Church.
This is the first album I did not write and also marks a significant change in my beliefs and values. I’ve found these songs and the grace of God to provide me with an unexpected warmth over the past year. I hope these hymns will bring you some joy in what has been a most difficult year so far.
Having A Great Time (2017)
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 lens of a Canadian drifter.
"Cook makes the smartest, most modern country around, with classic melodies mixed with 21st century reality. Instead of cliches and corny lyrics in Having A Great Time, he sings about relationships, race, starting his own cult and staying up all night playing video games, all with insight and great humour. Bonus: Golden voice."
-Bob Mersereau, Top 100 Canadian Blog
Upcoming Shows
Press
“He’s a cool customer with little regard for adhering to trends, which makes him dangerous.”
“If you’re a fan of Hank, Glen and Merle then this is perfect for you.”
