Tonight was all about powerhouse trio’s and Brad Cook’s own return to playing live…
For the uninitiated Brad Cook and his trio are a modern rock/psychedelic blues infused band who released their amazing debut EP ‘Time to Fly’ in 2020, just as the world shut down on itself. Although the world recovered Brad had his own personal battles to face. One that would set back bringing this EP to the live stage where Cook truly shines.
To kick things off tonight, Warbirds delivered an engaging and powerful set. This was the first gig I have caught from them since returning from a run of shows through Europe late last year. Not only was it the first show I had seen since their overseas trek, it was the first with new drummer Luciano Alvaro.
As a trio live they have grown so much in this last twelve months alone. Their execution of tonight’s set was tight and highlighted how this band has meshed into a unit that connects extremely well with each other. The genuine smiles that come from these guys while on stage spills into their joy of the music they create together.
There is a chemistry shared between this line up that works so incredibly well. If tonight’s set is anything to go by then 2024 will be a massive year for the Warbirds. I can’t wait to see where it takes them.
Warbirds Setlist: Reality Check, Prison, Slave, Hand Grenade, Bring Back Your Love, Sunshine Of Your Love, Collider, Die Young, Take My Hand, Control
Brad Cook’s EP itself is a blistering taste of what to expect from the trio in a live setting. I say it’s a taste because of the raw energy that this band delivers as it masterfully played through the collection of song in ‘Time to Fly’ as well as previewing a song that is still in it’s demo stage along with a few well curated covers.
Cook himself as a vocalist and guitarist is something to behold. His influences are clearly worn on his sleeve with pride and some of the tones he brings to life are pure ear candy. These influences are given a nod and a wink so to speak as Cook’s material is very much his own. His sound is lush in many ways while still having that gutsy blues rock drive behind it; his voice is versatile and has all of the elements of the greats that have inspired his from classic to modern artists. The rhythm section of Nick on Drums & Jacko on Bass provided the most durable and powerful bed for Cook to lay down his musical chops.
With covers of Hendrix’s ‘Foxy Lady’ dedicated to his partner and The Tea Party’s ‘The River’ to his son (both were in attendance), there was an emotional connection and importance to tonight’s set. Before the last song Cook took to the microphone and thanked everyone for coming along, telling us all that it took a bit of mental preparation and pushing within himself to do tonight’s show. I, as everyone that was in the Cherry Bar last night, felt a magic and love that surrounded Cook’s return to the live stage.
Despite the setbacks Cook has had, he is a force to be reckoned with. As he humbly said in his address to tonight’s crowd, “This is the worst you will ever see us. Hopefully with each gig we do we will get better and better.” The Brad Cook Trio has a magic within itself that can’t be written; it has to be seen and experienced. Cook’s gratitude and humility is immense, as he described being able to do what he does as a gift. Tonight, we were all treated to the gift of some fine local Melbourne talent. I can’t wait to see the Brad Cook Trio live again soon.
Please check out both of these bands as they are just incredible live.
Brad Cook Trio Setlist: Planet of Love, Take You Higher, Shake It, Foxy Lady, Set Your Love Free, Over Now, The River, Isolation, Dance On Fire, La Grange
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
