The world renowned reality singing competition show, American Idol, has produced a number of talented singers in several genres over its 14 season run on American television. Season 7 was arguably one of the best seasons of the show with several talented artists emerging from its crop of contestants. That year's champion, David Cook, was the first true "rocker" to win the competition.
David Cook released his first platinum-selling self-titled album through RCA Records in 2009. This was followed in 2011 by This Loud Morning. Cook departed from RCA in 2012. He just released his first album of new material in four years in September 2015. Digital Vein features tracks co-written by Cook and recorded in Cook's home studio.
David Cook's performance of both new material and previously released songs and covers was a huge hit with members of Cook's loyal fan base as well as Austin music lovers in attendance this night. The enchanting ambiance of One World Theater's 300 seat auditorium, along with its awesome acoustics, made for a fantastic intimate show.
David Cook seemed very at ease during this show, bantering with the audience about each song, where he is in his music career, and how Digital Vein came about. Showing his humor, when talking about his newest album, Cook asked the audience to buy it, saying his drummer Adam is expensive. During the encore, Cook acknowledged that his audience spends a lot of time videoing and photographing his shows. For the performance of Light On, he asked the audience to put away all of their devices and just enjoy the song.
Unlike many other artists who perform the same setlist over and over again at each city they stop in, David Cook seems to make each show tailored to the city he is visiting. He told the audience that when they were putting together the setlist for Austin, they wanted a special song that we would appreciate. Their guitar tech, Nick Gibson is a huge Stevie Ray Vaughan fan and suggested performing one of his songs, so Cook yielded the spotlight of center stage to Nick. Nick and the rest of the band provided the audience with an awesome rendition of SRV's Pride and Joy.
Setlist for David Cook at One World Theater:
Heartbeat
Paper heart
Broken Windows
Heroes
Laying Me Low
Permanent
Pride and Joy (band guitar tech, Nick Gibson cover of Stevie Ray Vaughan song)
Wicked Game (Chris Isaak cover)
Kiss And Tell
Come Back To Me
Encore:
Better Than Me
Lights On
Criminals
Andrew Ripp
Opening for David Cook on this evening was singer-songwriter Andrew Ripp. He is touring in support of his self-titled album.
Ripp presented an acoustic set which showcased his soulful voice perfectly. I hadn't heard of Andrew before this show, but I will definitely be on the lookout for any future shows featuring him.
For information on David Cook's tour and album:
http://www.davidcookofficial.com/
For information on Andrew Ripp and his new album:
http://www.andrewripp.com/
For information on upcoming shows at One World Theater: http://www.oneworldtheatre.org/index.aspx
