It’s a bit of a mysterious, creepy song based on a local legend that excited the imagination of Amanda’s mandolinist, Troy Boone, who said he wrote it some years ago with the title, Devil’s Looking Glass.
Troy says this one reaches back to his school days.
“I wrote Devil’s Looking Glass during a math class in high school. The inspiration came from the rock formation above the Nolichucky River near my childhood home. I imagined a haunting song rooted in a local curse story. I never expected the song to evolve in this way, and I hope it inspires others to embrace their creativity—even when they’re supposed to be concentrating on math homework.”
Cook sings the lead, with studio support from her touring group. Boone is on mandolin, Brady Wallen is on guitar, Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone is on banjo, George Mason on fiddle, and Joshua Faul on bass.
As ever, Amanda sings it purty and the band is in top form. Have a listen…
Amanda Cook has announced a change in her touring group with the addition of new guitarist Justin Alexander, stepping into the vacancy created by Brady Wallen leaving to pursue his own music.
As he takes his leave, Wallen shared a few words about his three years with Cook.
“When I first joined the band, I had some big shoes to fill, and was quite nervous. It turned out to be the best musical experience I could’ve asked for. Everyone in this band loves each other, and I’ve always considered it more of a family band. I’ve spent some of the best years of my life with them, and Justin is already family, making him a perfect fit.
I wish everyone the best on their journey, and I can’t thank Amanda enough for the love and care she has so selflessly given me through the years.”
Justin is, like Brady, an ETSU Bluegrass program graduate, and a former member of their Bluegrass Pride Band. He comes from the town of Sweetwater in east Tennessee, and has earned his street cred working with acts like The Thomas Cassell Band, Circus No. 9, and The Burnett Sisters Band. In addition to his bluegrass career, Justin is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technologies at Middle Tennessee State University.
He joins new bandmates Troy Boone on mandolin, Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone on banjo, George Mason on fiddle, and Josh Faul on bass. Amanda plays guitar and sings lead in the group.
Alexander is psyched to be working with this crew.
“I am so excited about joining the Amanda Cook Band! I’ve been out with the band for a few shows now, and it has been a fantastic experience. Amanda is a tremendous singer and band leader, and it’s been great working with her. Everyone in the band has been so welcoming, and they are all incredible musicians.
Troy and Carolyne are great friends, and it’s a pleasure to play with them. George and Josh are unreal players and fantastic guys as well. I feel so blessed to be playing with such talented people and can’t wait to see what’s in store with Amanda and the band!”
Given the family vibe in her band, Amanda says that modifications like this are always hard.
“While I feel a sense of loss with these changes, I know that everything happens for a reason. It’s tough to say goodbye to what’s familiar, but I believe these shifts can lead to growth and new opportunities.
It’s inspiring to see Brady really digging into his sound and evolving authentically. I’m also excited about the addition of Justin; he’s an incredibly talented musician whose style complements the group beautifully. We look forward to this new chapter with him and can’t wait to hit the road together!”
Here’s a quick look at Justin with the Amanda Cook Band at the Stapleton Bluegrass Festival in Alabama this past weekend.
You can follow Amanda Cook online to see when she might be playing close to you.
Two of our favorite contemporary bluegrass singers, Greg Blake and Amanda Cook, have paired up for a grass-style remake of the country classic, Out of Control Raging Fire.
Long time country radio listeners will remember the 1992 original cut of this song, written by Kostas and Melba Montgomery, recorded by Tracy Byrd and Dawn Sears, and the cover in 2001 by Travis Tritt and Patty Loveless. Now we have another passionate version of this seductive scorcher, this time with a bluegrass feel.
It is set for release by Turnberry Records in September, but we have a listen for our readers a few weeks in advance. The song will also be included on Blake’s next full-length project with the label.
Blake says that this song takes him back to his youth.
“I grew up listening to what I call the classic country of the ’50s and ’60s. A female artist, born and raised in Pikeville, Kentucky, came along in the late ’80s with a neo-traditional sound that seemed like it had some bluegrass influence – it was Patty Loveless, and I latched on to it right away.
I’ve always enjoyed a good male-female duet, and the version of this song by Patty and Travis Tritt immediately found a place in my all-time favorites. When I became acquainted with Amanda Cook and her music and style of singing, I always thought in the back of my mind that I’d like to sing with her someday.
This song popped up on a YouTube playlist one day, and I thought, ‘This would be one for us to try.’
Amanda knocks this one out of the park!”
Support for these two experienced vocalists comes from Andy Leftwich on guitar, mandolin, and fiddles, with Scott Vestal on banjo, Josh Swift on reso-guitar, and Darrin Vincent on bass.
For Amanda, the collaboration perfectly hits her love of traditional country.
“It was an incredible honor when Greg approached me to join him on a duet. Greg has long been one of my favorite singers, and he has always been exceptionally kind to me as our paths crossed on the bluegrass trail. I’ve adored this song for years, and couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
It works quite well with bluegrass backing. Have a listen…
Out of Control Raging Fire from Greg Blake and Amanda Cook will be available on September 7 from popular download and streaming services online. Radio programmers can get the track now at AirPlay Direct.
Bluegrass singer Amanda Cook has so much new music, she’s releasing it in pairs!
Mountain Fever Records has not one, but two new singles in August for this Florida-born vocalist, now a transplanted Virginian. The label thought so much of Cook that they signed her to a seven-album contract, and offered her a full-time job at the studio to get her up there.
Now she and her band have two more tracks available from their next album, Restless Soul, and she says that it’s a fun idea to drop two at the same time.
“I’m thrilled about the idea of launching a bluegrass tune and a gospel song simultaneously. It’s our first time releasing two singles at once, and I’m excited to offer you a glimpse of both sides of our musical journey on the same day.
Goodbye, written by Jennifer Strickland, is a straightforward bluegrass anthem about heartbreak, and bidding farewell to a troubled relationship. I’m particularly delighted with how this track came together; Troy Boone’s mandolin introduction is perfectly executed, and the band energetically dives into delivering the song in a lively and enjoyable manner.
It’s a fantastic, up-tempo addition to the album Restless Soul.“
With Amanda on the track are bandmates Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and harmony vocal, Troy Boone on mandolin and harmony vocal, George Mason on fiddle, Brady Wallen on guitar, and Joshua Faul on bass.
Have a listen…
For their gospel offering, Cook introduces another new song with a completely different feel.
“The song It’s Almost Over, penned by Jeff Partin, resonated deeply with me from the moment I first heard it. The song beautifully captures the idea that through His sacrifice, we find hope for an eternal life free from pain and sorrow.
The line ‘take a breath, can’t you feel it, we’re not in control,’ encapsulates this truth: while we face hardships beyond our control in life, we find healing and completeness upon our arrival to heaven.”
It’s Almost Over was recorded with the same personnel, and showcases Amanda’s ability to alternate between tenderness and power in a single song.
Check it out…
Both new singles are available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
Amanda Cook and her trusty touring group made their debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry last night in Nashville.
In tow were Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone on banjo, Josh Faul on bass, George Mason on fiddle, Troy Boone on mandolin, and Brady Wallen on guitar. They performed New Star, a Theo MacMillan song Cook released last fall, Merle Haggard’s My Favorite Memory, and a new song called Goodbye which will be her next single on Mountain Fever Records.
Amanda says that she was blown away by the reaction from the audience, who always love hearing some grass on the Opry.
“It was an overwhelming response. All the stage crew and staff just bragged and bragged on how well we did.
Harley lived something of a tragic life, dying at only 55 years of age from lung cancer, but during his musical career he lived life to its full. Starting out with his father, bluegrass pioneer Red Allen, and his brothers, Harley won acclaim right away for his singing and songwriting, and his stage appearance. A handsome young man, he recorded several bluegrass albums with his brothers, and three solo projects, before focusing on songwriting.
He went on to become a successful and highly respected Nashville songwriter, penning hits for both bluegrass and country artists. His songs have been recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Lonesome River Band, and Alison Krauss, as well as Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, George Jones, and many others, including one of the most emotionally-affecting songs of faith ever recorded, The Little Girl, cut by John Michael Montgomery in 2000.
Amanda brings her many years as a bluegrass vocalist and bandleader to the fore on Allen’s Last Road Going Home, previously released by Lou Reid & Carolina in 1996. The despondency of the story is perfectly conveyed in her voice as she sings Harley’s words.
As Cook puts it…
“I’ve always believed that a great cover version of a song should pay respect to the original while, at the same time, adding something new and unique. The band and I made that our goal when recording Lou Reid and Carolina’s version of Last Road Going Home. This song tells the story of life on the road and how it impacts loved ones, sometimes to the detriment of the relationship. I love that it has an open-ended nature which adds an element of mystery, and leaves interpretation up to the listener. We hope our fans like our spin on such a great song.”
It’s a lovely version of this song, with a driving bluegrass rhythm, which has one of the most poignant opening lines for a chorus. Listen for it.
Amanda is supported by her touring band, which includes Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo and harmony vocal, Troy Boone on mandolin, Brady Wallen on guitar and harmony vocal, Joshua Faul on bass, and George Mason on fiddle.
Cook, a Florida singer now living in southwestern Virginia, says that they are all well beyond psyched.
“We’re absolutely thrilled about our upcoming Opry Debut—it’s truly a dream realized for all of us. The invitation is an immense honor, and stepping into that legendary circle, where so many of our musical idols have stood, fills us with excitement beyond words.
My daddy is so proud it makes me just want to cry. “
With several albums available on Mountain Fever Records, Amanda and her band have been popular at festivals and on radio this past few years. Her long time banjo player, Caroline Van Lierop, also moved up to the Blue Ridge, with two Amanda Cook Band veterans from the deep south, Joshua Faul on bass and George Mason on fiddle, traveling up to tour as needed. Brady Wallen on guitar and Troy Boone on mandolin complete the group.
Here they are at the Floyd Country Store last summer.
Congratulations to Amanda and her crew. We can’t wait to see you guys on the Opry!
A Florida native, Amanda now lives in southwestern Virginia where she serves as the manager of Mountain Fever, as well as a recording engineer at their studio.
This latest single, Mitchell Mullins, tells of a young man whose life was cut tragically short when he fell in with the wrong crowd. It expands a bit on local legend to flesh out the story of a true life murder ballad, with all its cautionary connotations.
Cook says that she loves this song, especially its local angle.
“I was so excited to record this co-write from Thomas Cassell and Tim Stafford, experts in their craft. Mitchell Mullins has a classic bluegrass subject matter. Simply put, Mitchell messed around and found himself in big trouble!
I especially love the fact that this song was based on a real event that took place in an area called The High Knob in Virginia. The aggressive sound of this track lends itself to the story, and leaves no room for doubt about what took place there.”
Support comes from her Amanda Cook Band, with Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo, Troy Boone on mandolin, Brady Wallen on guitar, Joshua Faul on bass, and George Mason on fiddle. Carolyne and Brady provided harmony vocals.
It’s a very strong track. Check it out…
Mitchell Mullins from Amanda Cook is available now from popular download and streaming services online. It will also be included on her next Mountain Fever project, Restless Soul, expected in October.
Radio programmers will find the track at AirPlay Direct.
The Florida born bluegrass singer developed her love for the music, and found her muse, living in the Sunshine State, but has since moved into the southwestern Virginia mountains where she works in the Mountain Fever studio. Amanda tours the US with a band that is half in Appalachia and half on the Gulf Coast. They are hard at work on a new project for the label, Restless Soul, expected in the fall of 2024.
New Star was written by Theo MacMillan, who is rapidly becoming one of Nashville’s most interesting bluegrass songwriters, both with his group, Theo & Brenna, and for other artists as well. Unique both melodically and lyrically, it’s a perfect fit for Amanda’s singular voice, with a hopeful message for strivers of every kind.
Cook tells us that the song really captures an artist’s interior life.
“I knew it would be an ‘anthem’ for the album, it has such great lyrics and I LOVE what we as a band did with it! I think New Star describes the ups and downs we all go through as musicians…and even with all those ups and downs…we’ll never let go of making music!!!”
She’s supported by regular bandmates Carolyne Van Lierop on banjo, Troy Boone on mandolin, Brady Wallen on guitar, George Mason on fiddle, and Josh Faul on bass. Carolyne and Troy sing harmony.
They’ve done a wonderful job on this distinctive number, giving a strong performance to a first rate song. Have a listen…
Amanda has become a staple on bluegrass radio, with her stirring vocals on a succession of new contemporary bluegrass songs. A native of Florida’s panhandle region, she now lives in southwestern Virginia where she not only records for Mountain Fever, but works both in the studio and the publicity office.
Mountain Fever President Mark Hodges liked Cook’s singing so much that he signed her to a stunning contract for seven albums, an unheard of number in our world, and hired her on at the studio to help she and her family to move to Virginia and resettle.
Her banjo picker, Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone, also made a big move north from Florida, now living in east Tennessee with her husband, Troy Boone, who plays mandolin with The Amanda Cook Band. Two other members of the Gulf Coast version of the group, George Mason on fiddle and Josh Paul on bass, still live in the deep south, and travel to meet the band for shows. Brady Wallen, on guitar, is also an east Tennessean.
Their latest single is a song called Ready For A Bluer Sky, an upbeat number written by Becky Buller and Theo MacMillan.
Amanda shared why she loves this song so much.
“I received this track from Becky Buller in a great demo and knew immediately that this would be such a great addition to the album, Changes. We have all been through so many changes and ups and downs for the past couple of years; we’ve all been looking for Bluer Skies. This song could be an anthem really for the days we need a little bit of sunshine. I love the arrangement we worked up as a band, and it’s a great song to perform live!”
Have a listen…
Both Ready For A Bluer Sky, and the full Changes album, are available now from popular download and streaming services online. Radio programmers will find the tracks at AirPlay Direct.
