Cole Manasco
November 2, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, AL ─Nashville country singer Ashley Cooke performed at Druid City Music Hall as another installment of the Kaleidoscope concert series on Friday.
Halfway through her first headlining tour, the 27-year-old singer capitalized on the momentum of her 2023 song “your place,” reaching No. 1 on country radio in June. By showing off her abundant vocal abilities and radiant stage presence, Cooke rewarded her devoted fans and won the hearts of new ones.
Cooke released her debut album, “shot in the dark,” in June 2023. Her songwriting style is reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s early discography with a modern Nashville flare. However, fans have noticed that Cooke’s talents flourish most in her live concerts.
“I got a call last night at 11:00 and was told Ashley Cooke was in Tuscaloosa. I said, ‘Sounds good, man. I will be there, and I will not go to sleep,’” said Matthew Estes, a returning Cooke concert attendee.
Cooke and her supporting band took the stage as the venue lights dimmed. The crowd enthusiastically roared as bright blue stage lights reflected off Cooke’s maroon leather top.
The opening track was “getting into,” a lighthearted yet confrontational, mid-tempo song from “shot in the dark” that served as a solid tone-setter.
“Before you get into my car, into my bed / Into my heart, my head / Know what you’re gettin’ into,” Cooke sang.
Cooke’s mannerisms appeared trained as if she took the grand stage of the CMT Music Awards. Standing back-to-back with her lead guitarist, the duo slowly hunched lower to the ground as Cooke wailed an impressive high-note in her song, “good to be back.”
Once the more lively songs subsided, the band mantled its instruments and exited the stage. Cooke and her lead guitarist sat on a light green velvet couch for a slower, intimate portion of the set. Many of her songs reference heartbreak, and the audience connected with her testimonies like friends over a campfire, as they shouted along with misty eyes and conviction.
The supporting band rejoined and demonstrated its wide-ranging abilities by performing a medley of popular artists and bands like Ed Sheeran, Avril Lavigne, Rascal Flatts and Stevie Wonder. The audience grew ecstatic to hear Cooke’s rendition of “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts.
Cooke’s precise vocal performance thrived throughout the night, but her humility was the most charming element of the concert.
“I just want to hang out with y’all,” Cooke said.
Near the end of the set, Cooke performed “Over When We’re Sober,” a collaborative track with Georgia country singer Brantley Gilbert. Cooke harmonized with Gilbert’s pre-recorded vocals, but her parts are only a slight portion of the song. Though this moment was slightly awkward, Cooke immediately redeemed herself.
The audience’s cheers amplified to the loudest of the night at the strike of the first chord in the set’s final song, the fan-favorite “your place.” Cooke, at maximum flattery, chuckled as she spotted an exuberant fan screaming the lyrics.
The venue lights returned and unveiled the grins of a satisfied audience. Multiple fans instantly migrated to the merchandise table as others took pictures in front of the stage. Cooke evidently left a lasting impression on attendees.
“She was really good. I’m from St. Louis and I know she’s playing there in December. I would go see her again,” concert attendee Elizabeth Perry said.
Cooke’s concert was rewarding, as her vocals sounded more dynamic than in recordings and her band displayed skillful musicianship. However, the show’s most gratifying facet was Cooke’s humility. Instead of being unapproachable, like most stars are, she prioritized connecting with her audience.
cole manasco 