50 years old. At that age, you’d think that most people would be settling into their career. Yet Patterson Hood still seems like he’s got lots new to say. He and Mike Cooley may be a little bit older, but they’ve definitely still got a hard-edged guitar attack and a heck of a lot of songwriting chops.
“Marry Me” was a searing Cooley number. Cooley doesn’t look like he’s pushing 50 himself, but he certainly does have a heck of a sneer. He’s talked about Johnny Cash as an influence and to see him on stage ripping through riff after riff, he certainly carries that torch.
Patterson played plenty of tunes that put him in that same category. His classic “Hell No, I Ain’t Happy” is one of the most singable tunes in the hard rock genre. Even without classic era members Jason Isbell and Shonna Tucker, the sound was full and tore through the stage.
In the encore, Cooley’s “Zip City” was followed by Hood’s “Ronnie and Neal.” Though my favorite songs come from their “Dirt Underneath” era, they’ve managed to come back strong. While English Oceans stays to this hard edged style that has come to define the recent Truckers work, there is no denying the truckers ability to put on a heck of a live show.
It seemed strange to see Patterson on stage in a collared shirt and hair short. Hell I didn’t even recognize him at first glance. Without question, the man can still lead the band. At this stage, the duo of Cooley and Hood brings together so much creativity and variety, that it’s not hard to compare them to classic rock icons. Fifty is nothing to this band but another opportunity to put on a heck of a rock show.
Photos by Suzanne McMahon
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.