Matchbox Twenty guitarist brings solo Wolves tour to Livingston’s Attic
The Attic, Downtown Livingston’s favorite live music venue, presents Kyle Cook with special guest Paul McDonald on Friday, May 3rd. Tickets to this 21+ show are $15. Doors open at 7:30pm ahead of the show at 8:30pm.
For two decades, Kyle Cook spent the bulk of his musical life as the lead guitarist of Matchbox Twenty. He co-wrote some of the songs and invented many of the instrumental riffs that have become distinguishing parts in such radio staples as “Real World,” “Unwell” and “Bent.” But plenty of his creative persona was held in check as he collaborated in a team effort.
With Wolves, his solo debut, Cook invests so much of himself in the project that a discerning listener can get a good idea of who the guitar player really is. He’s a studied musician with an all-American Midwestern background, a guy who has a penchant for classic rock with just enough classical training to make him dangerous, and an adult whose experiences with the cycle of love and loss are extraordinarily familiar.
Wolves explores the complicated progression of heartbreak and healing while shining a light on his musical influences. The Queen-ish guitar tones in “Better This Way,” the Tom Petty-sounding foundation of “Wishing Well” and The Eagles-like harmonies in “I Would’ve Left Me Too” all point to the kinds of popular music – melodic songs with sturdy-but-simple arrangements – that influenced his ascent. Cook released a follow-up EP, Where to Go From Here, in November.
Paul McDonald, a Nashville-based artist and American Idol alum, will be performing selections from 2018’s Modern Hearts as well as one or two from his forthcoming release. A testimony of self-destruction and salvation, Billboard described Modern Hearts as “a beautiful journey of of artistic and personal growth.” An album bursting with anthemic hooks, majestically texted alt-rock, tinges of Southern soul, literate introspection, and profound redemption.
Mark your calendars! Sunday, June 9th features a performance by legendary violinist Tim Kliphuis and guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli highlighting the music of famed musical duo Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. The evening of Gypsy Jazz Duets will close with a swing dance performance by local ensemble Montana Manouche. Tickets to this 21+ show are $20. Doors at 6pm ahead of the music at 7pm.
Advanced ticketing information for other upcoming Attic shows is available at www.theatticmontana.com. The Attic is located at 110 N Main St. in Livingston, just above Whiskey Creek Saloon. •
