A man whose music is essentially folk music in thought and action, Scott Cook delivers his gentle observations on people, place and politics. Described as a prairie balladeer, Cook is a Canadian based in Edmonton and this is his third solo album. Moonlit Rambles is self written and produced and Cook has gathered a group of friends together to give these songs additional depth and texture.
Fiddle, accordion, dobro, and pedal steel join drums, guitar and upright bass with a bunch of harmony singers behind Cook's own acoustic guitar and occasional banjo picking and warm welcoming voice. Cook is a disciple of Woody Guthrie, a traveling troubadour and people person who brings a sense of space and open skies to his songs.
The songs range from Song For The Slow Dancers, which opens the album and deals with authenticity in music. It is prefaced in the booklet by a quote from Guthrie. Goin' Up The Country has a certain hippie-centric approach to a solstice gathering in Northern Alberta. High and Lonesome Again is about wanderlust and the meeting of new friends found. Perhaps the most pointed song is The Lord Giveth (and the Lord Taketh Away) which is prefaced by the very relevant quote from William K. Black that "the best way to rob a bank is to own one". Go On, Ray is a song dedicated to his paternal grandfather, an obvious influence, which is a tribute to a much loved figure in his family. The need to get out on the road and absorb is again underlined in Song for a Pilgrim the closing track on what is an enjoyable and entertaining album from another member of the Canadian music fraternity who seem at ease with their music making. MOONLIT RAMBLES carries the storytelling torch with pride.