Steve Cooke’s Concert: A Celebration of the Release of “That’s the Way” Proves to be The Way!

On the evening of May 3rd, 2024 music enthusiasts gathered at the club Trip in Santa Monica to witness a mesmerizing performance by the talented singer-songwriter Steve Cooke. The concert was both a celebration of the release of his single “That’s The Way” and a showcase for Cooke’s skills as a musician and vocalist. Many haunting acoustic melodies were produced on this evening of innovative singing and guitar playing, with Cooke demonstrating his fluency with not one, but two distinct types of guitars and a wide variety of musical genres..

The Double Neck Guitar: A Sojourn into the Avant-Garde

The double neck guitar, with its dual necks and intricate design, already symbolizes innovation and versatility, and so, when Cooke strapped it on, anticipation in the crowd was high for a new kind of musical thrill. Indeed, the audience experienced a daring new adventure in music when Cooke unleashed a rousing performance on his double neck guitar of his new single, to the heartfelt and enthusiastic approbation of the crowd.

But Cooke had even more surprises in store as he moved on to other songs. With his fingers dancing across the frets, weaving intricate and endearing melodies that defied convention, he created harmonies that reverberated throughout the hall. The juxtaposition of the two necks on his instrument, each with its distinctive timbre, allowed him to push boundaries and journey beyond the familiar to an exploration of new sonic landscapes in which he blended rock, blues, and folk influences, to the ongoing delight of his listeners. 

The Acoustic Guitar: A Soulful Companion

Cooke’s masterful performance on the double neck was duplicated in the second act of the night, which featured his classic acoustic guitar. It is a testament to Cooke’s musical prowess that he was able to effortlessly transition to the single neck guitar. As he strummed the strings of his single neck, the audience was transported to a place of raw emotion and lyrical storytelling. The warm tones of the wooden instrument resonated through the space, creating an intimate atmosphere. Cooke’s soulful voice blended seamlessly with his guitar, evoking feelings of nostalgia and introspection.

His renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and his own composition “Working for the USA” highlighted Cooke’s ability to capture the essence of life’s fleeting moments. Again, as in the first act, his fingerpicking style and delicate chord progressions left the audience spellbound. Whether he sang about love, loss, or hope, the acoustic guitar served as his trusted companion, allowing him to connect with listeners at a profound level.

The concert was a two-part celebratory revelation of Steve Cooke’s talents as a vocalist and instrumentalist and served as a stirring send-off for “That’s the Way.” It was an exciting and exhilarating ride for the audience.

Cooke was most ably accompanied throughout the performance by drummer Ray Weston of Wishbone Ash and Iron Butterfly. Taryn Spink provided lively accompaniment on the hurdy gurdy for “That’s the Way.”

Cooke is a New Zealand native but a performer on the world stage. His talents extend to acting as well and he has performed globally in musical theater. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Sandra.