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Jeff Cook, a founding member of country music group Alabama, works with Cullman Middle School jazz band students Case Graham and Mark Gomez. Tiffany Green
Discussion
CMS students get lesson from country music legend
By Tiffany Green
STAFF WRITER
Jeff Cook, a founding member of country music group Alabama, treated the Cullman Middle School jazz band to a lesson on Tuesday afternoon.
“I’m very excited he gets to come and share with us about music,” seventh grader Zac Holt said.
The 19-member jazz band has been getting lessons from Jim Nelson, who has played with Alabama and is in Cook’s new group the Allstar Goodtime Band. Nelson has been teaching the importance of showmanship, not just performing.
He encouraged the aspiring musicians to follow their dreams and to not give up. He told them to surround themselves with good people.
“It’s so much more important to do it. Observing is the best thing you can do,” Nelson said. “Stay away from people with bad habits.”
Cook said he started playing lead guitar at the age of 13. He was a self taught guitarist who was encouraged by his father.
“I think music in schools is very important,” Cook said. “The first thing that gets cut is music. Anytime you have a chance to get with people who want to support the band, do it.”
Alabama sold more than 78 million records in its career that spanned nearly three decades. The band retired from the road in 2004 and now, five years later, Cook started his Allstar Goodtime Band. The band consists of nine members, all chosen by Cook.
The students had the chance to ask questions about Cook’s musical career.
One student asked if he still gets nervous after so many years of performing.
“I just did the Huckabee Show and yeah, I still get nervous,” he said. “Just a little bit.”
Nelson reminded the students to stay humble in whatever they achieve.
“You always have to be modest and humble. I have seen this man (Cook) work and he is always humble,” Nelson said. “Don’t get the big head.”
Another student asked Cook if he liked to travel while performing with Alabama.
“No,” Cook said. “Even with Alabama I flew as much as I could.”
Cook still lives in Fort Payne and now travels some with his new band.
One student asked what his all time favorite song was to perform. Cook said it is hard to decide on a favorite song.
“It depends on what the audience likes,” he said.
CMS band director Linda Bean was excited to see Cook work with her students. She said Nelson has been working with them and gives private lessons to one of the saxophonists.
“He has done a wonderful job working with our students and showing them what it’s like to be a professional,” she said.
“My passion is doing this, and I love helping out with kids,” Nelson said. “I owe Mr. Robert Bean teaching me the showmanship and showing me how to be a performer.”
Nelson encouraged all the students to come see Cook and his band May 2 at the annual Cullman City Park and Recreation’s Day in the Park event at Heritage Park.
“You will get a chance to see a performance,” he said.
‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.
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