Despite small crowd, Hood accomplishes mission
Atwood Tavern, Cambridge, Mass., November 12, 2018
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
If the Alabama native was dissuaded by the small crowd, he did not show it. In fact, Hood turned in a winning set that showcase his likable soulful country bent with a bunch of songs from his first release in four years, "Somewhere In Between."
Backed by a bassist and drummer, Hood, decked out in a fedora, sang with a bit of a drawl with the soul-leaning brand of country ever present. With dozens of songwriting credits, it was not too surprising that Hood had a lot of quality songs on the set list. Yet, he also included highly respected Texas songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey's "Bayou Girl" from his latest during the night.
Although Hood has enjoyed songwriting credits for the likes of Miranda Lambert ("Good Ol' Days" with Brent Cobb and Lambert for "The Weight of These Wings") , Lee Ann Womack ("Same Kind of Different") and two songs on Cobb's new "Providence Canyon," including the single "King of Alabama"), for some reason, he tended to stay away from them, except for opening with "Front Porch Thing," which he helped write for Little Big Town's "Tornado." It would have been nice to hear his take on the songs.
Yet, in the case of Cobb, one at least could see the two were simpatico as Hood performed "She Don't Love Me," written with Cobb and Josh Abbott for Hood's latest. Cobb could just have easily recorded it.
Hood lightened up the evening with the humorous "Play Something We Know." The title about tells it all.
Hood most definitely did not take the easy route on this night. Hood had to start someplace when it came to winning fans over and getting his name out there. Ninety-five minutes of skillful singing and playing later, mission accomplished.
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