Ryan Cook & Sunny Acres
Hot Times – 2008
In 2008 I recorded my first full length album Hot Times. It was a big moment for me and was a very fun album to make. I was heavily influenced by a very specific Little Jimmy Dickens album- Jimmy Dickens Greatest Hits (1969) on Decca Records.
The writing on Hot Times revolves around a mix imaginary and sometimes real characters who are set in rural Nova Scotia. Musicians include Gordie MacKeeman, Jon Landry, Bob Lawrence, Roger Nelson, and Brian Baker. The album artwork was a brilliant creation by Paul George Hammond and Seth Smith.
The album won 2008 MNS Award for Country album of the Year, and was nominated for ECMA country album of the Year and other awards.
Highlight tracks: Gaspereau Valley, Can’t Win For Trying, Sharpest Knife