IT was a welcome return for East Nashville-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook, supported by her husband, guitarist and singersongwriter, Tim Carroll.

I adore the way Cook proudly shows off her country roots and has stayed true to them, but she isn’t developing into the act I’d expected and hoped for.

She was good, there is no denying that, but I’d heard it all before and she needs to write some stronger material.

Her set included Heroin Addict Sister alongside the hearty Times Are Tough In Rock’n’Roll and a feisty Sometimes It Takes Balls. Her version of Townes Van Zandt’s If I Needed You, duetting with Carroll, was up with the best.

Plus, Carroll performed two of his own songs. To the delight of the audience, one composition gave Cook the opportunity to display a spot of top-class clog dancing.

Opening for Cook was the intriguing and most talented Christi Andropolis, who offers music embedded in the Appalachian traditions and beyond as she draws on traditional songs alongside her own compositions.

Her choice of material was solid and well suited to the accompaniment of piano and fiddle, both of which she played with aplomb. Plus Andropolis revisited the Thirties and an old prison work song performed in acapella style.

Like all her work, it was greatly appreciated by the attentive audience.

Maurice Hope