Cook fills missing void for Zac Brown Band

It didn't take long for Zac Brown to realize that Clay Cook was the missing piece for his band when the multi-instrumentalist joined the country act in 2009.

Sure, the Zac Brown Band, which formed in 2000, had a number one hit with the anthemic "Chicken Fried" prior to Cook's arrival. But there was something lacking in the act's attack.

"Zac said that I filled a void," Cook said.

The amiable Cook has filled gaps by playing steel guitar, keyboards, mandolin and perhaps most significant of all, he has a high tenor, which gives the band the ability to deliver four-part harmonies.

"I can do a number of different things," Cook said while calling from Las Vegas. "I love that I'm put to use in many different ways in this group. This band is an ideal fit for me."

Brown, a playful vocalist-guitarist, had been trying to lure Cook to the band for three years before he finally defected from The Marshall Tucker Band, feels the same way.

"I know I'm wanted and it feels good," Cook said. "I'm glad I came aboard because I ultimately wanted to be part of a band that was beginning or was in its early years. You couldn't have that with Marshall Tucker, which has been around since the '70s."

Cook craved to be part of a group that would create new, vibrant music. His wish was granted. The Zac Brown Band, which will perform Saturday at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre, has enjoyed considerable success since Cook joined. Since the laidback tunesmith, who has also written and recorded with John Mayer and played with Sugarland and Shawn Mullins, joined the band, it has hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts seven times.

"I think the reason we have so much success with our songs is that people can relate to them," Cook said. "I think the reason there is a connection is because we live this stuff. Some recording artists don't have anything to do with what their songs and that couldn't be the furthest from what we're about. So people connect with what we do in the South or in Seattle. I think we write songs with universal appeal."

The Zac Brown Band, which also includes fiddler-vocalist Jimmy De Martini, guitarist Coy Bowles, bassist-vocalist John Driskill Hopkins and drummer Chris Fryar,

has written enough songs for a new album, which may drop in 2012. The group will preview two or three new tunes when it hits Tampa. Don't expect much of a sonic departure from the celebratory, atmospheric cuts the band is known for crafting.

"The new songs are a continuation of what we've been doing," Cook said. "It's a logical progression. We're not taking any crazy chances. The songs are coming from the heart. It'll sound fairly familiar. You'll know it's us by how the songs are written and by how we perform since we'll be singing our butts off."

Don't be surprised if the Zac Brown Band adds some covers to the mix. "That's something this band enjoys and does well," Cook said. "I think it all goes back to the days when Zac and the guys played four-hour sets in bars in Atlanta and mostly played covers. We do the covers and add our own twist to them. It's fun whether we do a cover or play our own songs. Fun is what it's all about for us and those who come out to see us."

The Zac Brown Band appears Saturday at the 1-800-ASK –GARY Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 US Highway, 301 North, Tampa. Tickets are $31.50, $47 and $57. Show time is 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 740-2446