After Alabama’s retirement from the road in 2004, Jeff Cook set out to have a little fun—he returned to the stage with an eight-piece backing group well versed in a variety of genres and a readiness to please any crowd with a set list full of Alabama favorites, his own new material and classic rock, pop and funk tunes by others.

The group’s onstage energy doesn’t always translate on Ashes Won’t Burn, and not all the song choices are inspired—but when Jeff and company grab hold of a stone groove like the Commodores’ classic “Brick House,” it’s pointless to complain.