Kyle Cook blew through town last year with Rivers & Rust and showed us the blood, bones, and guts of the rock 'n' roll he's been involved in, whether it was as a sideman with Mick Jagger or, as he's more recognized, the lead guitar player for Matchbox Twenty. Do what I did: After seeing Cook when he plays here this week, go listen to Matchbox Twenty and concentrate on Cook's rootsy guitar contribution. You'll discover it's suddenly three degrees cooler. Cook is a shade grittier than Matchbox Twenty is overall but equally as commanding. When are you gonna get the chance to see a cat of this magnitude in such an intimate joint? Just go.

Kyle Cook plays Thursday, March 15, at Abilene Bar and Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way. 8 p.m. $10-$12. abilenebarandlounge.com; kylecookmusic.com.