Jesse Cook Rocks Border’s Books
By James E. Roberts
Staff Writer
Guitar virtuoso Jesse
Cook, backed by a four piece band, performed at the Border’s Books
on Fair Oaks Boulevard in Sacramento today, as part of his
promotional tour to promote his new CD “The Rumba Foundation.”
He’ll be performing at the Radisson tonight, and the show promises
to be a great evening’s entertainment.
Jesse Cook (right), photo by
Sandy Carriger
If you are not familiar with Toronto’s Jesse Cook, you’re missing
out on a wonderfully talented, wildly entertaining, and
award-winning performer. From the release of his first CD,
“Tempest,” to his most recent CD, Cook has explored Rumba Flamenco
with a fusion of Celtic and Moorish influences, and anything else
that strikes his fancy. For “The Rumba Foundation” he traveled to
Columbia, and in Bogotá he met with Latin Grammy winners Los
Gaiteros de San Jacinto, a traditional Vallenato group, and an
amalgam of Vallenato and Rumba Flamenco was born.
Smooth jazz radio station
KSSJ and Border’s Books hosted the CD signing party and
mini-concert. Cook, backed by musicians Chris Church on Violin and
Accordion, Nick Hernandez on Guitar, Dennis Mohammed on Bass, and
Rosenda (Chendy) Leon on Drums and Percussion, performed four
pieces, including two from his latest CD: the rollicking “Gaita”
and the melancholy “Tuesday’s Child.”
Jesse Cook and James (L), photo by
Sandy Carriger
I’ve been a fan of Jesse Cook for several years, after hearing him
playing on the radio and seeking information on what it was I was
hearing. His music ranges from blazingly fast up-tempo
rumba/flamenco music to introspective melodies evocative of sad
memories. Listening to his music today, I could not keep the grin
from my face, or keep my feet still. He astonishes his audiences
with his rapid finger work, and leads them happily along on his
journey through the fusion of myriad guitar styles. His music tells
stories, and he is a master storyteller.
If I didn’t have two left feet, I’d run right out and take rumba
lessons, just so my wife and I could dance to his music. While
radio station KSSJ labels itself as “Smooth Jazz,” it would be a
disservice to both the station and the music to limit it so.
Playing everything from Barry White to Dave Brubeck, KSSJ is a
prime source of what at one time might have been called Easy
Listening or Adult Contemporary, but with some New Age-type music,
blues and ballads thrown in. Basically, if you like good music and
clear lyrics, this is the place to listen. If you listen to KSSJ
for a while, you’ll hear Cook’s “Havana” or “Mario Takes a Walk” or
one of his newer songs like “Bogota by Bus,” all well worth seeking
out.
Jesse Cook’s website,
www.jessecook.com, has
biographical information, and samples of some of his latest songs.
Part of his bio says that as a small child he neglected his scales
and arpeggios during practice, opting to play songs that he had fun
playing. He told me today that as a teenager, though, he practiced
ten hours a day. It shows. He is astonishingly good. You will have
a happy, great time with Jesse Cook. Go! Enjoy KSSJ Summer Concert
Series at the Radisson Hotel. Jesse
Cook plays at Borders, photo by
Sandy Carriger
www.myspace.com/jessecook
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