Search - Jesse Cook :: Gravity

My favorite instrumental album ever!

08/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is my very favorite instrumental album ever! Inspiring, moving, emotional- there aren't enough adjectives to describe the depth of Jesse Cook's music. The music is a blend of percussion and flamenco guitar, with a Gypsy-African-World sound that is totally different from the common stuff out there. And can the man play guitar! He is truly gifted. I personally play this CD constantly, and when people come visit, they never fail to ask me for the name so they can get it for themselves. Everybody likes it! Now one of the things I especially enjoy about it- it is excellent backround music for activities. I put it on whenever I have to accomplish something- and the job flies! I heard tracks from it several times during the ice skating competitions at the most recent Winter Olympics, which doesn't surprise me at all. The music is so passionate and exciting it lifts you off your feet and makes you move without being totally intrusive. I recommend this album highly. Take a chance - you won't be disappointed."

Stunning

Steven Marks | Petaluma, CA United States | 08/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I rate music on three attributes:1) Skillfullness of the Indivdual players2) Composition3) How well the players coordinate.While my musical tastes are nominally progressive rock (Yes), West coast and some modern jazz and Mozart - I have to give a 5 to Jesses Cook on his prowness on the Spanish Guitar. Also, a 5 on composition. The album backcover describes "Gravity" as World Beat/Jazz/..... I'll give a 4 on how players coordinate. There is no doubt that the other people are there for one sole reason: to back up Jesse - however, there are a couple tracks where he let's the percussionist loose. Even though Cook is a Basque, there are a couple tracks with a distinctive Mid/Near East sound to it.I think two numbers are "Progressive": "Closer to Madness", and "Olodum". To summarize this album: a very highly skilled Spanish Guitarist is showcasing his music to a reved up instrumental Jazz/light rock accompaniant to produce a very pleasent experience. A couple pieces I depict as Progressive, where he is on the threashold of creating a new type of music."

Canadian Jesse Cook gives Spanish music new meaning.

04/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is the reason music for accoustic guitar was created: to delight, fill the senses, feed the hunger we all share for a reason to live. I saw Jesse Cook perform right here in Orlando, FL at a FREE outdoor concert. Can you believe this CD had been released only the week prior to the FREE concert. I'd heard a promo piece on our local jazz station and wrongly assumed he was a hispanic accoustic guitar player because often hispanics will shorten the name Jose to the anglicized "Jesse"---But when Jesse took the stage that afternoon, was I in for a surpise! Here was this guy with long, blond locks--wholesome, handsome, and young! He clearly was in control of his music but very connected with the audience who couldn't keep still at the sound of every string of his 12-string guitar being caressed by Jesse's magic hands. His back up musicians were the perfect complement to this fine artist. In "Mario Takes a Walk", Jesse was accompanied by a Cuban guitarist whose name escapes me now-- The affection and respect between these two men was evident and the result yielded an exquisite masterpiece of music. And what is truly stunning to me is that the genuiness of the piece is not lost in the CD. It's as if he's in your living room and you are basking in his glow. I don't think that for the rest of my life, I will ever experience anything as amazing as this. I gave this CD to someone for Christmas and she was mesmerized by the sounds. Was she ever surprised to learn that Jesse Cook is Canadian!? Yes, he is-- which goes to show us all-- passion and fire are not reserved for certain ethnic groups. Some are just more fortunate than others and can find a medium of expression for that gift. If anyone is interested in rediscovering the joy of an accoustic guitar after the assault of the electric guitar and offensive head-banging music we've learned to tolerate---then wean yourself away with a little bit of Jesse-- you'll be back for seconds and then some-- Then, tell your kids to join you for a listen (tell them they will preserve their hearing as a persuasive argument). Make the move over to Jesse's side. "Luna LLena", here I come and I'm bringing the tapas and red wine too! You try it, and you'll be changed."