Search - Michael Cooke Quartet :: Searching

This eclectic debut album has songs influenced by Latin, Indian, Asian and Classical music. A gutsy and risk taking performance Searching is a musical adventure for the Jazz enthusiast. Of the nine songs on the album, seven are original tunes. These songs are as eclectic as the band. The title song "Searching" has Latin roots with the three percussionists setting the groove. The beauty of "Nikita" offsets the aggressive nature of "Malcontent". Drawing from the many cultures of the San Francisco Bay area, "Goddess" uses tabla and tanpura to give the song an Indian flavor and "Coalescing" has Asian and classical hints. "The Source" is a solid modern jazz tune with an interesting bass groove. The group displays their avant-garde roots on jazz standards "Footprints" and "Lonely Woman" as they perform them with high energy and emotion. While Searching is Michael's quest for his voice in Jazz, it is also a musical adventure for all that listen.