Cook brings world music to Wilson Hall
Singer mixes hybrid of flamenco, rumba for unique, colorful sound
By Stephani Gambino, contributing writer
Posted on October 12, 2006

“I spend my life chipping away at it and learning new types of music,” said singer/songwriter Jesse Cook about his lifelong journey of honing his talents.

After touring around the world, Cook will be making an appearance in Wilson Hall Auditorium on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Flamenco flavor has always been a part of Cook’s life. Born in France and having grown up in places like Barcelona, he was introduced early in life to the zesty musical genre of flamenco.

He has used his talents and experiences with different varieties of music to create a hybrid of flamenco and rumba that defines his unique sound.

Cook is busy juggling his tour, live CD and live DVD, which is to debut this fall, as well as trying to spend time with his wife and 1-year-old son at their Canadian home.

The DVD was filmed this summer at the Montreal Jazz Festival and was mixed in Chicago. Cook has been using the Internet to communicate with colleagues around the world and describes the process as “a strange experience.”

 “Unlike most shows where only the people who attend are going to remember,” the DVD, “Montreal,” has made him “nervous,” because whatever you play will be recorded in history,” Cook said.

The live CD that is currently in the making, also titled Montreal, was recorded at the Montreal Music Festival as well and will be Cook’s first live album.

His music is best described as “world music that won’t go out of fashion,” Cook said.

Cook has just recently begun to tour colleges. The venues Cook performs at range from small intimate venues to large festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Small venues are often easier to get personal with the crowd. However, it offers limited opportunity for concert traditions such as crowd diving, Cook says.

Fans who attend concerts are often told about the music through word of mouth from other friends.

The word must have gotten out fast, because in 2004 he received the Juno Award nomination, the Canadian equivalent to the Grammy Award, for “Best World Music Album.”

Touring to places such as Singapore, Australia, Japan and all over North America gives Cook a fan base that sprawls across many age groups, including JMU students.

Ticket prices for his performance range from $11 to $22 and will be on sale in the Harrison Hall Box Office through Friday from 12 to 4 p.m. or by phone at 568-7000. Prices range from $11 to $22.