Jesse Cook, Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6, 8 p.m.
Eric Harvie Theatre, The Banff Centre
Adult $34, Student/Senior/Child $31
Banff Centre Box Office: 1-800-413-8368 or 762-6301
Presented as part of the winter/spring 2007 Playbill Series
Already a Juno award-winning guitarist, composer, arranger, and producer, Jesse Cook moved to Seville, Spain, searching to push himself in entirely new ways. There, at the centre of flamenco music, Cook immersed himself in the culture, met a multitude of new musicians, and was inspired to create his recently released album Frontiers. Together with an ensemble of outstanding musicians, Jesse Cook will bring his exotic brand of world music and percussion to The Banff Centre’s Eric Harvie Theatre for two fiery live performances Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6.
Frontiers is Cook’s most personal album to date, written upon returning from Spain and while awaiting the birth of his first child. Tracks such as “Vamos” and “Café Mocha” deliver the sultry upbeat mix of rumba and flamenco music that Cook is known for, but a return to a simpler production style and the inclusion of thoughtful introspective instrumental tracks, such as “Turning” and “Come What May”, sets the album apart from previous recordings.
For his Canadian tour, Cook is joined by violinist Chris Church, rhythm guitarist Nicholas Hernandez, and Cuban percussionist Chendy Leon, whose arsenal includes a standard drum kit, congas, djembes, and a unique boxlike Afro-Peruvian instrument. Special guest singer/songwriter Melissa McClelland will also add her roots, pop and jazz influenced sound to the shows.
Born in Paris and raised in Toronto, Cook has spent a lifetime listening to and absorbing sounds from diverse regions of the world. He has explored the limits of popular music, blending African percussion, Cajun accordion, classical cello, and pop vocals with his own style, resulting in a multi-textured global hybrid. A passionate and charismatic master guitarist, Cook is legendary for hooking audiences with his high-energy live performances.
Tickets for all Banff Centre events are available through The Banff Centre Box Office: 1-800-413-8368 or 403-762-6301.
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More information on the winter/spring 2007 Playbill Series.
