Jesse Cook - "The Rumba Foundation"

The genesis of Jesse Cook’s The Rumba Foundation goes back to the 1800’s when sailors arrived in Spain with a new rhythm from Cuba: rumba. Spanish gypsies mixed the festive, danceable rhythms with their flamenco to create “rumba flamenca.” For Cook’s eighth record, the Juno award-winning guitarist intended to bring rumba flamenco back to the Americas, but was drawn to record in Colombia, which had an indelible impact upon the music. The album produced by Cook was released September 29th. On the opening day of release, The Rumba Foundation rocketed to #1 on iTunes Canada Album Chart (Madonna was #2), #2 on iTunes USA World Music chart, and #3 on Amazon’s Jazz Album chart.

Without knowing it, leaving home in Toronto, Canada to record with Latin Grammy winners Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto in Colombia was the beginning of a cultural exchange that proved far more challenging than expected. Finding common ground between Cook’s World Music-pop leanings and the traditional Vallenato outfit that makes their own instruments wasn’t easy, but it forced Cook to stretch in unimagined ways and resulted in the creation of what he believes is his best record yet. Cook wrote or co-wrote a dozen compositions that vary in tempo and tone yet maintain authenticity throughout. Tracks like the first radio single, “Bogata By Bus,” “Santa Marta,” “Gaita” and the cinematic “Bombay Diner” set the mood for mystery, exploration and celebration. Featuring Los Gaiteros, “Manolo’s Lament” is a simple yet genuine jam that repeats like a trance-inducing chant. “Tuesday’s Child,” “Rain Day” and “Homebound” are sparsely produced, pensive and strikingly beautiful. “La Rumba D’el Jefe” and “Afternoon at Satie’s” seduce with sensual, exotic grooves. Adding a dose of pure pop to the proceedings is a fun version of Paul Simon’s “Cecilia,” which fits the collection perfectly, thanks to its buoyant sing-a-long chorus and handclapping rhythm.

Along with his chiseled good-looks, Cook is a charismatic showman who has captivated crowds at sold-out shows across the globe. He’s supporting The Rumba Foundation with a full slate of concerts that commenced at the end of September at the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles with dates booked through January. He’s sold over one million albums globally and his Canadian platinum-selling Jesse Cook Live at the Metropolis DVD was honored with a Juno nomination. Acoustic Guitar Magazine recognized Cook’s prodigious guitar skills with a silver medal in their 2009 Player’s Choice Awards. His last album, Frontiers, spent 70 weeks on the Billboard New Age charts and went #1 in 2008 at the same time the single “Café Mocha” went top 3 at smooth jazz radio, making Cook the first artist to achieve such a feat.

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