Pianist and composer David Cook possesses the ability to compose
music that allows his massive talent to shine through unimpeded, creating a
bond with the listener with every note.
On May 26, Cook follows up his debut recording, Pathway (produced by
Bruce Barth and released on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records) with the release
of Scenic Design, a compelling set of original music, and a brilliant duo
version of Taylor Swift's "Safe and Sound" (with trumpeter David
Smith), produced by Ben Wendel, and featuring his quintet of David Smith -
trumpet, Ben Wendel - sax, Matt Clohesy - bass, Kendrick Scott - drums, and
special guest Shayna Steele on vocals (on "I Know You Know"). In addition to leading his own bands, Cook is
a first-call artist in multiple genres, working as the long time music
director/pianist for seven-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor Swift, and with
such notable musicians as Lizz Wright, Donny McCaslin, the late Lew Soloff,
John Ellis, Nir Felder, Sunny Jain (of Red Baraat), Alan Ferber, Michael Blanco,
Greg Howe, and pop artists N-Sync (during the heyday of their career), Justin
Timberlake, Natasha Bedingfield, and many more.
"I'm really fortunate to have been able to record
Scenic Design with Ben, Dave, Matt and Kendrick. These are 4 of my favorite
musicians, all total pros that have strong and clear voices on their respective
instruments . . . really all I had to do was write the music and get out of the
way. The goal was for a true collective sound, and I hope this album has
achieved it," said Cook.
The idea of doing a
quintet recording was both daunting and exciting for Cook. He explains, "I
knew that I wanted to spread the melodies out past the piano on this record,
but in which direction? Is it possible to say something unique and true to the
history of this music at the same time? As a starting point, I picked three of
my favorite quintets - Woody Shaw with Dexter Gordon, Fred Hersch and Kneebody
- and tried to write music that might exist in the middle of a triangular plain
with those three points." Producer/saxophonist Ben Wendel (Kneebody) was
instrumental in making this happen, as he "had so many great arrangement
and orchestrational ideas; the tunes really came together once he put his ears
on them," said Cook.
Highlights on Scenic Design include, "Flower +
Hope", written for a dear friend of Cook's who is facing an uphill battle
with his health. "He told me what he was up against (with his typical
Viking strength and wit) while standing on a street corner in Los Angeles, and
looking in both directions was Flower Street and Hope Street. The juxtaposition
of fighting for life in this world but spiritually being fine with any outcome
was a powerful moment," explained Cook. "80s TV theme song":
"I wanted to write a Keith Jarrett tune circa, 'Somewhere Before' or 'Life
Between the Exit Signs', and what came out sounded more like an 80s TV theme
song, so there you go," said Cook. "I Know You Know" is for
Cook's daughter Caia, written by the pianist and his wife, vocalist Shayna
Steele. Cook describes the inspiration behind this beautiful composition,
"every parent out there knows the feeling of stepping back, taking a look
at your child and being overcome with emotion that you're responsible for someone
this beautiful and precious. We wanted to put music and lyrics to that
moment." "'Scenic Design' is my favorite tune on the record, mostly
because it allows everyone to 'paint' however they'd like. Kendrick Scott ate
this one up, although that goes for every tune on the session."
In addition to his original compositions, Cook and Wendel
also arranged Cook's favorite Taylor Swift song, "Safe & Sound,"
Cook has been working with Taylor for the last five years and has witnessed up
close how serious she is about writing, recording and performing music, while
simultaneously living her life in the public eye. Scenic Design closes with the
contemplative tunes, "Midwestern" and "Still", one looking
back and another dealing with the present and future. "'Midwestern' is a
tribute to the beauty of the part of the country where I grew up, trying to
carry some of that vibe with me wherever I go," David Cook.
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