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.
About the
music on Scenic Design: 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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