Jesse Cook, Toronto’s own flamenco guitar phenomenon (a musician, composer and producer, to be precise), is busy working on a new studio album, and he’s set to take the stage at the Rexall Centre alongside Pink Martini and Chris Botti tomorrow evening. We managed to lob a few questions at Cook, who, along with being a Juno Award winner, also happens to be an all-round nice guy.
If the Stanley Cup playoffs taught us anything (final game not withstanding), it’s that there’s often a “home ice” advantage. So we’re wondering: is there a “home stage” advantage when you perform in T.O.?
Oh, it’s always fun to play here — you get to invite all your family! Actually, by the end of a record cycle, we’ll have played nearly every stage in Toronto.
Are there certain songs your hometown audiences request?
Not exactly. I’m really lucky — I have a lot of weird songs, and all my audiences seems happy to hear any one of them!
Have you mastered onstage banter?
[Laughs.] No. I always used to find it very uncomfortable — but I’ve started to enjoy it more. I can get a little long-winded though. Actually, I went to see Chris Botti play a few years ago — and he did a lot of talking. And it worked. So as an audience member, I enjoyed it. You really get inside his headspace. I made the experience come to light for me. So, actually, maybe I’m doing the right thing!
Have you played with Chris Botti or Pink Martini before?
Actually, funnily enough, Chris opened for me at a winery in California — 10 years ago. Right after he toured with Sting. He had just started out, but even then, I could see he was going to have a great career.
Any hidden talents?
Yes! I have a lot of really useless skills beyond music. As a teen, I spent way too much time becoming a pool shark. I can ride a unicycle — but that really hasn’t come in handy in any way. And lattes … I can make an excellent latte. My wife, my friends, we all enjoy that one.
Any additional musical talents beyond guitar?
Let’s see. Well, I completed my Grade 8 in piano, and I played in a West African drumming ensemble. And then there was a Brazilian percussion ensemble that I joined, too.
What’s up next for you?
At the moment, the focus is really on making this record. But we also just aired a PBS special in the States — so I think we’re looking to do more of that on the East Coast in the near future.
Pink Martini, Chris Botti and Jesse Cook, Rexall Centre, July 20
