October 15, 2005
Healdsburg, CA

It was a cool autumn afternoon and the last concert of the season for Rodney Strong Vineyards. What a wonderful way to end the season, with rumba-flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since this was my first Cook concert.

The show began as Jesse took a stool on stage along with the band members. As violinist Chris Church began to play you could hear the influence of Eastern Asia. One by one, Church was joined by percussionist Art Avalos, guitarist Nicolas Hernandez and Jesse Cook. The song “Rattle And Burn”took on a whole new sound; the rhythmic blends of each instrument were amazing. The audience responded with a round of enthusiastic applause.

“Cascada” was next. Jesse and Chris, with a little help from Nicolas on the acoustic guitar, took us on an emotional journey with this slow and very sad song. The violin seemed to almost weep as it was played. “Breeze From Saintes Maries,” followed, enticing everyone to clap along with its rumba- flamenco mix. Jesse encouraged everyone to use the back of the seat in front of them as a percussion instrument. “Viva,” a full bodied song with more kinetic energy provided a peek at what was yet to come . The next two songs “Jumpstart” and “Air,” were connected by a solo from Art on the Afro-Peruvian box. that transformed the small intimate venue into a Latin street party. Art’s skillfully swift hands were a sight to see! “Luna Llena” and “Tempest” followed. Nicolas stood beside Jesse on the platform and the two of them held the crowd captive and begging for more.

Jesse gave a brief overview of the origin of the rumba-flamenco music. He explained that his whole gig has been about taking different types of world music finding that point of intersection that exists between the music and cultures. One of his favorite meeting points is where the rumba-flamenco or music of Southern Spain and Middle Eastern or Parisian music comes together. He said, “It’s just got that kind of something that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.” After listening to “Closer To Madness,” you knew exactly what he was talking about.

During “Dance Of Spring” the audience clapped along rhythmically, coaxing Chris as he took the spotlight once again. The joyous mood skyrocketed when Jesse gave Art a hand on percussion with “Mario Takes A Walk” Whistles, hoots and hollers filled the air as the crowd took to their feet. A standing ovation brought them back for one last song, “That’s Right.” The excitement in the air was thick No one wanted the show to end.

I didn’t know what to expect from this musical nomad and his ethnically diverse entourage; certainly not an education on rumba-flamenco, nor did I expect such a masterful blend of world music. I walked away feeling enriched from the experience and happy knowing that different cultures can find a meeting point; all it takes is the artistry and energy of this one of a kind musical nomad to bring them together.

- Rochell Letasi