Rumba Party with Jesse Cook at Brockville Arts Centre.

Cook and his accomplished ensemble of musicians put on an unblemished performance at the Brockville Arts Centre last Wednesday leaving the audience asking when he’s coming back.

Starting the show off with a story of his fondness for the City of Brockville and how he recalled a romantic memory of when he was younger, more of a creation in his mind than actuality,  the audience was wholeheartedly riveted to the stage for the night. He and the band had the audience on their feet dancing, singing and clapping along to the pure musical sounds coming from the stage.

Jesse Cook’s longtime band member, the immeasurable Chris Church, played violin, accordion, and a woodwind, flute-like instrument known as the Armenian duduk. Cook explained this was one of the oldest musical instruments dating back 3,000 years. As he always does, Church also impressed with his vocal nimbleness. His musical abilities now no boundaries mastering everything he touches.

Incantation is truly one of those songs that take you on a musical journey almost as it you were riding in a car – a quick turn here, let off on the energy for a moment then pedal to the floor, wait…let this guy squeeze in here. That was quick…where did he go. A beautiful song that I fall in love with for the first again each time. While on his song Bombay Slam  Jesse says he threw in all his favorites and came up with this one. If he cooks in the same way, imagine the feast you would be presented with on that meal.

Double Dutch,as Cook tells us, reminded him of kids skipping in New York so when making the video he called a Club in his area asking if they had anyone that could help out.  He hit pay-dirt. This song starts out with Cook finger-picking his strings while the man with the black hat, Nicolas Hernandez, strummed in time every so delightfully. Suddenly the band kicks in and off we go again.

Tonight also highlighted the fine talents of Cuban-born drummer and percussionist Chendy Leon. With lightning fast hands and vocals to boot he proved once again he is a force all on his own.

What can be said about the master of groove Dennis Mohammed that hasn’t already been said? Holding down the heart pounding bass all night I can only says he is the master and gets a 10/10 from me.

Overall I was super satisfied with this performance meeting my every expectation. If you are looking for that something new to listen to, I would highly recommend Jesse as that artist.