Laxson Auditorium was not full to capacity, but the crowd that came to see world music guitarist Jesse Cook on Oct. 6 was large enough to make empty seats rare.
Cook, who blends classic guitar with the exotic sounds of the places he has visited, is currently on tour to promote his eighth album, “The Rumba Foundation.”
Cook has been playing guitar since the fifth grade. Since then, his passion has grown, as has his curiosity about the world’s music.
“I wouldn’t want to live in a world where there is no variety,” Cook said.
While his show drew many of Chico’s older patrons, his performance was full of energy that spread to the crowd.
The distinctly Latin beats and melodies infected everyone in the audience. At the beginning of the show, people clapped in time with the performers. By the end, audience members were dancing in front of the stage.
His entrancing music ranged from upbeat and energetic to slow and melancholic. Through most of his songs are instrumental, Cook seems to sing through his guitar — telling narratives through melody.
He engaged the audience members, talking with them and sharing stories of his travels, creating an intimate atmosphere in the large auditorium. He related one story of how, as a teenager, he played with a rumba group called the Gypsy Kings in the French town where his father retired.
Young people may write performances such as Cook’s off as the music of their parents, but this show provided an interesting contrast to the cookie-cutter concerts that come through Chico on a regular basis.
Cook is a great example of Chico Performances’ efforts to keep with their decade-old theme of “Bridging Our World,” director Dan DeWayne said.
“The arts are a wonderful way to explore and be exposed to different ideas, thoughts and points of view culturally, educationally and personally,” he said. “I thought his style of flamenco-like guitar and songwriting would resonate with our audience members.”
Ashlee Goncalves-Hilinski can be reached at
aghilinski@theorion.com
For more information, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaznEwvfpxA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQtA6tWm3N8&feature=related
http://www.myspace.com/jessecook
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