Jesse Cook's latest CD "Montreal" was released in Canada November 9th, with it's global release following this december. Recorded live July 9th, 2004 at the Metropolis Theatre as part of Le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.

Jesse Cook is a worldbeat and Smooth Jazz musician in the truest sense of the word; he doesn't just pick a style and repackage it, he is respected both by listeners and players alike for constantly seeking inspiration and tutelage from all over the world. A longtime fan of music from Spain, Africa, Egypt, Brazil, France and Cuba, Jesse Cook's "Montreal Live" evokes each of those countries and then some on this, his sixth CD and first live disc.

Jesse Cook has a history of hooking up with talented players; previous contributors to his million-selling catalogue include cellist Ofra Harnoy, fellow Canuck Holly Cole, and Brazillian jazz phenom Flora Purim. His choice of players for Montreal are equally talented; that point is made clear right from the opening cut, "Beloved."

Fellow Canadian, Maryem Tollar sets the stage with her incredible, ghostly Arabic vocals; from that romantic, moody brilliance right to the disc's undulating climax of "Baghdad," the perpetual motion of Gypsy Kings-meets-Cirque du Soleil sounds resonate throughout the disc. The audience's adoration of the performer and his wonderfully percussive live show (recorded at Le Festival International de Jazz de Montréal) allows the feverish applause to carry the enthusiasm over to the live disc itself.

There will always be a debate among purists as to whether accessible worldbeat or Jazz is too easy-listening; ultimately, Jesse Cook is one part gifted guitar player, another part masterful showman. Even in the context of listening to a live CD, the energy that he gives to and subsequently receives from his fans on Montreal is contagious and musically rewarding.

Jesse Cook "Montreal Live" album:
1. Beloved
2. Rattle & Burn
3. Cascada
4. Breeze From Saintes Maries
5. Jumpstart/Air
6. Tempest
7. Querido Amigo
8. Closer To Madness
9. Luna Lena
10. Dance Of Spring/Mario Takes A Walk
11. Baghdad
12. Fall At Your Feet

The Band:
Paul Antonio - Drums
Art Avalos - Percussion
Collin Barrett - Bass
Chris Church - Violin/Vocals
Nicolas Hernandez - Guitar

Special guests include:
Hampig Djavourian on Duduk
Maryem Tollar - Vocals
DannyWilde - Vocals
Samba Squad - doing that thing they do

Jesse Cook "Montreal Live" CD: ORDER IT NOW.