Customer Reviews

Gravity

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album is my very favorite instrumental album ever! Inspiring, moving, emotional- there aren't enough adjectives to describe the depth of Jesse Cook's music. The music is a blend of percussion and flamenco guitar, with a Gypsy-African-World sound that is totally different from the common stuff out there. And can the man play guitar! He is truly gifted. I personally play this CD constantly, and when people come visit, they never fail to ask me for the name so they can get it for themselves. Everybody likes it! Now one of the things I especially enjoy about it- it is excellent backround music for activities. I put it on whenever I have to accomplish something- and the job flies! I heard tracks from it several times during the ice skating competitions at the most recent Winter Olympics, which doesn't surprise me at all. The music is so passionate and exciting it lifts you off your feet and makes you move without being totally intrusive. I recommend this album highly. Take a chance - you won't be disappointed.

This CD is the reason music for accoustic guitar was created: to delight, fill the senses, feed the hunger we all share for a reason to live. I saw Jesse Cook perform right here in Orlando, FL at a FREE outdoor concert. Can you believe this CD had been released only the week prior to the FREE concert. I'd heard a promo piece on our local jazz station and wrongly assumed he was a hispanic accoustic guitar player because often hispanics will shorten the name Jose to the anglicized "Jesse"---But when Jesse took the stage that afternoon, was I in for a surpise! Here was this guy with long, blond locks--wholesome, handsome, and young! He clearly was in control of his music but very connected with the audience who couldn't keep still at the sound of every string of his 12-string guitar being caressed by Jesse's magic hands. His back up musicians were the perfect complement to this fine artist. In "Mario Takes a Walk", Jesse was accompanied by a Cuban guitarist whose name escapes me now-- The affection and respect between these two men was evident and the result yielded an exquisite masterpiece of music. And what is truly stunning to me is that the genuiness of the piece is not lost in the CD. It's as if he's in your living room and you are basking in his glow. I don't think that for the rest of my life, I will ever experience anything as amazing as this. I gave this CD to someone for Christmas and she was mesmerized by the sounds. Was she ever surprised to learn that Jesse Cook is Canadian!? Yes, he is-- which goes to show us all-- passion and fire are not reserved for certain ethnic groups. Some are just more fortunate than others and can find a medium of expression for that gift. If anyone is interested in rediscovering the joy of an accoustic guitar after the assault of the electric guitar and offensive head-banging music we've learned to tolerate---then wean yourself away with a little bit of Jesse-- you'll be back for seconds and then some-- Then, tell your kids to join you for a listen (tell them they will preserve their hearing as a persuasive argument). Make the move over to Jesse's side. "Luna LLena", here I come and I'm bringing the tapas and red wine too! You try it, and you'll be changed.

I rate music on three attributes:

1) Skillfullness of the Indivdual players

2) Composition

3) How well the players coordinate.

While my musical tastes are nominally progressive rock (Yes), West coast and some modern jazz and Mozart - I have to give a 5 to Jesses Cook on his prowness on the Spanish Guitar. Also, a 5 on composition. The album backcover describes "Gravity" as World Beat/Jazz/..... I'll give a 4 on how players coordinate. There is no doubt that the other people are there for one sole reason: to back up Jesse - however, there are a couple tracks where he let's the percussionist loose. Even though Cook is a Basque, there are a couple tracks with a distinctive Mid/Near East sound to it.

I think two numbers are "Progressive": "Closer to Madness", and "Olodum". To summarize this album: a very highly skilled Spanish Guitarist is showcasing his music to a reved up instrumental Jazz/light rock accompaniant to produce a very pleasent experience. A couple pieces I depict as Progressive, where he is on the threashold of creating a new type of music.

Compared to 'Tempest' and 'Vertigo', this album is arguably Jesse Cook's best collection yet. Alternating between superb upbeat percussion-driven songs and electrifying nouveau flamenco a.k.a. rumba style pieces, 'Gravity' is guaranteed to get you hooked on this magnificent performer. 'Azul', 'Rapture' and 'Luna Llena' convey such raw emotions I tremble with every listen; such unplugged duo-guitar songs were rare in the other albums, though 'Parasol' (Tempest) and 'Breathing Below Surface' (Vertigo) make up for it to a point. Although 'Rattle and Burn' and 'That's Right!' (both in Vertigo) takes the cake as my favorite upbeat songs, 'Mario takes a walk' is incomparably delightful. 'Gravity' is a good balance of the other two albums. If you want the rawest Jesse Cook you can get, then get 'Tempest'. If you want him well-done, get 'Vertigo'. Whatever the case, if you've ever been in love with the acoustic guitar, get at least one of the Cook CD's ... and be warned, because (like in my case) it might turn into an obsession ...

Webster's dictionary states Gravity as: 1"the attractive central gravitational force exerted by a celestial body..." 4 "Importance", and Gravitate: "To be drawn by an irresistible force". One listen to GRAVITY, and the listener will definitely be drawn into an irresistible orbit! "Mario Takes a Walk" was the first song I ever heard of Jesse's, and it captured me forever as a dedicated fan! The song has become his "Signature" song,and the one he does for finales. (I've seen him 4 times, now!) "Closer to Madness" is absolutely mesmerizing, and seductive, my 2nd favorite. "Into the Darkness" and "Luna Llena" are also very beautiful and will touch your soul. That is one of the amazing characteristics of Jesse's music, is his ability to touch the very depths of your spirit. Gravity is really a great upbeat song and is absolutely awsome live. The other songs are also great, too. Jesse won a Gemini award for this album, which is the equivalent to a Grammy. You will not be disapointed in purchasing any of Jesse's albums, because they're all great. His new one, titled "FREE FALL" will be available Sept. 26, 2000. I have no doubts it'll be "celestial" as well!

If you've forgotten what a subtle instrument a guitar is , how it can delicately convey emotion, how when the right pressure is applied to strings the echo of the chord can remain with you for what seems like forever, and why technique should rule over volume - then this album is for you. You should probably also enjoy world music. This album is a lovely selection of Flamenco guitar. It is subdued yet you can definitely feel the passion of the music. Ideal as a non-intrussive album as background for conversation with friends. Guaranteed that at the first break in conversation, someone will ask "Who's playing the guitar?"

The first track - Mario Takes A Walk (don't be put off by it's name) is far worth the price of the CD alone. It takes my breath away nearly every time I hear it. Followed up by the hauntingly Azul and it's unusual chord intonations. What kind of music is this anyway Flamenco, Classical Guitar, Jazz, or African? Never mind - it sounds new and fresh and wonderful. Jesse plays the guitar flawlessly putting his soul into each note and chord. Supported by the great work of Blake Manning, Andres Morales, and Mario Melo on percussion this is a must buy CD, even though the selctions seem to waver just a bit near the end. It's still a 5.

This is a delightful CD. I had never heard of Jesse Cook before and just ordered this CD last week. During a party we had on the weekend, numerous guests commented on the music, how much they liked it. Compared to music from Otmar Liebert (album "Nouveau Flamenco"), this CD is as easy on the ear, but a lot more sophisticated in guitar playing technique. Definitely a keeper!

After acquiring my budget hi-fi system, I was on a lookout for quality 'audiophile-type' music to fill my living room. Honestly, I have never heard of Jesse Cook before. I saw three of Jesse's CDs on the wall rack. Curious, I took one down to do some sampling. Mmmmmm, sounds delicious. Bought it and listened at home. My My My! Fantastic sound quality, fantastic playing ability, great beat and totally awe-inspiring melodies.

After two rounds of continuos play, I was totally impressed with what Jesse can do to an 'ordinary' acoustic guitar. So involving was his style of play, i played it again and again. As I got deeper into his music, I was totally delighted I chanced upon Jesse Cook. BRAVO for the immaculate guitar work. I love it. No hesitation to recommend 'Gravity' to another music lover. (I shall check out his other three CDs later)

This is Jesse at his best. I own all of his CD's, and this is probably my favorite. If you are a guitar player of any style of music, buy this CD-You won't be disappointed. I think every track on this disc is stellar, compositionally and technically, but most importantly, it makes you feel: at first you want to dance, then cry, and sends you to a far off place.
If find this his funnest album yet. If you want a more romantic, softer Jesse Cook album, buy Vertigo.