Musicians: Michael Cooke on tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone. Mel Nelson on piano. Alec Lytle on acoustic bass. Sameer Gupta on drums. Paul Fisher on congas and percussion on 2,4,5,6,8. Roland Robles on tabla and percussion on 2,4. Cliff Winnig on tampura on 2. Greg Rosenberg on percussion on 4.
Review: For listeners of contemporary jazz, they are in for a nice treat when they put on "Searching," a compact treat of original music which includes songs such as "Malcontent," "Goddess" (written by Sameer Gupta), "Nikita," "Searching," "Footprints," "Coalescing," "Lonely Woman," "The Source," and "Reflection" (written by Michael Cooke). The total playing time for the CD is 57:50.
Mel Nelson reveals his wonderful playing techniques as a jazz pianist in different ways on each selection he performs. Nelson is a fine pianist, and if you have not heard him play piano before, this CD is an excellent introduction to his style.
Michael Cooke has a fresh and original saxophone voice, and he is equally at ease blending in or on solo, his pleasure with harmonic lines is openly shared with the listener in a mellow jazz idiom, allowing the listener to savor the notes being played. In fact, this Cooke Quartet is outstanding in numerous ways.
"Searching" is fresh, innovative contemporary jazz from the Cooke Quartet. It is something to be played often and savored. Excellent music. If you have a friend that would like an introduction to contemporary jazz, suggest this CD to him or her, or better yet, purchase it and give it as a gift! High energy, emotional, lively, and enjoyable is what this CD "Searching" is all about!
Tracks: Malcontent,Goddess(written by Sameer Gupta), Nikita, Searching, Footprints, Coalescing, Lonely Woman, The Source, Reflection
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