Greetings Jazz lover from the third incarnation of the Cooke Quartet or CQ. This latest version of CQ is by far the best group of players under this name. This is also the first time CQ has been based in the San Francisco Bay Area, early version were based out of Dallas, TX. Michael Cooke has recorded a new album, Statements. Statements is a solo album, in the lines of Julius Hemphill's Blue Boye, Joe McPhee's Tenor & Fallen Angels and Anthony Braxton's For Alto. Michael plays all parts and instruments, including some bassoon and percussion. He has attempted to tell stories from his life, especially of the last two years, and in the process have collected a series of his own statements. The latest reviews call Statements "very intriguing" and "great music". The numbered limited edition version is available from The Jazz Loft, Black Hat Records, and Amazon.com.

     CQ's approach to acoustic modern Jazz is rooted in 60's and 70's modal style. This style allows for a freedom of emotional expression. With solid grooves and explosions of energy and sound, CQ's Jazz reminds one of the music being played in Oakland and San Francisco in the 70's by Pharao h Sanders and McCoy Tyner.

     Our album Searching from Black Hat Records, is available on the Jazz Loft, MP3.com, Amazon.com and many other on-line stores. This eclectic album has songs influenced by Latin, Indian, Asian and Classical music. A gutsy and risk taking performance, Searching is a musical adventure for the Jazz enthusiast. Of the nine songs on the album, seven are original tunes, which are as eclectic as the band. The title song "Searching" has Latin roots with the three percussionist setting the groove. The aggressive nature of "Malcontent" is off set by the beauty of "Nikita". Drawing from the many cultures of the San Francisco Bay area, "Goddess" uses tabla and tanpura to give the song an Indian flavor and "Coalescing" has Asian and classical hints. "The Source" is a solid modern jazz tune with an interesting bass groove. The group displays their avant-garde roots on jazz standards "Footpri nts" and "Lonely Woman" as they perform them with high energy and emotion. While Searching is Michael's quest for his voice in Jazz, it is also a musical adventure for all that listen. Reviews of the album have been favorable with most talking about how emotional the music is. Join our mailing list.