Artist description The multi-instrumentalist Michael Cooke has a unique, aggressive jazz style. This Louis Armstrong Jazz award winner mainly plays tenor, but you will also hear him play soprano sax, alto sax, flute, bass clarinet, bassoon, and percussion. Denise Berardini of the San Francisco Beacon describes Michael's "talented sax flowing out color and tone with such feeling I haven't heard in quite a while. Michael plays with such dimension and flavor, that it sets (his) sound apart from the rest."

Music Style Jazz, Free Jazz

Musical Influences John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Julius Hemphill, John Zorn, Tim Berne, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Anthony Braxton, Evan Parker, Charles Mingus

Similar Artists John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Julius Hemphill, John Zorn, Tim Berne, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Anthony Braxton, Evan Parker

Artist History Michael started playing Jazz in High school where he played for homeless shelters in Atlanta. He studied Jazz with Tony Carere, Dan Haerle and Jim Riggs. A cum laude music graduate of North Texas State University, Michael has played in Europe, Mexico and all over the United States. Relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995, he is striving to develop his style. He has played and recorded with many classical, jazz and rock groups. In 1999 Michael released his first CD with Black Hat Records entitled "Searching" which has been described as fresh, innovative jazz. This quartet release featured, Mel Nelson on piano, Alec Lytle on bass and Sameer Gupta on Drums, plus a host of percussionist. His latest release is a solo album, in the lines of Julius Hemphill's Blue Boye. Michael plays all parts and instruments, including some bassoon and percussion.

Instruments Soprano, Alto, & Tenor Saxes, Flute, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon

Albums Statements, Searching

Press Reviews http://www.blackhatrecords.com/statementsLE/reviews.html Frank Rubolino -Cadence Magazine, Vol. 28 No. 8, August 2002 "His infusion of multiple layers of instrumentation and sonic variations keeps the music challenging while providing all the ingredients for a diversified and well-rounded expedition." James D. Armstrong, Jr - Jazz Now October 2002 Volume 12, Number 6 "In twelve finely honed compositions, the absence of strongly defined diatonic chord sequences yields improvisations of tremendous space and depth.   Cooke's rare ability to think 'outside the box' reminds us that Jazz, in its best incarnation, is the sound of surprise." Ted Kane - jazzreview.com, September 23, 2002 "Michael Cooke definitely has a lot to say and the multifarious talents to make you listen. If this CD doesn't get your attention, you are probably deaf." Ray Redmond - Jazz USA Vol 06 - Issue 9 - September 2002 "This is a very interesting CD.....The CD launches a well thought out interface that lets you wander through interviews, poetry and artwork for the alternate (there are 3), review links, artist and instrument info... there's a lot of stuff here." Larry Ochs - Saxophonist and composer with ROVA Quartet: "I thought it was great man! I was really surprised; there were lots of surprising things in it, which is great!"

Additional Info http://www.mp3.com/cq

Location San Mateo, California - USA

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