Groove to Jesse Cook’s Upbeat Flamenco Tunes

Canadian nuevo flamenco guitarist, composer, and producer Jesse Cook brings his signature sound to Pepperdine University's Smothers Theatre at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.  

Cook is widely considered one of the most influential figures in "nuevo flamenco" music, incorporating elements of flamenco rumba, jazz, and many forms of world music into his work. His accolades include a Juno Award, Acoustic Guitar's Player's Choice Silver Award, and the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year three times.

Cook’s debut album Tempest entered the American Billboard charts at #14. He has recorded eight studio albums, three live DVDs and has traveled the world exploring musical traditions that he has blended into his style of rumba flamenco. In addition to headlining concerts and festivals, he has opened for such legends as B.B. King, Ray Charles and Diana Krall. He has performed with Welsh soprano Charlotte Church on The Tonight Show, toured with legendary Irish band, The Chieftains, and performed or recorded with dozens of exemplary artists from around the world. His music has been featured on several episodes of Sex and The City and several Olympic Games. His concert television specials Jesse Cook, Live in Concert (2012) and Jesse Cook, Live at Bathurst Street Theatre (2013) were on PBS and Public Television Networks in the United States.

Cook's live shows feature his five-piece band of multi-instrumentalists, and the night usually ends with the audience dancing. Cook says of his musical mission: “I like people to go on a journey, to get lost in the music. This music is not for everyone, but for the people who do get it, I hope they feel enriched by it."

This performance is sponsored by the Flamminio Family.

Tickets, priced starting at $20 for the public and $10 for full-time Pepperdine students, are available now by calling (310) 506-4522 or at the Center for the Arts website.