David Cook - Scenic Design (2015)

Pianist/composer David Cook possesses the ability to compose music that allows his massive talent to shine through unimpeded, creating a bond with the listener with every note. On May 26, Cook follows up his debut recording, Pathway (produced by Bruce Barth and released on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records) with the release of Scenic Design, a compelling set of original music, and a brilliant duo version of Taylor Swift's "Safe and Sound" (with trumpeter Dave Smith), produced by Ben Wendel, and featuring his quintet of Dave Smith - trumpet, Ben Wendel - sax, Matt Clohesy - bass, Kendrick Scott - drums, and special guest Shayna Steele on vocals (on "I Know You Know").
"I’m really fortunate to have been able to record Scenic Design with Ben, Dave, Matt and Kendrick. These are 4 of my favorite musicians, all total pros that have strong and clear voices on their respective instruments . . . really all I had to do was write the music and get out of the way. The goal was for a true collective sound, and I hope this album has achieved it," said Cook.
About the music on Scenic Design: The idea of doing a quintet recording was both daunting and exciting for Cook. He explains, "I knew that I wanted to spread the melodies out past the piano on this record, but in which direction? Is it possible to say something unique and true to the history of this music at the same time? As a starting point, I picked three of my favorite quintets - Woody Shaw with Dexter Gordon, Fred Hersch and Kneebody - and tried to write music that might exist in the middle of a triangular plain with those three points." Producer/saxophonist Ben Wendel (Kneebody) was instrumental in making this happen, as he "had so many great arrangement and orchestrational ideas; the tunes really came together once he put his ears on them," said Cook.

David Smith - trumpet
Ben Wendel - saxophone
David Cook - piano
Matt Clohesy - bass
Kendrick Scott - drums
Shayna Steele (track 4) - voice

Tracklist
1. Flower & Hope (06:14)
2. 80S TV Theme Song (05:20)
3. Shift (05:20)
4. I Know You Know (feat. Shayna Steele) (03:48)
5. Scenic Design (05:47)
6. Long Ago & Far Away (07:02)
7. Safe & Sound (feat. David Smith) (03:08)
8. Midwestern (06:21)
9. Still (04:06)