by Kim Hutchinson
Staff Reporter:
Does the name Jagger Cook sound familiar? If not, it’s a name you’re probably going to be hearing a lot of after the highly successful release of his debut album “All Our Hands are Dirty.”
The award winning singer/songwriter who currently lives in Niagara, Ontario and Los Angeles, California has been playing and writing music since he was eight years old. With the help of an old harmonica and a 12-string guitar (and a distinct voice that leaves you wanting to hear more at the end of each track which doesn’t hurt), he was able to turn his past into inspiration evident in the intense, and meaningful lyrics of every song on the album which is a sign of true talent in today’s music industry.
With tracks such as “Daddy-Angel” written for his son Avery, the award winning song “Nostalgia” which truly showcases his contagious, positive attitude toward living and loving life and the award winning “Light of Mississippi” dedicated to Oprah Winfrey whose wisdom and light Cook says inspires him – to compositions such as “Afraid Like Me” and “As Seen on TV” addressing the pain of addiction and consequences of leading a predominately media influenced, respectively, Cook’s diverse songwriting and style captivates his audience. Cook doesn’t hold anything back ultimately producing a sound that undoubtedly deserves to be heard.
Part of this sound can be credited to veteran Los Angeles drummer and musical director Scotty Kormos who, in 2007, helped assemble Cook’s new band consisting of bass guitarist Adam Kury (LA Guns, Candlebox) and lead guitarist Jason Orme (Alanis Morissette, Daniel Powter). The hard work and dedication of everyone involved, including producer Frank Gryner (Train, Bon Jovi, Rob Zombie, Tommy Lee to name a few) and Rock artist Karen Stever, paid off. Cook was nominated for “Pop Vocalist of the Year” by the 2008 Los Angeles Music Awards and was the winner of the Canadian Niagara Music 2008 “Songwriter and Album of the Year” Awards, highlighting a select few recognitions from the long list of accomplishments proving he’s made an impact and is here to stay.
For more information on Cook and this CD visit www.jaggercook.com