Introducing James Cook
aaamusic | On 20, Jul 2011
James Cook is a true renaissance man; a talented singer, an impressive front man, actor, producer, video artist and an incredibly charismatic performer. His new album ‘Arts and Sciences’ is no less eclectic, combining a dark meditate sound scape with intelligent use of synth, guitars and strings, making this album a true pop commentary. Arts & Sciences is set for release on the 26th September 2011.
Cook’s previous incarnation was in the band Nemo, releasing 3 albums between 2004/2008pioneering their London electro rock sound supporting the likes of Imogen Heap and We Are Scientists. Furthermore, Cook made countless character cameos on hit BBC TV show ‘The Mighty Boosh’. Both Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding remain firm champions of Cook’s music. The band dismantled in 2008, urging Cook to move to Berlin, where he says ‘gives me space and time to write’. Being as prolific as ever, in 2009 Cook recorded the Baroque Pop curio album ‘The Dollhouse’ with violinist and collaborator Anne Marie Kirby. A tremendous and original sound recording, with three of the tracks being reworked for this current record.
Arts and Sciences was recorded in Berlin and continues to feature the lush, melodramatic string arrangements of Anne Marie Kirby with James’ own production mix. All 10 tracks reveal a diversity in Cook’s repertoire using synth/guitar riffs, loops, piano, acoustic guitar to intricate string arrangements. The album features players such as Phil France from The Cinematic Orchestra, as well as Chris Corner (IAMX, The Sneaker Pimps) who also assisted on mixing, editing and mastering the album. The video for the album’s debut single ‘Face to Face’, was also directed by Chris Corner. The eponymously titled second single ‘Arts and Sciences’ and video, directed by Graham Maguire, is due out at the end of June.
Arts & Sciences is set for release on 26th September 2011 on independent label Deep See Music.
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