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Canada

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Jesse Cook is a Canadian guitarist, composer, and producer who has made a name for himself in the world of flamenco and world music. Born on November 28, 1964, in Paris, France, Cook grew up in Canada and was exposed to a variety of musical styles from an early age. His mother was a classical pianist, and his father was a filmmaker who introduced him to the music of Django Reinhardt and other jazz greats. Cook began playing guitar at the age of 5 and quickly showed a talent for the instrument. He studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and later attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. While at Berklee, Cook became interested in flamenco music and began studying with the renowned flamenco guitarist Juan Martin. After graduating from Berklee, Cook moved to Madrid, Spain, where he immersed himself in the flamenco scene. He studied with some of the top flamenco guitarists in the world, including Paco de Lucia and Manolo Sanlucar. Cook also began performing in clubs and cafes around Madrid, honing his skills and developing his own unique style. In 1995, Cook released his debut album, Tempest, which was a critical and commercial success. The album featured a mix of flamenco, jazz, and world music influences and showcased Cook's virtuosic guitar playing. Tempest was nominated for a Juno Award (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) and helped establish Cook as a rising star in the world music scene. Cook's follow-up album, Gravity, was released in 1996 and further cemented his reputation as a talented and innovative musician. The album featured collaborations with a number of world music artists, including the Algerian singer Karim Diouf and the Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain. Gravity won a Juno Award for Best Instrumental Album and helped propel Cook to international fame. Over the next two decades, Cook continued to release a string of successful albums and tour extensively around the world. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including the Irish fiddler Eileen Ivers, the Cuban pianist Hilario Duran, and the Moroccan singer Hamid El Kasri. Cook's music continued to evolve and incorporate new influences, from electronic beats to Middle Eastern rhythms. One of Cook's most memorable performances came in 2004, when he played at the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics. Cook performed his song "Mario Takes a Walk" in front of a global audience of millions, showcasing his unique blend of flamenco and world music to the world. In addition to his music career, Cook has also been involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors. He has worked with the charity Artists Against Racism and has performed at benefit concerts for organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Throughout his career, Cook has received numerous awards and accolades for his music. He has won four Juno Awards, including Best Instrumental Album for Free Fall in 2013. He has also been nominated for several Latin Grammy Awards and has been recognized by the Canadian Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers for his contributions to Canadian music. Today, Cook continues to tour and record new music, pushing the boundaries of flamenco and world music and inspiring a new generation of guitarists and musicians.

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