Studio recordings (full-length .mp3 files no longer available as of 2008-06-12):
"North York Skyline" (1997)
"Orangeville and The Crowded Night" (1999)
"Glass Half Full" (2001)
Other recordings:
"Blue Horizon - Live at Holy Joe's" (2002,
preview)
"Songs from a Dusty Room" (2004, preview)
Bio | CD
sales | Contact
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| Lyrics
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info |
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Press
kit | Reviews
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What some folks have said about Michael Cook:
"Endearingly
homemade acoustic folk music, distinguished by a wired intensity and
basement-bred confidence. A slightly off-kilter outsider artist
whose forceful playing and singing recall Lead Belly or Beck's
acid-washed folk experiments. This guy’s raw sound is very
refreshing in our age of over-produced VH-1 folk stars."
-- AudioGalaxy
10/2000, reviewing 1997 CD "North York Skyline"
"I’m a tad
late this week because, as they say, the brain goes first. I forgot to bring my
copy of features and hosts home with me. Luckily, I have friends in low places.
Michael
Cook is a high-profile musician in
this town.
His music is fascinating and
fresh, his personality engaging. A natural host for the Café."
-- Ken Bilton, host of
Café at the Centre, Toronto, writing to announce the show
June 2nd, 2002.
"I've had
the pleasure of seeing Michael play numerous times and have always looked
forward to his performances. His songs cover diverse "slices of life"
and are supported by dexterous and interesting guitar playing. Michael
also brings a dry humor to the proceedings, so that his presentation and his
performance are always something to look forward to."
--
Bernie Schmidt, longstanding member of the Songwriters Association of
Canada,
former member of Advisory Council to the SAC Directors, Host of the Monthly
SAC Song Stage, and performer at the SAC BlueBird North Songwriter Showcase in
Toronto. (Bernie has two CDs out, and -- with co-writer with Jody Gibson
-- recently had the Number One Song for four weeks
on Reed's Independent Country Top 40). 12/2002.
"This guy's a
gunslinger"
-- Dan Frechette, 18/2/2003.
"I've played a few shows with this cat and he's
a very polished, structured, and yet still soulful act."
-- Jay Ewert, 2003/05/09
"Very talented and
professional ... wicked guitar playing!"
--
RTAO, 8/15/2003
"This guy's a real troubadour -- in the old
sense of the word." -- Long Bear, 8/15/2003
"He should
be shot!" --
Elspeth
Cook, aged 93, 2001
"Always
entertaining." --
Dan Stupich, 9/10/2004.
[Back to the top]
- Monday October 4th 2004, 15:00-17:00,
"Folk Us" with host John Prentiss, UM-FM 101.5 Winnipeg.
- Tuesday September 21
2004, 7:00-09:00, The Big
Breakfast, A-Channel TV, Winnipeg MB
- TV news segment, Saturday 14th February 2004,
A-Channel Winnipeg ("My Funny Valentine", Rodgers and Hart).
- "Roots and
Writers" UMFM 101.5, Winnipeg MB, with host Len Osland and other
members of MB Independent Songwriters Circle, Wednesday November 26th, (recorded November
13th, part 2 of 2)
- "Sunday Dinner", CKUW 95.9 FM, Winnipeg, MB,
November 23rd, 6 p.m.
- "Free Range Radio", UMFM 101.5,
Winnipeg,MB, Friday 13 June 2003
- "Sunday Dinner", CKUW 95.9 FM, Winnipeg, MB, Sunday
18 May 2003
- "Prairie Ceilidh", CKJS 810 AM, Winnipeg, MB, Sunday
30 March 2003
- "The All-Nighter", WWUH, Hartford, Connecticut,
5/2001.
Gigs and other appearances
Planned/Upcoming
To be announced.
Send e-mail
for bookings or information.
Past (follow links to playlists)
- Saturday January 22nd
2005, Regal Beagle, Winnipeg MB (guest appearance accompanying
Derrick McCandless with Roger Fournier on washtub bass).
- Wednesday November 3
2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB, (open mic., host)
- Saturday October 9 2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB, 10 p.m. (opening for Savatsky, Sylvestro and Funk)
- Monday October 4th 2004,
15:00-17:00, "Folk Us" with host John Prentiss, UM-FM 101.5
Winnipeg.
- Saturday September 25
2004, Regal Beagle. Impromptu jam.
- Saturday September 25
2004, Carnegie's Deli, 286 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB,
Derrick McCandless
CD release
- Friday September 24 2004, West End Cultural Centre,
Winnipeg MB, MISC Fall Concert (with Wayne Ashley and Pam Riley, Stewart
Fay, Marcel Desilets, Harvey Levy, and David Lum).
- Wednesday September 22
2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB, (open mic.)
- Tuesday September 21
2004, 7:00-09:00, The Big
Breakfast, A-Channel TV, Winnipeg MB
- Wednesday September 15
2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB, (open mic.)
- Friday September 10 2004,
MISC event. Academy Bar and
Eatery, Winnipeg MB (set)
- Wednesday September 8
2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB, (open mic.)
- Wednesday August 25 2004,
Regal Beagle, Winnipeg (open mic.)
- Wednesday August 18 2004,
Regal Beagle, Winnipeg (open mic.)
- Wednesday May 12 2004,
Regal Beagle, Winnipeg (open mic.)
- Saturday March 27 2004, Saxton Theatre Coffee House, basement of the Bahá'í Centre, 521 McMillan, Winnipeg, 7:30 pm
(set).
- Sunday February 8th 2004, Academy Coffee Co.,
Academy Road, Winnipeg, 7:30 p.m. (set), with Derrick McCandless and Scott
McPherson.
- Friday January 9th 2004, Academy Coffee Co.,
Academy Road, Winnipeg, 8 p.m. (set)
- Sunday November 30th 2003, 7p.m. benefit for
Open Arms Independent Living Inc., Glenwood Community
Club, 27 Overton, St.Vital, Winnipeg (set)
- Friday November 28 2003, Manitoba Independent
Songwriter's Circle Fall Concert, West End Cultural Center, 586 Ellice
Avenue at Sherbrooke, Winnipeg.
- Wednesday November 26th, "Roots and
Writers" UMFM 101.5, Winnipeg MB, with host Len Osland and other
members of MB Independent Songwriters Circle (recorded November 13th).
Part 2 of 2.
- Sunday November 23rd, 6 p.m., "Sunday
Dinner" CKUW 95.9 FM, Winnipeg, MB,
- Friday November 14th 2003, Academy Coffee Co.,
Academy Road, Winnipeg (set)
- Thursday November 6, 2003, Manitoba Country
Music Association song contest
- Sunday November 2nd, The Coffee Grounds,
Hamline Avenue, St.Paul, Minnesota (set)
- Saturday September 27 2003, Royal Albert,
Winnipeg (set, blues jam)
- Monday September 12 2003, Finn Macue's, Johnson
Terminal, Winnipeg (set)
- Monday September 8 2003, Finn Macue's, Johnson
Terminal, Winnipeg (feature)
- Saturday September 7 2003, Academy Coffee Co.,
private party (set)
- Saturday August 16 2003, Saxton Theatre
Coffee House, basement of the Bahá'í Centre, 521
McMillan, Winnipeg, opening for Marcel Desilets (set)
- Friday August 1 2003, Academy Coffee
Co., Winnipeg (set)
- Friday 13 June 2003, Free Range Radio, UMFM 101.5,
Winnipeg (guest)
- Sunday June 8 2003, Transcona
Hi Neighbour Festival, Winnipeg (set)
- Friday June 6 2003, "Operation Help Iraq"
benefit, Regal Beagle, Winnipeg (set)
- Sunday May 18 2003, "Sunday Dinner", CKUW
95.9 FM, Winnipeg (guest)
- Tuesday May 13 2003, Osborne Collective, Winnipeg
(booking)
- Friday May 2 2003, Academy Coffee Co., Winnipeg
(set)
- Saturday April 19 2003, Saxton Theatre Coffee House,
Winnipeg (feature)
- Sunday April 6 2003, Club 58, Winnipeg
(substitution)
- Wednesday April 2nd 2003, Latin Garden,
Winnipeg (booking)
- Tuesday 18 March 2003, Osborne Collective,
Winnipeg (guest)
- Tuesday 11 March 2003, Osborne Collective,
Winnipeg (guest)
- Saturday March 8 2003, Manitou Opera House, Manitou, MB
(set)
- Friday 7 March 2003, Academy Coffee Co.,
Winnipeg (set)
- Wednesday March 5 2003, Latin Garden, 500
Portage Ave., Winnipeg (guest)
- Sunday 2 March 2003, Club 58, 177 McDermot St.,
Winnipeg (booking)
- Wednesday 12 February 2003, University of Winnipeg,
Poetry for Peace
- Wednesday 19 June 2002 Holy Joe's, Bathurst
and Queen, Toronto (feature)
- Sunday 16 Sept 2001, Cafe at the Center,
Cabbagetown Community Center, 495 Parliament St., Toronto (feature)
- Sunday 6 May 2001, Cafe at the Center,
Cabbagetown Community Center,
495 Parliament St., Toronto (feature).
Description
Singer/songwriter mostly performing own compositions solo with guitar.
Some unaccompanied voice, some keyboard and vocals. See also Bio
and Press kit.
Genre
Acoustic Folk/Blues/Country/Rock/Scottish/Jazz/U-name-it.
Sounds like
"Nobody I ever heard of?"
Influences
Too numerous to mention.
History
-
Various public solo performances in St.Albans (UK) area 1968-1969. Also worked with Steve Forrest (later in Silver Bullet) as a two-piece.
-
Shared billing in St.Albans "Harri-Leng" and other public folk club events,
including "The Goat Inn", 1967 through 1969.
-
Song "Spudwagon" recorded approx. 1969 by Adrian Grigg for BBC Radio in UK.
-
Song "Angler of Cat's Eyes" performed by Steve Forrest with Pete Sutton around the same time.
-
Various public solo and guest vocalist performances in London and Israel 1969 thru 1974.
-
First CD "North York Skyline" recorded Claremont and Toronto 1997.
Independent.
-
Various public solo performances in Toronto North York area 1997-1999.
-
CD "Orangeville and The Crowded Night" recorded Toronto 10-12/1999, with producer
Karen Kane.
Independent.
- Various public solo performances in Toronto core
2/2000-10/2002.
-
CD "Glass Half Full" recorded Toronto 12/2000-2/2001, with producer Karen Kane.
Independent.
-
Based in Winnipeg as of 11/2002, performing as much
as possible, and working on material for a fourth CD.
Touring where?
"Any place I have a gig".
[Back to the top]
"North York Skyline" (1997)
"Orangeville and The Crowded Night"
(2000)
"Glass Half Full" (2001)
"Money, Cars, and Affairs
of the Heart" (Compilation 2003)
Song descriptions can be found in the Press
kit.
Song lyrics are here.
info@michaelcook.ca
[Back to the top]
Playlists
Saturday January 22nd 2005,
Regal Beagle, Winnipeg MB (guest appearance accompanying
Derrick McCandless with Roger Fournier on washtub bass).
"Unwholesome Prison Train
Wreck" (J.Cash, with additional words by M.Cook).
Wednesday November 3 2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB, (open mic., host)
Live in the now
Your Green Hat
404
Saturday October 9 2004, Regal Beagle,
Winnipeg MB (opening for Savatsky, Sylvestro and Funk)
The Plague
Nothing to be done about it
She might be in Jerusalem / I Love my Darling (short version)
I heard a rumour
I saw a deer last night
All right now (short version)
Jack of Speed (Becker, Fagen)
You know and I know (short version)
Learning to let you go
Wrong place baby
Monday October 4th 2004,
15:00-17:00, "Folk Us" with host John Prentiss, UM-FM 101.5 Winnipeg.
Ain't Too Proud To Beg (short version)
Clawhammer medley: Freight Train/Don't Think Twice It's All Right/House of the
Rising Sun (LIVE)
Take Us To Your Leader (short version, (LIVE)
Done Left Here (F.McDowell) (LIVE)
You Tell Me (Afterglow)
There's something going on around here (short version, LIVE)
Don't send my heart back to jail.
Saturday September 25 2004,
Regal Beagle (impromptu jam with Brad Fenwick and Peter, et al.)
- Fantasia in E
- So glad you came back home (Song for the Muse)
- Fantasia in D#7
- You tell me that
Saturday September 25 2004, Carnegie's Deli, 286 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB,
Derrick McCandless
CD release
- Ol' McCandless had a farm
- Riding on the bus
- Folsom Prison Train Wreck (accompanying
Derrick with Doug and Tim)
- I got you fooled (accompanying Derrick
with Doug and Tim)
Friday September 24 2004,
West End Cultural Centre, MISC Fall concert (set)
- Your green hat
- All right now
- Take us to your leader
Wednesday September 22 2004,
Regal Beagle (open mic.)
- Your green hat
- Jack of speed (Becker, Fagen)
- Nothing to be done about it
- Meriel's away
- Blue horizon (with "The Beaglettes"
-- Karen Taylor and Paulette La Fortune)
- Cheating school
- Riding on the bus
- Done left here (F.McDowell)
Thanks to "Danzig" for setting me
straight.
Tuesday September 21 2004, 6:30-09:00, The Big
Breakfast, A-Channel TV, Winnipeg MB
- I saw a deer last night
- I can see you
- Riding on the bus
Wednesday September 15 2004,
Regal Beagle (open mic.)
- Blue Horizon (with Karen Taylor)
- I saw a deer last night
- Riding on the bus
- I can see you
- Jack of Speed (Becker, Fagen)
- Sketches of water
- Riding Kangaroos
- Midwinter song
- Blue Horizon (with Karen Taylor and Paulette
La Fortune)
- Fairweather Blues (words J.Boyd).
Friday September 10 2004,
Academy Bar and Eatery (set at monthly MISC event)
- Riding on the bus
- Joshua, Joshua
- Cupid and the Geek
Wednesday September 8 2004,
Regal Beagle (open mic.)
- Jack of Speed (Becker, Fagen)
- Cupid and the Geek
- I saw a deer last night
- Joshua, Joshua
- Sometimes at Night
- 404
- All Right Now
- I Just Don't Know Why Dear
- Prodigal Son (Rev.Wilkins)
- There's something going on around here
Wednesday August 25 2004,
Regal Beagle (open mic.)
- Fast Train to Georgia (E.Shaver)
- Money, Money, Money
- Nothing to be done about it (electric)
Wednesday August 18 2004,
Regal Beagle (open mic,)
- Sketches of water
- Ballad of Alison Jane / If I were a bird
- Live in the Now
- I heard a rumour
- John Henry (with Brad.)
- There's something going on around here (with
Brad.)
- Wrong Place Baby (with Brad.)
- Done Left Here (afterwards, with Tim
Butler).
Wednesday May 12 2004,
Regal Beagle (open mic.)
- Fast Train to Georgia (E.Shaver)
- Same Old Blues Again (J.J.Cale)
- I Saw A Deer Last Night
- Done Left Here (F.McDowell)
- There's Something Going On Around Here
- Take Us To Your Leader
Saturday March 27 2004, Saxton Theatre Coffee
House
- Your Green Hat
- Well You Know I Love You Baby
- Sometimes at Night
- Corrine, Corrine (Trad.)
- Done Left Here (F.McDowell)
- Ain't Too Proud To Beg
- There's Something Going On Around Here
- Take Us To your Leader
Friday November 28 2003, Manitoba Independent
Songwriter's Circle Fall Concert, West End Cultural
Centre, Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg
- You Tell Me (Afterglow)
- Midwinter Song
- Don't Send My Heart Back To Jail.
[Back to the top]
