Corey Cook

Corey Cook is perhaps, yet humbly, among the brightest emerging musicians in America today. Cook has held affiliation with national organizations such as The Percussive Arts Society, The American Federation of Musicians (Local 802), and The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Corey has collaborated with alumni of ensembles such as The Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jon Faddis, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich, & Woody Herman Orchestras.

Corey's first mentor was booking-agent Ashwood Kavanna, whose clients have included Miles Davis, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, and many others.

Cook has received honorary nominations to attend The National Young Leaders Conference, The Global Young Leaders Conference, The International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) Delegation on Diplomacy & International Relations, The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, and The Presidential Inauguration.

In his formative years, Cook further received valuable counsel, advice, & encouragement from jazz luminaries Bobby Shew, the late Louie Bellson, the late James Moody, Count Basie drummer Butch Miles, and his friend, Manhattan agent and music attorney Jon M. Waxman (Thelonious Monk).

The ensembles in which Cook has performed as a percussionist represent what is likely the ubiquitous spectrum of American musical expression. Equally effective in a wide variety of contexts as an accompanist, Cook quintessentially represents the modern image of a percussionist not only being a solo technician, but a versatile artist capable of supporting and enhancing a wide range of ensembles which have included concert orchestras, marching bands, church vocal groups, and jazz bands in New Orleans, Michigan, and Manhattan. Aside from his previous endeavors as a leader in New York, Corey has collaborated extensively with a multitude of ensembles related predominantly to the field of education, including positions in academic ensembles which have been admitted to state and regional music festivals.

In 2009, Cook organized & conducted his first Manhattan studio session with artists Chris Crenshaw (The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), Paul Nedzela (The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), Harold V. Zinno, Jr. (Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett) and Grammy-award winning bassist Phil Palombi (Maynard Furgeson).

After a six-year sabbatical, in 2015 Cook plans to perform once again. Among Corey's future plans include a recital at Carnegie Hall, perhaps reuniting with friend and fellow jazzman Chris Crenshaw (The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), and future Manhattan & New Orleans studio sessions. Cook has recently requested the tutelage of master percussionist and A-list film producer Anthony Miranda.

In spite of his disability, schizophrenia, Cook continues to improve and advance.  Cook is especially concerned with exposing classical music and jazz to young audiences. Cook plans to confirm concerts and demonstrations starting with local high schools in the state of Florida.

Cook, with his down-to-earth & approachable persona, presents an image which upholds the dignity and vitality of classical American music. While in the beginning he studied and imitated artists Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, he is now a mature musician with a distinctive and subtle style. Seldom does Corey get the opportunity to play drum solos, but when he does, he's met with roaring applause.

Biography courtesy of allaboutjazz.com. 

Awards

National Young Leaders Conference Global Young Leaders Conference The International Scholar Laureate Program (ISAP) Delegation on Diplomacy and International Relations Invitation to the 51st Annual Grammy Awards Invitation to the Presidential Inauguration Invitation to the Inaugural Ball Louis Armstrong Jazz Award