Tempest cover

Tempest

Jesse Cook · 1995

40 min · 10 tracks · world music

A vibrant fusion of flamenco guitar, world rhythms, and jazz improvisation that evokes a sense of wanderlust.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cascada — This track showcases Cook's exceptional virtuosity on the guitar, seamlessly blending intricate melodies with rhythmic drive that captures the essence of his style.
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    Soledad — With its hauntingly beautiful melody and emotional depth, this piece exemplifies Cook’s ability to convey profound feelings through instrumental storytelling.
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    Dance of Spring — This lively track combines traditional flamenco elements with jazz influences, illustrating Cook’s innovative approach to composition and arrangement.
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    Jumpstart — Offering a more upbeat and playful vibe, this track highlights Cook's skill at creating infectious rhythms that invite listeners to move and dance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Tempest showcases strong compositions and skilled craftsmanship, blending genres while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features rapid flamenco guitar runs layered over syncopated percussion, setting a lively tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate improvisational jazz elements, particularly in the solos, which diverge from the structured melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant rhythms for exploration
  • invigorating energy for gatherings
  • short tracks for quick bursts
  • soothing sounds for relaxation
  • playful melodies that inspire movement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking slow, introspective pieces
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1995, Tempest was Jesse Cook's debut album, establishing him as a key figure in the world music scene. At this point, Cook blended his diverse influences into a cohesive sound that would define his career trajectory.
Stylistic neighbors
Ottmar Liebert· Govi· Armik

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tempest 3:01
  • 2 Cascada 3:10
  • 3 Breeze From Saintes Maries 5:22
  • 4 Baghdad 4:21
  • 5 Parasol 5:36
  • 6 Dance of Spring 4:26
  • 7 Soledad 3:05
  • 8 Orbit 3:10
  • 9 Fate (Parasol reprise) 5:07
  • 10 Jumpstart 3:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata