Background and Awards
Emma Cook's musical journey might have taken a much different turn had she chosen to pursue a vocal career in classical music. But several years of studying at Western University's Conservatory of Music in Toronto as well as an abandoned attempt at a degree in voice at Dalhousie University convinced her that the right genre existed elsewhere.
Cook's second record, Hit & Run, is set to be released in the United States in late March on Cook's own label, Emmazing Records. After garnering attention for her first album, Manifesto, Cook's music has been a hit on college radio stations across Canada and her music has received various accolades. Hit & Run was awarded a solo artist grant from the Ontario Arts Council and has been well received by fans and the media.
The Music
Cook's music has moments of quirkiness a la Ani DiFranco and can't help but be compared to Joni Mitchell or perhaps a slightly more sophisticated reincarnation of Alanis Morissette. The raw talent in Cook's voice is undeniable and it's clear that as her voice matures she will have a successful musical career.
In Even Your Momma Can Wear Stiletto Boots, Cook uses poignant lyrics to assert her femininity:
"I'll be the one in the kitchen with no panties on. You know I'll be wearing leather under my wedding gown."
Without spewing hate or bitter resentment, she manages to assert herself without sacrificing the wit that gives her music mainstream accessibility.
Her singing and songwriting show emotional range and diversity throughout the body of her work. The title track, Hit & Run, alternates between a playful verse and a lilting chorus that culminates with her voice rising above resounding harmonies punctuated by short bursts of gnarled guitar twang.
Strengths and Weaknesses
If there's one aspect where Cook's voice calls for some improvement, it's in the lack of sheer power of her vocals. Her voice sometimes comes across as wispy and her vibrato wavers slightly. Although she indeed sounds quite like a songbird, when searching for a grittier tone she falls just a little short.
When she really tries to belt some rust out of her pipes, it seems that they are just too clean. But that's something that often develops over time for young artists and hopefully it's another aspect of her singing that will evolve as her musical career unfolds.
The most enjoyable aspects of Hit & Run are the fine production values and variegation of sounds and tasteful orchestration. Produced by Cook and Jordan Bell, the record incorporates arrangements utilizing trumpet, cello and fiddle to bring the music to life. Cook makes a wise decision to let the songs breathe naturally without forcing herself upon them.
Current U.S. Tour
Cook's 2009 east coast U.S. tour began in early February and continues through the end of March with more dates to be added along the way. With appearances scheduled in throbbing musical epicenters like New York, Memphis and Austin, it wouldn't be surprising to see her name start drawing American crowds as she hones her style and continues to refine her sound.
Learn more about Hit & Run and Emma Cook at:
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