Stone by Stone

   Harry Truman Built a Road

Dana Cooper's newest CD, "HARRY TRUMAN BUILT A ROAD" (Dog Eared Records) is nothing short of amazing.  From the opening cut, "Bony Man" which is a tribute to Texas music legend Townes Van Zandt, to the philosophically-inspired "I Am," Cooper continues to dazzle listeners with his incomparable talent.  Also available, are "MIRACLE MILE" (Compass Records), "COMPLICATED STUFF" (Independent), and "LOVE'S BRIGHT CAMPAIGN" (Jalepeño Records), a combined project with Shake Russell.  Superlative vocals, excellent guitar, and masterful harmonica compliment Cooper's thought-provoking songwriting skills on each title.  A trademark of Dana Cooper is the ability to say something that's been said a million times, but capture it in a whole new way.  His stories are of life and memories, such as the delightful "In My Living Room" (on Miracle Mile) and the we've-all-been-there tune, "Sometimes Pretending" (on Complicated Stuff).  Whether performing alone, or with long-time duo partner, Shake Russell, you'll not find a better portrayer of life in song.  Cooper's "Walking Waste Of Time" (on Miracle Mile) chronicles the tragedy of spousal abuse, the triumph of cognizance, and should be an anthem to all who find themselves in abusive relationships.  Fill your disc changer with Dana Cooper CDs, weld the tray shut, and burn the jewel cases, for this may be the only music you ever need.  Start or complete your Dana Cooper collection today.   

 

   Complicated Stuff

 

...literally the best singer-songwriter to emerge from Nashville in over a decade...His heartfelt but sophisticated lyrics aim to reconcile the heart and mind in everyday life. His sense of melody is unique and he has a voice that could melt ice caps.
Vic Garbarini, Playboy and Guitar World

Dana Cooper is a singer-songwriter of great depth and diversity. His fifth album, harry truman built a road is remarkable proof of his depth of creativity. Produced by Richard McLaurin and Mack Linebaugh, the album includes appearances by Byron House, Brothers Henry and Daniel Tashian. This powerful set of 13 original tracks, including Bony Man a tribute penned for the late Townes Van Zandt, showcases Coopers compelling writing style and firmly establishes him as one of the most passionate performers in contemporary music.

Cooper makes music on own terms

By Jeffrey Lee Puckett
jpuckett@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Dana Cooper has been a working singer and songwriter for nearly 35 years. Let that soak in a minute, especially since there's a pretty fair chance you don't own any of his consistently fine albums.

For more than three decades, Cooper has maintained a presence on the music scene without a hit record. He had his chances, especially when Elektra Records signed him in 1973, but what's more impressive is his tenacity and perspective.

"When I was 20 years old and signed to Elektra Records, I thought, 'This is it. By the time I'm 21, I'll be like Jackson Browne or Joni Mitchell or something.'

"For a while I tried to be commercially successful but then I realized that I was doing what I loved doing, and if I could do it in any way, on my own terms, and still make a living at it, then that was a huge success.

"It's not a cop-out. It's reality. Most people can't do that."

A Missouri native, Cooper has pursued the muse in Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and, most recently, Nashville. He's a favorite in Europe, where records such as his latest, "Made of Mud," are highly regarded.

"I've kind of had a checkered career," he said. "I've done a lot of different things, solo stuff, band things. It doesn't seem like a direct path to where I am now, but when I think about it I guess I've kind of come back full circle to what I started doing.

"My mainstay is just getting in my Toyota and going out there and singing my songs for people. It's a funny life, but it's a good one, you know?"

One of Cooper's biggest fans is Louisville's danny flanigan, who is bringing Cooper to town Thursday for his monthly Listening Room concert series at The Rudyard Kipling, 422 W. Oak St. Showtime is 7 p.m., it's non-smoking, and all proceeds from the $5 cover go to Cooper.