Dana Cooper – The Ghost of Tucumcari
Dana Cooper’s been in this music-making career for 50+ years & while I always found his music captivating, interesting & absorbing I still wonder why he’s not more well known. While his name may not be as easily recognizable as Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, or Townes van Zandt he drifts around the margins like Peter Himmelman, the late Robert Hazard & Jon Dee Graham. All formidable songwriters with great material & wonderful voices & are respected for what they do.
Dana Cooper (vocals/acoustic & electric guitars/six-string banjo/harmonica) through his many decades has always delivered the goods. He’s dependable, reliable & a disciplined musician. The Missouri-born artist struck me at the beginning as a member of the singer-songwriter fraternity of Luka Bloom, David Wilcox, Boo Hewerdine & Clive Gregson. A middle-of-the-road type who wasn’t entirely folk, rock-oriented, or easy-listening. A songwriter who could perform effectively in just about any genre. Maybe that’s the problem. But, on this new album, I think Dana has struck a balance that works.
With Dana’s always exemplary vocals & maneuvering room, The Ghost of Tucumcari (Drops May 17/Independent/40:00) possesses 11 perceptive tracks recorded in Nashville, TN & produced by Dana with Dave Coleman (electric & acoustic guitar/lap steel/keys/percussion) that are potent throughout. “Falling Star,” is one of the catchiest tunes on this new collection, followed by a harmonica rollicking opener of “Goin’ Down Judah.” It’s all meat & no gristle & though Dana’s voice is no Elvis Presley or Mick Jagger he does let loose at times & does get quite effective in that range.
Cooper’s Americana is a glorious journey. A rousing mix of dynamic tunes. What maybe he needs to do is write something controversial to draw attention. You know, something like Randy Newman’s “Short People.” But that may not be his forte & times have changed. I just feel an artist such as Cooper deserves a wider berth. Many excellent artists have passed away in the last few years & there are still many great songs to be written & sung. Dana Cooper is already here. Don’t wait for his work to pop in Walmart, Cracker Barrell, or Barnes & Noble. Be someone in the know…sample something fluent & not repetitiously sweet. You’ll go back for seconds.
Highlights – “The Ghost of Tucumcari” (with Lyle Lovett), “Children of a Common Mother,” “What Is Love Waiting For?” “Falling Star,” “Goin’ Down Judah” & “Rocked In a Country Cradle.”
Musicians – Chris Benelli (drums/percussion), David Francis (upright & electric bass), Josh Leo (electric guitar), Rick Lonow (drums/percussion), John Macy (pedal steel guitar), Paul Slivka (electric bass) & Darden Smith (piano/vocals). Singers: Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Libby Koch, Lyle Lovett, Shake Russell, Mando Saenz, David Starr & Gillian Tuite.
An 8pp stitched lyric insert is included. Color image courtesy of Blue Skies Management. CD @ https://www.danacoopermusic.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Key to the Highway: Dana Cooper