Gigs at a Glance

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REVIEWS 

“. . . the more you listen, the more you appreciate the quiet but marked strength of Cooper’s style . . . he impresses with his stylistic range and the harmonically assured manner in which he draws his fellow players together.” 

Chicago Sun-Times 

  

“Cooper is not just a strong soloist but an accomplished band-leader as well, he played with a degree of subtlety and craft one does not often encounter in the work of performers far better known than he.” 

Chicago Tribune 

  

“. . . he’s no kid, judging by his mature lines . . . a warm vibist who goes for the heart.” 

Jazz Times 

  

“There seems no limit to the range of Cooper’s moods and themes: he delves deeply into each tune, from bop to bossa....he maintains openness through his warm, unfettered lines.” 

Cleveland (OH) Jazz Report 

  

 “. . . nothing tricky, nothing overly glossy, and nothing so sophisticated that it’s lost touch with the streets.” 

Chicago Reader 

  

“...your vibes are warm and true, the McCoy!” 

Studs Terkel 

  

“Cooper gave the evening the sort of depth of modern jazz knowledge you’d expect from a Chicagoan.”....masterful vibraphone playing..." 

Grand Rapids Press 

  

“When the mallets are in the hands of the exceptionally talented Jim Cooper, it’s an extraordinary and inspired performance vs. the mere ordinary! 

Grand Rapids Jazz Society Newsletter 

  

 "Jim is the real deal, he's been there, done that and has been woefully under-recorded during his long career."

International Association of Jazz Record Collectors

 

"An imaginative improviser, Cooper delivered quicksilver solos and propulsive rhythms..." 

AZ Music Scene 

  

“...a very good player of standards and originals...deserving wider recognition." 

All Music Guide 

 

 "Cooper never missed a note,  the man is as smooth on the vibraphone as a baby's hand in the breeze." 

Burlington (IA) Hawkeye

 

“Nutville has a lightness of spirit that just might lift you with it.”

Chicago Tribune

 

“Cooper and company are very skillful in their presentation and the leader is someone to watch out for on the Chicago scene.”

Arts Midwest Jazz Letter

 
"What a wonderful exhilarating show. A bit of blues and lots of fun jazz! Loved it!"
Ann Raymond Meyers
 
The trio was absolutely fantastic! Their energy, talent, and smooth sound created the perfect atmosphere. Every musician was top-notch, and the set was both lively and sophisticated. We received so many compliments from our guests—highly recommend!
Brooke, Gig Salad
 
We booked Jim and his crew for our outdoor wedding in Michigan and they absolutely blew us away. Everyone raved about them. The musicians were incredibly kind and wildly talented. It was exactly what we were looking for. And Jim was incredibly kind, accommodating and communicative. He was flexible with our schedule and plans. He was very organized and professional. He offered great suggestions and the whole experience just blew us away. I had never used gig salad before so I was a little nervous but Jim made the process so smooth and successful. I wish everyone who loves jazz knew about Jim and his band! 10/10 would recommend, honestly 12/10 would recommend. They were FANTASTIC!!!! Angie O. on Gig Salad
 

Perfect!

We had Jim and his band come for a house party we had. He played from 7-9, and it was the perfect addition to the vibe we were going for. They set up in our balcony and the guest were below on our back patio. We live in a lake, and there were kayakers that paddled up to enjoy the live music. The music was exactly what we were hoping for. It added another level of depth to the scene. The music was not intrusive to the conversations and there were multiple people who were discussing the opportunity to invite Jim and the band back for future gatherings. Some of the best money I’ve ever spent on entertainment. Jim and his players were all very cordial and friendly, and communication prior to the event was as you’d expect from a professional. 10/10 all the way around.  Gerald S. on Gig Salad