Gerry Cooper
Album: Follow The River
Label: Limbo
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/gerrycooper

Gerry Cooper is recognised by many music enthusiasts in and around West Yorkshire as one of the area's most accomplished and hard working acoustic blues musicians playing the local scene.

Oddly enough, even though I have known Gerry a good few years now, this is the first of his CDs that I have heard. If I am to be wholly truthful that is probably because, although I enjoy watching acoustic blues being performed live, it has never been one of my favourite genres to listen to at home. I therefore approached this recording with a certain amount of trepidation but needn't have worried as from the first track to the last it is a very pleasurable listen indeed.

Comprised of a mixture of self penned material and arrangements of traditional and other bluesmen's compositions it provides enough variety of approach to the idiom to ensure that the listener is always engaged. Part of the reason for this is the utilisation of different line ups, from just Gerry with his guitar, through duos with his regular musical partner Phil Snell (who also produced the CD) to full band arrangements.

Stand out tracks include the opener 'Steady Roll Woman' where Gerry's harmonica and voice provide an authentic blues vibe. 'The Panic Is On' is sadly as relevant now as when it was composed in 1932 and Gerry has added a few topical lines to emphasise the point. Crowd pleaser Tampa Red's 'Boogie Woogie Dance' with Gerry on resophonic slide guitar and Phil on mandolin is as edge of the seat as it is in live performance but manages to hold together to the end. 'Follow The River' has a supremely laid back feel enhanced by Phil's lap steel and atmospheric backing vocals from Ann Davis and Lucy Zirins - you can imagine the heat beating down as you float lazily downstream to New Orleans.

So, this acoustic blues sceptic was converted and I can confidently say that anyone who enjoys good music will enjoy this album. Acoustic blues fans will love it and can also look forward to Gerry and Phil's duo CD planned for release in February.

Joe Grint