Jody Cooper
Album: Growing Up
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 13
Website: https://www.jodycoopermusic.com

Having released his debut album, "Ten A Penny" back in 2007, Jody Cooper upped the stakes a wee bit recently when he released two new albums, "Free Thyself" and his most recent, "Growing Up" in a frantic six week period.

"Growing Up" is an interesting album title, it implies adding a certain amount of maturity into the mix as opposed to merely growing older and just repeating the same thing. I believe the phrase is growing older is compulsory, growing up optional. In fairness I should also say it's been out a little while, but a copy only relatively recent dropped into the office

Upon first listening of the album, I couldn't help but think of Thea Gilmore, not because Jody Cooper is in anyway a clone, though there are similarities, but more because of the 'this is what and who I am' attitude that almost seems built into the DNA of the album.

Cooper seems to have an attitude of, if I put it out there, they will come and he might well be proved to be right. In his heart there is the beat of a rocker, but one that is drawn to the song, rather than a posture, less of the leather trousers, more political stance and ripped denim. A sense only enhanced by a powerful vocal.

There are other musical influences as well, "The Rain", for example picks up funk-reggae beats to support a more soulful vocal refrain. In other places there is definitely more of a blues influence coming through.

"Growing Up" is a reflectful album, one that gives a sense of a person on a journey rather than one that's anywhere near their destination. It's got a great rock blues aspect to lie the narrative against and Jody Cooper has a voice that can switch between rock and soul giving additional textures to work with. I enjoyed this one.

Neil King