BIOGRAPHYÒ The RedsÓ is the only suitable phrase for the smooth, sensuous style of guitar playing that Craig T. Cooper has mastered. Not all blues, not all jazz, Craig T. is the ÒThe Uncola of JazzÓ and just plain ÒFunky-SexyÓ Craig T. Cooper is a recording artist, producer, songwriter, arranger, M.D., sound engineer, programmer, mix and re-mix master, owner of CRAIGLAND Studios, LA and an all around damn good musician. His credits are endless and his experience is invaluable. So, letÕs start at the beginningÉ.Who is Craig T. Cooper?

Craig T. Cooper, the youngest of seven children, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. As a young child, he exhibited signs of immense musical talent. His musical talents first became apparent at the tender age of four. Soon after he began cello lessons, he hoped to follow in his brother RonÕs footsteps, who is a world-renowned cellist. CraigÕs thirst for music was unquenchable and he progressed from cello to the trumpet, drums, and piano and finally guitar Ð his instrument of choice. Not only did he have a unique aptitude for the guitar it didnÕt take long for him to establish his own identity as a studio musician and soloist. Combined with his creative flair and electronic background, Craig became a force to be reckoned with early in his music career.

1984 marked the beginning of his rise to prominence as a studio musician. His first big break with El DeBarge subsequently led to non-stop studio work. He honed his craft and refined his style as he worked with such musical luminaries as; Anita Baker, Bob Dylan, Barry Manilow, The Boys, Rochelle Ferrell, The OÕJays, Vesta Williams, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Lalah Hathaway, Klymaxx, LeVert, The Jacksons, The Crusaders, and Tone Loc. To diversify, he worked on numerous movie soundtracks and his own Ôpet projectsÕ. On occasion Craig T. also hit the road and toured with Cheryl Lynn, Billy Preston, Ronnie Laws, LSG, Gerald LeVert, Rahsaan Patterson, and many others.

Subsequent to his touring, Craig T. was signed to Valley Vue Records in 1989, which spawned four critically acclaimed albums: ÒCRAIG T. COOPER PROJECTÓ (1989), ÒGOT THAT THANGÓ (1990), ÒDARKMÕNÓ (1991) and ÒGREATEST HITSÓ (1994). His collaboration with singer/songwriter Denise Stewart would lead to the Standard ÒQuality TimeÓ from the ÒGOT THAT THANGÓ album. Craig T. wrote and produced the material, he also played all the instruments as well as programmed, mixed and remixed the albums. These unique abilities lead to engineering and mixing other records. Many artists, to name a few, would contribute their talents to his original projects over the years such as The Late Joe Sample, Bobby Lyle, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, the Jazz Crusaders, Gerald Albright, Howard Hewitt, Ray Parker Jr., Gerald LeVert, and the most unusual being a harmonica solo featuring Mykelti Williamson of ÒForrest GumpÓ, ÒWaiting To ExhaleÓ "Nashville" andÒ AliÓ.

His success on Valley Vue Records inspired SIN-DROME records to sign him in 1995. Craig completed two wonderful releases from the label; the first being ÒTOUCH-TONEÓ (1995), which features his label-mates The Late Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder of the Jazz Crusaders on the hit single ÒCan I Still Play With The Band?Ó. And the second named ÒROMANTIC LETTERÓ (1996) featuring cover tunes such as ÒSensitivityÓ (penned by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) and ÒNever Too MuchÓ (written by Luther Vandross) reaped some very positive responses from the Masters themselves! In fact they were totally knocked out by CraigÕs unusually bold treatment to their hits. ÓCAUGHT UP IN A MOMENTÓ (2001) featuring Gerald Levert with a cover of the hit ÒPop,Pop Goes My MindÓ which CTC did the original production. Also on the CD features Gerald Albright and Kevin Toney just to name a few.  Craig T's 8th album ÒHOUR GLASSÓ featuring Ronnie Laws, Kevin Toney, Val Watson (Club Neuvou) and others, with a classic remake of Michael Jackson's Smash Hit "Butterflies", and yes it's simply mesmerizing.

Craig T's 9th CD is entitled "NASTY MAN", which features living legend Ronnie Laws and his son Jaman Laws on sax, legendary drummer Ndugu Chancler, The Blackbyrds own Kevin Toney, The Gifted Pianist Aya Iwata from Japan, and more. This album features the funky, get nasty, roots side of Craig T's aura. Craig TÕs 10th and Current CD, and GRAMMY NOMINATED is entitled ÒPURPOSEÓ, which celebrates his 25th year as a solo artist. This CD includes living legends Ray Parker Jr, Howard Hewett, Patrice Rushen, Ronnie Laws, The Blackbyrds, Denise Stewart, Jim Gilstrap, David T. Walker, and moreÉÉÉ.

 

Craig T. was blessed to not only do session work for the sitcom "The BERNIE MAC SHOW", but also had Bernie's opening song for his stand-up act "Darkman Pt III". Craig T. Toured with LSG (Gerald LeVert, Keith Sweat & Johnny Gill), as their guitarist and featured on the Multi-platinum LSG release "ShakeDown", and hit gold single "Door Number One" from LSG's first album. Currently heÕs back in the studio with Living Legend Saxophonist Ronnie Laws.

His long time friendship and musical association with Gerald LeVert, blessed him a gold record for the hit single ÒBaby You AreÓ which he co-wrote and produced for the late Gerald LeVert. This would be Gerald's last gold record before his passing. Craig T is currently touring as M.D/Guitarist with the world-renowned neo-soul & r&b London base group "Loose Ends" and touring guitarist for living legend Ray Parker Jr and also guitarist for the jazz r&b legendary group The Blackbyrds.

 

Whew! Did I get it all? IÕm sure I left something out but if you want to get some serious sounds first hand, contact Craig T. on his web-siteÉÉ WWW.CRAIGTCOOPER.COM or E-mail DARKMN_CRAIGT@MSN.COM and take a look/listen/chat for yourself. You wonÕt be disappointed!!!