Lost Souls and Perfect Girls with Collette Cooper

I’ve been aware of the British music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins for a long time, mainly because of the Silver Clef Awards gig held in Knebworth in 1990 which may well have included some of Britain’s best known acts ever. I also saw a small event in support of this charity headlined by Nina Nesbitt, but that is another story, and shall be told another time. In this writing though I’d like to introduce singer/songwriter Collette Cooper who is graciously donating all the proceeds from her latest album ‘Lost’ to support Nordoff Robbins. Not to mention the music itself is fantastic.

There’s a lot to be said about Collette Cooper. Outside of her music career she’s also enjoyed a long career in acting from the film ’24 Hour Party People’ to television staples ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Casualty’. Collette has an upcoming one-woman theatre show based around the life of singer Janis Joplin called ‘Tomorrow May Be My Last’, which will debut a new song co-written by Cooper based on the title of the play.

In the realm of music, Collette Cooper hosts a podcast entitled ‘Sisters In The Shadows’, which aims to shine a light on women who played a huge role in the evolution of blues and jazz that are often overlooked. This podcast, like Cooper’s new album is also in support of Nordoff Robbins. Not only is she an ambassador for this charity, Cooper is a proud ambassador for Wild At Heart, a foundation aimed at ending the suffering of stray dogs. Collette has received accolades from a few BBC Radio DJs about her voice, in particular Huey Morgan, Sara Cox and Claudia Winkleman. Outside of the BBC, Jonathan Ross and Sheridan Smith have also had lovely things to say. But what of the album?

‘Lost’ begins with ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’ and piano from George Muranyi before Collette Cooper comes in with her blues-laden voice. A sole write from Cooper, the feel is laid back and instantly conjures the image of a smoky jazz club. Accompaniment comes from Cyro Zuzi on drums, Graeme Flowers on trumpet and Francois Moreau on double bass. The band fill the sonic space well behind Cooper’s voice - it needs nothing more. The yearning in the lyric is the focus, there’s no mistaking the raw emotion fleshed out in this track.

The narrative sees Cooper seize control of her love in ‘I Put A Spell On You’, the classic written by Jay Hawkins, though without the chaos of the original recording. Beginning immediately with drums and trumpet, this features more of Collette’s assertive vocal. I love the way she spits ‘because you put me down!’ into the microphone. Trumpet here comes from Kevin Davy whose solo is a gorgeous break from the vocal centrepiece, while the steady accompaniment of piano is played by Sam Taylor. Interestingly despite Cooper’s tight grasp on her subject throughout, her delivery leaves the ending more uncertain. Did the spell falter?

Oh the blues grips you tight with ‘Lost Soul’. There’s harmonica from Steve Counsel, and is that the sound of organ? Out of everything on this record, Lost Soul reminds me most of the real blues, with lyrics like this one - ‘Oh Jesus help me find some kind of peace of mind.’ You know when the Lord is involved, it’s a serious business. Dan Lipman is on saxophone, who co-produced the whole record with Collette Cooper. The beat is more interesting than it first appears to be, with Andrea Trillo on drums. Just listen to that drum fill at the end, those toms must be white-knuckle tight.

‘Outta My Mind’ makes a break with some guitar opening the track from Mike Hanson, who along with Nick Pratelli, co-wrote the track with Cooper. One of the things I like about Collette Cooper’s lyrics is the way she can instantly put an image in your head, like the opening line here; ‘It’s late at night, my cigarette’s my only light, I have to read this goodbye letter from you.’ What a way to set the tone – you know exactly what you’re getting here. Steve Counsel is back and impresses with a great harmonica solo. That close-mic’ed and almost distorted sound of the harmonica has long been considered a blues standard, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Cooper’s repeated refrain – ‘loving you, I must’ve been out of my mind’ is infectious and, dare I say it? Relatable.

Lyrically, ‘Perfect Girl’ is my favourite. It only leaves more questions than answers. Who is the Perfect Girl? It’s also the only song on the album without drum accompaniment. Melody is shared between Collette and George Muranyi on piano. We do have some lovely violin from Frank Biddulph going between pizzicato and bowed notes trickling up and down the neck. Also unique to this track is accordion from Martina Schwarz, blending lovely with Biddulph’s string sound. Lost was recorded to tape, with each song performed in complete takes. Not only do the arrangements make this record timeless, but so does the sonic presentation, assisted by the band playing together and the sound of the tape itself. To maintain the authentic sound, I recommend listening to Lost on vinyl – the only other format will be digital download and streaming services.

‘Street Life’, written by Bryan Ferry and included on Roxy Music’s third album ‘Stranded’ features more great piano playing from George Muranyi. It’s fair to say that most vocalists could imitate Ferry’s style, but Collette Cooper makes it entirely her own, this song slotting right in with the rest of the album. Compared with the busy original, this is all blues and jazz, slower and more sparse in instrumentation. Best of all, you believe Cooper wrote it herself as she utilises that same passion from her own material on this one too. Unlike the rest of the songs, Collette is assisted by Dan Lipman and Simon King on backing vocals for the chorus, who sound like they’re having a total blast. A fitting finale to Lost with a bit of everything thrown at it, wrapping this collection of songs up very nicely indeed…except there’s a bonus track of sorts, showing an insight into the sessions. You’ll have to buy the album for that one though. Keep reading to find out more about the album’s sessions and Collette’s connection with Nordoff Robbins.

1. Your new album 'Lost' is an excellent collection of songs, would you tell us about the writing process for these?

Depends, sometimes I come up with a melody first and then lyrics or vice versa but generally I always have a strong narrative in mind. I'm a story teller really. I mess around on the piano or guitar instinctively as I don't write or read music.

2. What led to the decision of calling this album 'Lost'?

My dad passed away shortly before creating and recording the songs. I felt very lost emotionally at that time and when I was putting the songs together for this album, I realised there was an overriding theme of loss. So Lost felt a very organic title.

3. This album is being released in support of music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, what does this charity mean to you especially?

Music for me is like breathing. Either creating it or listening to great songs determines my emotions. Music is my therapy and has helped me get through the hardest of times. We are all just bundles of energy and music can change our vibrations in a split second. It penetrates our very souls. That’s how powerful it is. The brilliant work that Nordoff Robbins do is incredible by using that very power. Which is why it is imperative to keep this charity afloat. 

4. All of the songs on this album were laid down to tape in one take! Were there a lot of false-starts and outtakes from the recording sessions?

Hahha you will have to wait for the deluxe edition to hear them 😁

5. I can imagine the space required to record the whole band at one time was pretty big! Where was this album recorded?

A really cool studio in Angel which has sadly closed down. We recorded directly onto an Otari 24 tracks two inch tape through a SSL G+ console and mastered at Metropolis.

6. The playing on this record is sublime, tell me about the musicians who accompany you on these songs.

I play with an array of incredible musicians who I have worked with now for many years like George Muranyi and Dan Lipman. Some of them are regular players at Ronnie Scott's and have played with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Rodriguez, and other amazing artists and more importantly they put up with me 😁 Great guys and solid friends. And it’s because of them and not me the music sounds great. 

7. You cover the classic track 'I Put A Spell On You', what made you choose this particular song to cover? Who's version were you inspired by?

I love this song, because it's not a love song in the traditional sense. It has mystery and drama without losing the real emotion behind it and I think every women/man who has been in a toxic relationship can really relate to it. There are a lot of great versions and I love them all. I was inspired by all of them and wanted to make it my own. I performed this soooo many times, it evolves everytime. If I was to record it today, it would be different again.

8. One of the lyrics that really struck me on 'Lost' is 'Perfect Girl'. Was this written about a real person?

I think it's important you always write what you know... Or what you hear... and then keep the mystery 😉

9. You have your own podcast entitled 'Sisters In The Shadows', how did this come about?

I'm an ambassador for Nordoff Robbins and I wanted to help where I could through these hard times so I thought a podcast was another good way to spread the word. I have a lot of amazing musical friends so it was a natural, enjoyable thing to do and due to the beloved covid, we can't perform the music right now but at least we can still talk about it 🙂 And I wanted to focus and support the women in the music world.

10. You also star in a one-woman play about Janis Joplin. When did you first become passionate about Janis' music?

I've had a few comparisons. It was said I was like Janis Joplin channelling Edith Piaf which I thought was a great compliment but also unusual as neither of those amazing women were my influences really, although I was very aware and loved their music and my dad would play Edith Piaf every Sunday very loudly, so maybe it sunk deep into my subconscious. A renowned theatre producer suggested I do a musical show of some kind and so Janis came to mind because of these comparisons I'd frequently get. I didn't want to play Edith Piaf, I wouldn't have the patience to learn all that French 😁 And Janis felt more natural for me and the more research I did on her the more I realised we had so much in common including Bessie Smith who was Janis's big influence as she is also mine. I'm now living and breathing Janis ready to perform the show next year.

11. If there was an artist you could duet with, alive or not-so, who would it be and why?

Bessie Smith. There was no bullshit with her or no vocal acrobats. Just pure rawness, truth and soul.

12. All being well in 2021, could you be performing the songs on 'Lost' in a live environment?

We had a private launch set up in November at the 100 Club which we decided to postpone as opposed to streaming it. I can't quite get into the streaming gigs and I have turned quite a few down. I need an audience there to communicate and connect with, otherwise it will just feel like a soundcheck. I'm a live performer so it's just not the same. I think we are rescheduling the 100 club for January if all being well but next year my focus is on the Janis Joplin play really plus I've started to create new music for a whole new album which I'm excited about.

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Visit Collette Cooper’s official website to purchase a copy of ‘Lost’ on vinyl. Alternatively the album is available to stream or download at all the usual places. All proceeds go to Nordoff Robbins.

To find out more about the work Nordoff Robbins do, visit their website here.

Follow Collette Cooper on facebook @collettecoopermusic and on instagram and twitter @collettecooper.