Released 2021
Stories are at the centre of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ray Cooper’s work and his fourth album Land of Heroes follows the question who today’s heroes are.
The album was recorded during five months of lockdown in the summer of 2020. After cancelling my tours and festival appearances, I found I suddenly had plenty of time to complete the album, time to write a couple more songs and for the first time in my life, a chance to work in the studio with no deadline. The result is ‘Land of Heroes’, a collection of songs and instrumental tunes, loosely strung together on the theme of heroes, Who are the heroes of today? Whistleblowers, nurses, friends, ordinary people, as well as some more classical heroes. There is a nordic thread running through it too.
I recorded all the tracks at home in Sweden in a log cabin close to the forest, I sometimes saw deer walking past the window. I had a little help from some friends too, Rowan Godel contributed some lovely singing which we did online, and my old friend Al Scott acted as my executive producer and mixed the album in Brighton. Wonderful photos again thanks to Kerstin Maier.
Tracklist
The Burning Pile
Whistleblower
Circles
Eyes of Mercy
The Beast
Canada Hill
We Need More Heroes
Dark Father
Ilmarinen’s Ride
Brave Wolfe
Dark Sky Park
Credits
Ray Cooper: voice, piano, guitars, cello, mandolin,
harmonica, harmonium, bass guitar, percussion.
Rowan Godel: Backing vocals
Recorded by Ray Cooper
at The Love Shack Malmköping Sweden 2021
mixed and mastered by Al Scott
produced by Ray Cooper
photos by Kerstin Maier // www.kemai.de
artwork by Neomania Design
Reviews
UK:
RnR Magazine: “It will draw you in, like Scandi noir television, and you’ll keep going back for more.”
Maverick Magazine: “Land of Heroes proves to be an exceptional album from an awe-inspiring musician and a must in any music lovers collection.”
The Beat: “If Leonard Cohen and Jacqueline du Pré had produced a child, they would have named him Ray Cooper … my new favourite CD.”
Folk Radio: “…this is his fourth solo album and it is a cracker.“
Fatea “… yet another magnificent album, which oozes class … ‘Land of Heroes’ is veritable feast, and in it, its creator, Ray Cooper, demonstrates the work of a songsmith of exceptional originality, perspicacity and talent.“
Folking.com: “…there’s nothing superfluous on it. It un-showily demonstrates Cooper’s top-notch songwriting and playing skills. The subtleties and warmth of it become even more apparent with repeat plays. Definitely do that.“
From Northern Sky – Album review PDF
Denmark:
Rootszone.dk “The lyrics seem to me to be the album’s most important strength.“
France:
Forces Parallelles “The listener has the intoxicating feeling of being at the top of a mountain of emotions, to experience such rich moments that only music can provoke.”
Austria:
Concerto (pdf)