JP Cooper

You know those really rare times when you come away from something literally lost for words, and you know you've just witnessed something so special you don't know quite how to compute let alone translate? Well Wednesday 28th November was one of those times, and I'm glad I've had a couple of days to try and digest.

Stepping out into what was quite possibly the coldest night we've had so far this year, we were quickly thawed by the hospitality and quirky character of the Wilmington Arms. Sister pub to Camden's infamous Hawley Arms, the Wilmington twinkled with fairy lights and candles, and a well-spiced mulled wine soon defrosted my chilled digits. We ducked next door to an already packed live music room which got toasty pretty quickly, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with less than occasional air con. However, far beyond any of these factors, it was what filled our ears that produced an inner-warmth like nothing else.

JP Cooper took to the stage with a quick greeting, and launched straight into 'Oh Brother'. The first few plucks of his guitar strings instantly silenced the room, a silence which continued throughout his entire performance out of respect as people looked and listened in awe. We were treated to a demonstration of the softer side of his vast vocal range, and were instantly introduced to the sincere honesty that shrouds his style of expression. The subtle strings of the accompanying viola and cello helped move the song into an emotive crescendo as JPs vocal notes built and lingered with a controlled power, evoking a huge applause and whoops of appreciation for a big opener.

Next track was 'The Only Reason', which began in high pitches laden with tender nostalgia. As JP sang a love song so full of humility and human affection I was convinced there was not a soul in that room that did not identify or was not moved in some way. His expression of complete dedication to one person through heartfelt endearment was complimented by deep and melancholy strings, adding to the depth of soul the song carried. Sincere, romantic, and full of meaning, the lyrics struck a lot of emotional chords in the room including mine. At the end of the song there were a lot of hands on heads and puffy sighs of disbelief at what we'd just heard.

'Little House We Built' was clearly a favourite, as a collective "aaahhh" of appreciation was let out from the audience as soon as the song began. A lot of the time JP sung with eyes closed, but an occasional glimpse up into his audience revealed a twinkle of blue eyes, accompanied with a big smile which added to his story-telling style of performance – like he was really talking to us and telling his tale. I felt his audience connection was strengthened through his ability to sing straight to the soul, with uncomplicated lyrics that were very honest and very raw.



Dedicating 'For The Man I've Known' affectionately to "papa", JP delivered a beautifully crisp acoustic performance filled with uplifting rejoicing and gentle gospel vibes. The crowd swayed as he sang about growing up and the gratitude felt towards his father and the lessons he was taught, there was a certain wisdom seeming old before his time that rang through the life observations he made. Consisting of a catchy melody that had everyone hooked from start to finish, the track seemed to create a sense of peace and wellbeing throughout the room as JP lulled ears with another personal tale.

As the night drew to an end, JP announced what was quite possibly to be the last song of the evening which was responded to by shouts and requests for 'Halo' – my favourite of all his tracks so far. Bursting immediately into a vocal explosion packed with upfront feeling that strikes directly at the heart, he demonstrates so well the dynamics and diversity of his range. He sang with meek rawness, stripped right back to reveal the very essence of just why he's so bloody good. The track itself was again beautiful and simplistic, with real feel-good gospel vibes that sweep you away to a very happy place. This is where his talent really hits home – to hear him and then witness the effortless ability – how naturally it comes to him and how uncomplicated his songs are in composition and structure, because they don't need to be. It's all about him, the voice, his soul and his unfathomable talent.

Throughout the evening JP showed signs of his humble charm, constantly thanking the 150-strong turnout for their support and sharing personal stories in between tracks. It was clear to see he already had a very strong following and I'm convinced that he will soon be filling much bigger venues and selling more CD's than were available on the night. Coming off stage he had many to greet, all looking for a photo and a chance to talk to their hero of the night.

I implore you to go see this man at the next opportunity you get, my words do not do him justice and I can't believe he's only been gigging since 2010. I defy you not to break out into a smile the minute you hear him. I've read others compare him with the likes of Donny Hathaway, John Legend, and Marvin Gaye but personally I think he's in a league of his own. After Halo, amidst all the cheering I heard one woman at the back of the room shout "Thank you, I needed that!!" And that's how his music makes you feel – wholesome and loved and very warm inside, if a little blown away.

Track listing:

Oh Brother
The Only Reason
All You Need is Love
Little House
Oh The Water
Whenever You Hold Me
Learn From The Landscapes
For The Man I've Known
Halo
While You Sleep

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.