Search - Craig T Cooper :: Darkm'n

Super Hero/Lover Music

Keith Leary | Decatur, Ga. | 10/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I ordered both "Darkman" and "Romantic Letter" at the same time. "Romantic Letter" came first, and it's been in my car's CD changer since (2 months).

"Darkman" came a few days later, and I must say that of the 2 discs, "Darkman" is better.



The first track, "Darkblues Pt. 1" belies the sensual mood of the disc. The second, "Darkman Pt. 1", is so abundantly full of various textures that I'm not sure where to start! I'll begin by saying it conjures up theme music for some "dark", mysterious, super-hero in a post-apocalyptic wasteland (the fact that Craig is rocking a Stetson and weatherbeaten duster probably added to this image!). The percussion is relentless, and after listening to this single track at least 30 times, it is truly in my bones. The way this tune ends is worth listening to on it's own. It immediately gives way to "White Wine", which is a solid tune. Those of us that listen to every detail of music, and pay attention to the myriad production value of tunes, can appreciate the brief lull between the first two full-length tunes. On "Closer To Me", Craig's sister's vocals come across as tentative and tender, yet sensual. The amazing thing is that Craig is not playing ANY guitar on this track! This trilogy reminds me of another one; "Angel", "You're the Best Thing Yet", and "Got to Feel the Need", the first three tunes on the album that us true music geeks regard as Anita Baker's best work, "The Songstress".



"A Reason For Love" is just airy and sweet, with Joe Sample doing some of his best work, "Missing You, Missing Me" truly tugs at the heartstrings, and "That's the Spot" is as sexy as it's title. "Ten Feathers" has that cello (brilliant!) that I love on the baseline. "Magic", which Craig devoted to a good friend, is mostly our man on electric guitar, and an accompanying piano. It rounds out the disc perfectly.



Those of us who truly appreciate GOOD jazz and R&B get Craig. He can clearly SPEAK to us through his amazing music. To me, he fits the mole of his contemporaries like Omar, Marcus Miller, Layla Hathaway and others that truly don't get their props. Had he been around in the 70s with cats like Dexter Wanzell, Michael Henderson, and Norman Connors, Craig would have been given full creative control, but the DUMB MASSES here in the States would not have paid him too much attention, quickly dismissing him, and moving on to the next "hot" thing. It's telling that many of the artists of Craig's caliber and style are more appreciated in other regions of the world; too many times, us Americans simply don't "get" it, but no matter where you are, you should certainly get a copy of "Darkman".

"

Craig's music is the best to put you & your girl in the mood

Keith Leary | 04/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every sense I heard Craig's first CD, it blew me away.. I have every one of his CD's and each one has hit after hit for setting the mood right for love & romance. His music is also great for a relaxing drive on a late summer night, of course with the top down... His music is my favorite for smooth jazz."