Digest

This podcast features Ray Cooper, a musician and actor with a rich career spanning decades. He shares anecdotes about his early days in theatre and music, his transition into session work, and his long-standing collaboration with Elton John, including joining his band and participating in intimate two-man shows. Cooper also recounts his experiences working with The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, and his involvement with George Harrison's HandMade Films. The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration, the magic of live performance, and the evolving landscape of the music industry, highlighting the enduring value of human creativity in the face of technological advancements.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Early Career in Film and Music

The podcast begins by introducing hosts Gary and Guy and their guest, Ray Cooper, a musician and actor with a diverse career. Cooper discusses his involvement in the film "Brazil," his transition into working with George Harrison's HandMade Films on projects like "Life of Brian," and his early experiences in theatre and music, including playing drums and acting.

00:09:41

Transition to Music and Collaboration

Ray Cooper recounts meeting Harold Pinter and realizing his passion lay more with music. He shares his early days playing with jazz musicians and emphasizes the vital importance of collaboration and creating spaces for new ideas, especially in the context of advancing AI.

00:11:44

Early Days with Elton John and Musical Roots

Cooper details his long acquaintance with Elton John, starting when Elton was a session musician. He reflects on his childhood in Hackney, his mother being a war widow, and how music, particularly the piano, became an escape and a source of joy. He discusses his early musical education, his precocious piano skills, and his discovery of Bach and the world of percussion.

00:16:44

Musical Aspirations and Education

Cooper shares his secondary school ambition to become a conductor and composer, leading him to learn woodwind instruments and the double bass. He laments the decline of music education in schools and highlights the crucial mentorship he received from Jeremy Montagu in percussion, which guided him towards studying under James Blades at the Royal Academy of Music.

00:19:18

From Factory Work to the Royal Academy

After leaving school, Cooper took a job in an engineering factory, but his mentor Jeremy Montagu intervened, connecting him with renowned percussionist James Blades. This led to an audition and his acceptance into the Royal Academy of Music, steering him away from factory work and towards a dedicated musical career.

00:23:10

Orchestral Work, Jazz, and the Session World

While at the Royal Academy, Cooper began orchestral work but was drawn to jazz. He found opportunities to play with Johnny Dankworth's big band and was encouraged by jazz musicians to explore session work and studio recording, a pivotal step in his career.

00:26:47

Notable Recordings and Elton John Collaboration

Cooper discusses his time with Blue Mink and collaborating with legendary session musicians. He shares experiences recording hits like "Horse With No Name" and "Rock On," and details his work with Elton John on albums like "Honky Chateau." He eventually joined Elton John's band, embracing Elton's vision of him as a theatrical performer.

00:41:54

The Two-Man Show and Rolling Stones Experience

Following Elton John's temporary band retirement, Cooper was involved in a unique two-man show, including the "True Troubadour" performance. He also recounts his experience playing on The Rolling Stones' album "It's Only Rock and Roll," detailing a late-night session with Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts.

00:51:15

Performing in the 80s/90s and Las Vegas Residency

Cooper discusses his return to playing with Elton John in the 80s and 90s, including Prince's Trust concerts. He also shares his experience living and performing in Las Vegas for the "million-dollar piano show" at Caesar's Palace, highlighting the immersive environment.

00:53:07

Musicality, Space Gaps, and Legacy

The conversation shifts to the concept of "space gaps" in music, emphasizing their role in creating anticipation and enhancing performance. They discuss the rediscovery of classic music by younger generations and Cooper's collaborations with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, including his distinctive contribution to "Live and Let Die."

01:00:33

Elton John's Farewell and the Power of Live Performance

Cooper reflects on attending Elton John's final show, the emotional impact of his retirement, and Elton's gratitude. He highlights the genius of Bernie Taupin and Paul Buckmaster. The discussion concludes by emphasizing the enduring resilience and vital importance of live music, urging for its continued support and brilliance.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Ray Cooper's initial role in the film "Brazil"?

  Ray Cooper was involved in providing music for Terry Gilliam's film "Brazil." He was instrumental in introducing Michael Kamen to Gilliam, leading to Kamen composing the film's iconic score.

• How did George Harrison influence Ray Cooper's career in film?

  George Harrison invited Ray Cooper to join his film company, HandMade Films, offering him an opportunity to work in filmmaking after a conversation about Elton John's tour.

• What was Ray Cooper's early ambition before pursuing music?

  In secondary school, Ray Cooper aspired to be a conductor and composer. He took up woodwind instruments and the double bass to better understand musical composition.

• Who was Ray Cooper's mentor in percussion?

  Ray Cooper's mentor was Jeremy Montagu, a visiting percussion teacher who inspired him to pursue percussion and eventually led him to study under James Blades at the Royal Academy of Music.

• How did Ray Cooper get his start in session work?

  After gaining experience in orchestral and jazz settings, Ray Cooper was approached by jazz musicians who needed someone to play tambourine for a session, which opened the door to the studio and session world.

• What was Ray Cooper's experience playing on "It's Only Rock and Roll"?

  Ray Cooper played on The Rolling Stones' album "It's Only Rock and Roll." He recalls a late-night session at Island Studios with Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts, where he ended up contributing to multiple tracks.

• What was the significance of the two-man show with Elton John?

  After Elton John's temporary retirement from his band, he initiated a two-man show with Ray Cooper. This collaboration allowed them to explore a more intimate and theatrical performance style.

• How did Ray Cooper approach his stage presence during performances with Elton John?

  Ray Cooper focused on creating a theatrical visual experience, using his hands and creating shadows, rather than being the central visual focus. He collaborated with the lighting designer to achieve this effect.

• What role did percussion play in Ray Cooper's musical philosophy?

  Ray views percussion as punctuation in music, providing emphasis and color. He emphasizes the importance of listening and knowing one's entrances and exits as a percussionist.

• What is the significance of "space gaps" in music according to the speaker?

  Space gaps are crucial for creating anticipation and excitement for the audience. They act as punctuation, allowing for an intake of breath and building suspense before the next musical element, making the silence as impactful as the notes themselves.

Show Notes