Keith Cooper
“It is contemporary in nature, but classical in thought,” says Keith L. Cooper of his intricate, acoustic guitar arrangements and original compositions. And anyone whose had the opportunity to witness Keith’s live performance can indeed attest to his stunning command of the instrument. His precision and artistry are as arresting to watch as his complex, yet melodic style is to listen to.
“People don’t know what to expect when I walk out onto the stage with just my guitar,” Keith says. “It’s gratifying to watch the audience’s reaction when they see my guitar used in non-traditional ways.”
Sacred Dance , Keith’s latest solo recording, was largely inspired by his Old Testament study of II Chronicles. “The construction of the temple of God and its ultimate dedication is an inspiring historical achievement of King Solomon,” Keith explains. “Scripture tells us that while building the temple, Solomon used only the best craftsman and finest raw materials. When he dedicated it after continuous sacrifice, God was pleased, and chose that place for His offering.”
“I believe God blessed Solomon because he poured every ounce of his being ultimately into the worship of God, and in many ways, I feel the same about this recording—my worship offering. I feel that it represents my very best work and my strongest determination.”
He arranged the whole project, and with the exception of three hymns—“The Old Rugged Cross”, “Amazing Grace” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”—Sacred Dance was composed entirely by Keith as well. The instrumental music varies from classically derived melodies to blues influences, among many other sounds, but the songs of Sacred Dance don’t need lyrics to conjure the flood of imagery they instantaneously capture.
Selections such as “Wind Chase” and “Cloud Burst” offer artistic visualizations of nature here on earth, while “Presider’s Chair” describes God’s heavenly throne. “ I wanted to create a piece that would give some kind of testimony to this ultimate place of power, love and judgement and the fact that God rules from that very place,” Keith says. “We are told that everything in heaven bows at that very throne.”
“Bond of Perfection,” a celebration of marriage, is a selection Keith hopes might one day become a wedding standard, while “Guitar Fantasy” is Keith’s tribute to the ingenious melodies and thoughtful chord progressions of the neoclassical music that inspires him most.
Since arriving in Nashville in 1998 to study classical theory and composition at Belmont University , a school which boasts numerous well-known music industry graduates, Keith has had the opportunity to open for Jars of Clay and perform with vocalist Jonathan Pierce, among other acclaimed artists. A testament to the diversity of his talent, Keith has also served as a church worship leader and is currently the lead guitarist for Christian music’s premier Big Band, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra. He was featured as the opening act on the group’s 2004 “Timeless Christmas” Tour, affording audiences across the country the chance to be captivated, both visually and sonically, by his unique solo performances.
“There is great freedom in playing for God, because He is the Audience,” Keith says. “When I write music I don’t have to worry about what people might think because God's opinion is the only one that matters. If I choose to play fast, slow, loud or soft, all of it is acceptable worship in God's eyes.”
Following in the musical footsteps of his father and nurtured by the spiritual guidance of his mother, Keith has dedicated his life to using his guitar as a vehicle in which to present the Gospel. Because he strives first and foremost to make music pleasing to God, he continues to reach for a level of technical precision and musical artistry that is unmatched, and in the process, he’s turning the heads of new fans here on earth everyday. |
