Jim Cooper Quartet – 2015

Vibraphonist and composer Jim Cooper has been playing the vibes for over 40 years, leading numerous groups, appearing as both soloist and sideman.  During that time, this native  Chicagoan has performed with a host of renowned musicians, at numerous festivals, and done sessions at Small’s Jazz Club and The Fat Cat in New York City, earning rave reviews for his skill and style..

Jim has been busy in the recording studios, too, whether featured or a sideman.  He won a Jammie Award in 2014 for his sideman work on Dirty Fingers, A Tribute to John Patton, by organist Jim Alfredson. He was also nominated for 4 Jammie Awards in 2008 for the recording, Trio Musik featuring The Cooper, Hay, Van Lente Group, which brought their blend of swing, fusion, latin and world music to Lansing JazzFest in 2009.  From that trio, Dave Hay is unable to return this summer.  Known for his unique ability to handle multiple keyboards, all while substituting the bassist’s role with his left hand, it’s taking two musicians to replace him: Phillip Burkhead on piano, and Kurt Krahnke on upright bass.  Mike VanLente continues his masterful drumming.

As an educator, Jim has experience teaching music at the elementary, high school and college levels. Jim has a degree in Music Education (K-12) from Northeastern Illinois University and a M.M. degree in jazz studies and education from Northern Illinois University. He recently finished his 14th summer as a junior high jazz band director at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He is currently is a jazz vibraphone instructor at Northwestern University, and a jazz piano instructor at Lake Michigan College.  Jim is also an adjudicator, most recently at the 2015 Northern Arizona Jazz Festival. In 2008 Jim was invited to join the Musser Performing Artist Roster sponsored by Conn/Selmer.