I've already told you a little bit about the new girl in town, Raven Cooper. I could write a book about this beautiful young performer and not do her justice. Raven has a beautiful voice and more soul than you may ever hear again. She is a totally natural performer, playing excellent guitar and singing like she's been doing it for more than her years on earth, 21. Raven is totally comfortable with her audience, at home on the stage.
We caught up with her at La-Te-Da. Her first number was "Our Town", which had a delightful country feel. It says, "Go on then, say goodbye to our town". "Who Do You Think You Are" presented a new personna, pure blues in the Janis Joplin tradition. This girl is pure magic. You'll be aware when you hear her that you don't come across talent like this often. Stevie Nicks' "Landslide" was an excellent choice.
Raven sang, "I rode my bicycle past your window last night". It's been years since I last heard Melanie's "Brand New Key". This is not a tune you expect from such a young person. Everybody loved it. Next Raven began "Careless Love" a capella. Fantastic! This is an irresistable sound. Raven's Spanish is like her music, without flaw. She sang a very old Cuban love song, tres romantic. This one is on her CD, which I strongly reccomend.
Without question the primo selection was John Prine's "Angel From Montgomery". I've heard many, many singers do this one, but no one sings it as well as Raven. Request it. Hell, beg for it! Raven has a very Southern sound with some Texas in it. She has lived in Arkansas for several years, and the influence is there.
Another Melanie song, "Look What They Done To My Song, Ma" was a trip, especially the verse en Francais. Wow! But can she write? Lordy, yes. "Dance Hall" uses an old Jamaican lyric. Excellent. "Playing Games" has a Dylanish feel. This fine lament states, "You're lucky I never burned your house down like I wanted to". Incredible from one so young.
"Wild Women Don't Get the Blues" was, of course, superior. The set ended with Raven singing "Bear me away on your snow white wings to my eternal home", which you may remember from "Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou". Raven Cooper appears to have no limitations musically. Do yourself a huge favor and go hear her. She is a sweet, lovely person who has no idea she's a star. You will thank me! Stay cool.
NOTE: Raven is taking a brief vacation this week but watch the Now Playing in this newspaper for her future gigs.