the short version
About me
I am James Vernon Cooper, known variously as James, Jim, Jimmy, and Coop. I was born in Long Beach, California, and now live in Phoenix, Arizona, the Valley of the Sun.
Music has been one of my most reliable ways to pay attention to the world. I play guitar, write songs, make instrumental recordings, and try to keep learning from the people and sounds that move me.
A few things that shaped me
- Family: my immediate and extended family remain my first and most important inspiration. My grandfather Jasper played fiddle with his brother Frank on guitar.
- Influences: The Beatles, Yes, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Rush, U2, The Cars, Peter Gabriel, and many more have filled my ears over the years.
- Guitar heroes: Steve Howe is a lasting role model for electric, acoustic, and classical guitar.
- Good company: I have been lucky to jam with generous, talented friends in bands that were sometimes officially bands and sometimes very definitely not.
- Beyond music: I am an avid cyclist, a father, and a believer in staying curious, healthy, and useful.
The longer version is still evolving. That is probably the right way for a life story to behave.