Chris McCooey releases take on NorCal sound with, “Lovers and Cynics EP”
Pleasant Hill CA Release:: December 15, 2020. For Immediate Release
Chris McCooey is thrilled to announce the release of "Lovers and Cynics", the first solo release from the San Francisco Bay Area based Singer/Songwriter. “Lovers and Cynics” mixes in flavors of anthemic heartland rock, country ballads and rhythm and blues influenced pop while exploring narrative themes of hope, love, loss, long suffering and aspiration. Chris, a Bay Area native, is carving out unique musical and narrative territory by exploring his roots in this new record.
To help capture his take on the California sound, Chris reached out to his friend, Oakland based multi-instrumentalist and recording artist Max Butler. Longtime Chuck Prophet side man, Max, ran with Chris’ vision to capture a live band sound by applying his years of experience of playing live and working as a musical director.
In addition to Chris and Max, other Bay Area musicians featured on the record include vocalist and pianist, Robin Chan, bassist Mark Johnson and drummer Thomas DeBourbon.
The basic tracks for the 5 song EP were captured by the five piece band after one rehearsal and one day in the studio on June 21st, 2019.
The record was engineered and mixed by Ann-Marie Pleau at East Bay Recorders in Oakland, CA.
The 5 song “Lovers and Cynics EP” is Chris’ first release since his rock and gospel band, Seed, completed their last project, the “All You Need is Love - EP”, in 2006. In 2009, one of Chris’ daughters became sick with viral encephalitis which left her with a chronic, auto-immune condition and uncontrolled seizures.
“My family and I have been through a lot in the last twelve years. The songs on this record were written out of those experiences.”
The opening track and first single, “Damn Normal”, is an upbeat rocker featuring Chris’ disillusioned crooner and Max Butler’s virtuoso lap steel work. The themes of separation and isolation reflect the mood of 2020 while looking towards a time when the “Damn Normal” of the current day is in the past.
“Living out Loud” is a rock anthem with a bouncing country bass line harkening back to Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind”. The tune is a tribute to friends lost along the way and an aspirational challenge to make the most of the time we have.
Leaning into themes of patience and love, the country-tinged ballad, “Sometimes it’s Enough” paints a picture of an imperfect lover’s celebration of his better half and the simple reminder that we all long to know that we are loved. In addition to Max’s inspired pedal steel, Robin Chan’s vocals are featured on the track providing a smooth, gospel leaning counterpoint to Chris’ protagonist.
The latin, pop rhythms of “When I Look at You” create the dance beneath the narrative of an enduring love. Max’s nylon string acoustic work is featured as a counter melody to Chris’ lead vocal and acoustic rhythm guitar.
The title track, “Lovers and Cynics” is a blues influenced call and response. The leader calls us out to acknowledge our polarity while challenging us to find another way.
The path to hell's laid with much good intent let's not waste more time arguing over where we'll be sent And miss all the life that has come and has went When asleep on the job we burned down the big tent
The band collectively lays into this track, featuring Mark and Thomas’ tight, bluesy rhythm section and Robin’s distinctive vocals providing the response to Chris’ call out.
With “Lovers and Cynics”, Chris McCooey is embracing his heritage as a Bay Area musician and his experience as a husband, father, friend and hopeful optimist.
Press inquiries, media opportunities or booking can learn more on: https://chrismccooey.com/press-kit
Contact info: Name: Chris McCooey Organization: McCooey & Associates LLC Address: 389 Boyd Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Phone: +1-925-354-4566