“The Way It Used To Be, is fanciful, silky, and radiant with all the charm of what we have come to expect from the above average newer talent emerging these days. All in all, a solid project deserving of a place in your collection. Patrick Cooper is not one to overlook, and The Way It Used To Be serves as more than just a reminiscent trip down memory lane…much more.” – Ronald Jackson, the Smooth Jazz Ride “You certainly can't judge keyboardist Patrick Cooper's latest recording by its cover. Inside and out, the CD features vintage photographs of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and B.B. King, suggesting a strong retro vibe. What Cooper has to offer is retro, all right, but it evokes the likes of such smooth-jazz pioneers as George Duke (and) the Crusaders.” – Mike Joyce, The Washington Post “From the opening infectious and danceable notes rhythmically tapped out by keyboardist Patrick Cooper on "Struttn'," the first radio single from his forthcoming second album, The Way It Used To Be, the vibe is instantly set for a throwback collection that puts a contemporary spin on vintage jazz funk. The disc comprised of eight original songs penned and produced by Cooper that celebrate the best qualities of the past…” - TheUrbanMusicScene.com “The only thing to do when this CD ends is press ‘play’ again and let the combination of the soulful, the groovy and the classy wash over you again.” – Chris Mann “Reminiscent of a time when music expressed raw emotion and exposed the soul, Patrick Cooper’s The Way It Used To Be is a treat not to be missed. The album…boasts eight cuts of smooth jazz and funk that at times playfully intertwine, mesmerizing listeners to the very last note.” – Alexis Taylor, AFRO Black History Archives “Patrick Cooper continues to revolutionize jazz music with his latest album “The Way it Used To Be”…the record pays homage to an era of jazz musicians whose work have inspired generations. This offering marries traditional jazz instrumentals with a contemporary R&B flavor that appeals to the 21st century enthusiast.” – Andrew Reeves, Smooth Jazz Magazine “…although achieving his goal of capturing the sound and spirit of music produced decades ago, Cooper has also used the project to show off his considerable skills as a performer, composer and producer…he has delivered a quality body of work that effortlessly builds a bridge between the present and what has gone before.” – Smooth Jazz Therapy “Patrick offers you his heart and soul on this one.” -The Pulse Of Entertainment “…inventive acoustic piano soloing, which bobs in and out of the music. Whenever Cooper is spraying notes on his un-electrified keyboards (and even when he takes to a Rhodes…), he provides the jazz content that was always a major element in the music of the ‘70s artists he reveres and evokes here.” - William Ruhlmann, allmusic ONE ON ONE WITH PATRICK COOPER By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs, N2Entertainment.net N2Entertainment.net caught up with Patrick Cooper prior to one of his concerts in Los Angeles and we talked with him about his new CD, "The Way It Used to Be," his love of jazz music and his red hot music career. Here's what else Cooper had to share. Q. Based on the title of your CD, "The Way Things Used to Be" it's clear that you are a huge fan of old school jazz, funk and soul. Was it easy to bring these musical stylings together and not lose sight of your jazz roots? A. Pretty much. I've always believed that the best music from our past forms the foundation from which the best music of today and tomorrow emerges. Q. You wrote and produced all eight songs on "The Way It Used To Be." Did it take long for you to complete the CD? A. Not really because I actually had most of the music written when I did my first album titled, "That Day." I'm a real stickler for getting the music right. The music doesn't leave my house/studio until I'm totally satisfied. Q. You've collaborated with many renowned jazz/funk/R&B musicians such as Nick Colionne, Michael Lington, Freddie Jackson, Bobby Lyle, Regina Belle, Mike Phillips, Phillip Martin, Jackiem Joyner, Marion Meadows, David Dyson, Maysa, Joe Sample, Alex Bugnon and Kim Waters to name a few. Is there someone that you would absolutely love to work with yet but haven't? A. There are many, but right off the bat I would have to say George Duke. He's a master at what he does. I have yet to work with him. He's been one of my biggest musical influences throughout my career as has Marcus Johnson. But I did work with Marcus and I wrote the title track for his hit CD, "Just Doing What I Do." Q. What's next on the agenda? A. To keep on making music that both me and my fans love..