Lightning Heart
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The musician and rodeo cowboy Ross Cooper embraces his Texas roots and cowboy spirit with these folk, Americana and country fueled songs about his hometown, his family, his wife and what he values most.
The very elegant title track opens with Cooper’s warm voice alongside Brian Cox’s light drums that suit the dreaminess, and “Gone Are The Days” follows with Alex Cordell’s glowing pedal steel adding much beauty to the crisp climate.
Deeper into the listen, the rhythmic “Waiting For Me” makes great use of Mike Dunton’s electric guitar amid the flowing melodies, while “Chicago” is a highly intimate and poetic display of cautious and pretty singing that floats with a stirring demeanor.
Landing near the end, the bouncy and playful “Sleeping With A Stranger” benefits much from Ray Akers’ skilled bass that complements Cooper’s smooth vocals, and “Bluestem” exits with a bare quality of timeless folk songwriting.
Cooper has a history in the city of Lubbock, and that, combined with his interest in horses and ability to tell a heartfelt story, makes for a very unique and welcoming version of rodeo rock.
Travels well with: Darling West- Cosmos; Grace Morrison- Maybe Modern