There is a somewhat quiet giant making their way around America, Europe, and a few other territories that isn’t always noticed, but when he’s there, there is no way to ever overlook his music. Joachim Cooder is one-of-a-kind. That is all there is to it. He plays a variety of instruments, writes songs that seem to come from a slightly different universe and is unforgettable once seen and heard. Cooder has a handful of recordings now, and every one is absolutely  unforgettable. Which isn’t hard to understand once it’s clear what kind of musical discoveries he’s had in his life, and one he continues to chase with the kind of energy of a champion athlete. One of Cooder’s true calling cards is how his music is able to float in air. He is not tied to the tyranny of a snare drum or any one instrument. What the man is able to do is a blend of percussion, strings, vocals, and other wonders without names into a breathing animal all its own. This really is popular music for people beyond popularity. People that live in a time of their own.

Joachim Cooder grew up surrounded by music alongside his father, legendary guitarist Ry Cooder who took him on the road at an early age on the drums, playing both live and in the studio. These touring and recording projects allowed him to share stages and recordings with Johnny Cash, Ali Farka Touré, V. M. Bhatt, Steve Earle, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Nick Lowe, Mavis Staples, The Happy Mondays, and most notably the award winning project The Buena Vista Social Club which has sold more than eight million copies worldwide and entered the book of Guinness World Records as the best-selling world music album of all time.

Bill Bentley