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Laurence Cooper-songwriter/guitarist

Laurence Cooper's last CD CD “Phosphorescence” was released on 21 October 2006. The CD was produced and recorded by Dave Russell at Sky Lab Studios in Sydney. He wrote and sang all songs, and played guitars and vocals. Programming and keyboard arrangements were by Phil Groves of Sydney, with additional instrumentation by the producer Dave Russell

He also did an earlier CD- “56 Coopers Lane” which was released in 1998 and received favourable reviews. This CD featured Laurence on vocals/guitars, helped out by members of Sydney group the Hippos. The CD was recorded at Sky Lab Studios in Sydney in 1995 and 1997.

Laurence has been playing as long as he can remember either in or out of bands.

He was first inspired to get into serious music after hearing the strident and electrifying sounds of Clapton on the first Bluesbreakers album with John Mayall and Cream's first album.

His love of music lead him into playing with other musicians. In the '60's and 70's he toured and recorded with two Wellington bands- “Gutbucket”, and “Tapestry”. Gutbucket is mentioned in New Zealand publications- When Rock Got Rollin',and Stranded in Paradise”(where Gutbucket is mentioned as an underground band). Tapestry is also mentioned in Stranded in Paradise. Gutbucket is also on the NZ Jayrem's Legenz CD compilation Out From the Cold, and on the Tree Label compilation Kiwi Made Music. While Tapestry is on Jayrem's Legenz CD compilation Get the Picture.(Tapestry reached number 8 on the pop charts of the time).

In 1986 Laurence played with Wellington alternative band “Sneakers Fall Apart”. With the encouragement of the band he began composing and performing his own songs. And during the early days of the Wellington cafe scene, played with a Sneakers Fall Apart offshoot duo/trio Face to face.

In the 90's he branched out to a successful solo career, playing blues but also writing and playing more of his own songs. He has performed at Wellington NZ events, including the National Folk Festival, the Bluegrass Society, Hutt Arts Council concerts, the Poets Pub,and as back up artist for American vocalist Suede ,and Kristina Olsen, another American artist. Amazingly these two perfomers were visiting the local area where he lives.

Now plays with Fishtale Parker and has played at open mic nights including San Francisco Bath House, and at other venues in Wellington New Zealand.