Laurence Cooper is a singer-songwriter of vast experience.

He has created 2 Cd's, both recorded in Australia, and both packed full of his inimitable style of self-penned songs.

Laurence wrote and sings all songs, and plays guitars and vocals. Programming and keyboard arrangements are by Phil Groves of Sydney, with additional instrumentation by Dave Russell (who is a former Wellingtonian).

Laurence was first inspired to get into serious music after hearing the electrifying and strident guitars of Hendrix, Cream, and the first John Mayall's Bluesbreakers album, with Eric Clapton. Cream especially were and still are an inspiration. Laurence was lucky enough to be working at EMI and got to first hear these albums before they were released.

His love of music lead him into playing with other musicians. In the '60's and 70's Laurence toured and recorded with two Wellington bands- “Gutbucket”, and “Tapestry”. Gutbucket is mentioned in 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 Jayrem's Legenz CD compilation Out From the Cold, and on the Tree Label compilation Kiwi Made Music. WhileTapestry is on Jayrem's Legenz CD compilation Get the Picture.

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 Laurence branched out to a successful solo career, playing blues but also writing and playing more of his own songs. He has performed at Wellington 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. More recently he has played with Hudson which is made up of Laurence and bass player Andrew Bicknell. They have performed at the Levin Folk Club, the Lighthouse Cinema in Petone, among other gigs, and have a regular stint at the Village in Crofton Downs, Wellington. Laurence and Andrew also played in Blue Shift . And Laurence, Leona Palmer (of “Grace Under Pressure”), and Beavan Cross (of Dick Thrust Blues Band-who also played in Blue Shift) have recently formed a new group- “Felix Fine” and have so far played at the Musicians Club in Wellington and at the Brasserie in Raumati, Wellington.

Phosphorescence is not Laurence’s first solo CD. His first CD- “56 Coopers Lane” 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 also recorded at Sky Lab Studios in Sydney in 1995 and 1997.

For more information, or for copies of “Phosphorescence” or 56 Coopers Lane”, please e-mail Laurence at:

laurie @ paradise.net.nz

these CD's are also available at http://www.cdkiwi.com and www.amplifier.co.nz

If ordering direct from Laurence:

“Phosphorescence”is $20.00 plus $3.50 postage

“56 Coopers Lane” is $12.00 +$3.50 postage