“In Search of Home.” “It is a departure from my first three in that it’s a solo guitar album. No rhythm section, no string section and no horn section. As I was writing and arranging these songs, every idea had to be considered not only for it’s musical worth but whether I could technically pull it off. But limitations set you free, as Stravinsky said, and it feels like I’ve found a new form of expression on an instrument I’ve been playing for over 50 years.”

Purchase my new CD In Search of Home here and get a free transcription of track #9 Girls of Joy and Wonder!

About

“In what is surely one of the longest and musically richest partnerships in Nashville, Bill Cooley has been playing guitar in Kathy Mattea’s band for 20 years.” So wrote the dean of Nashville’s music critics, Robert K. Oermann, 7 years ago. As Kathy and Bill start their 27th year together, they are out on the road with the Acoustic Living Room Tour. Just the two of them onstage, playing new songs they’ve worked up at their regular Thursday afternoon rehearsals, as well as her classic hits and requests.

Meanwhile, Bill has just released his fourth CD, “In Search of Home.” “It is a departure from my first three in that it’s a solo guitar album. No rhythm section, no string section and no horn section. As I was writing and arranging these songs, every idea had to be considered not only for it’s musical worth but whether I could technically pull it off. But limitations set you free, as Stravinsky said, and it feels like I’ve found a new form of expression on an instrument I’ve been playing for over 50 years.”

Andy Ellis, senior editor of Premier Guitar Magazine, has this to say of “In Search of Home:” “It’s so beautiful. Make that honest. No wait, powerful…..this is magnificent music-draws me right in. And as a player, I’m inspired.”

There are a couple exceptions on this CD. Bill’s youngest son, Aaron, trades guitar licks with him on “Dad’s Blues.” Aaron is 32 and an up and coming musical force to be reckoned with. This track was thrown together last minute and the spontaneous interplay between them makes for an exciting ride.

And Kathy sings “That’s What Makes You Strong,” a wonderful Jesse Winchester song, to close the album. Along with Kathy’s stunning vocal, the track features producer Paul Martin on tasteful B3 and an overdubbed guitar solo by Bill as the tune fades out.

The approach Bill took on this CD feels right. This album was about stripping everything else away and playing simply and directly. Getting to the emotional essence of what he wants to say. That is reflected in the artwork by his wife, Nancy. Andy Ellis again: “When I opened up the package and saw the cover artwork, I thought “I’m going to love this album.” A gorgeous line drawing (a 1-string guitar!)–it’s a fabulous, coherent visual theme that enfolds the entire CD.”

Bill has had a 40 year career as a working professional. Originally from Santa Barbara, CA, he moved to Nashville in 1985. A dozen years later he was called “one of Nashville’s most respected sidemen” by Guitar Player Magazine. He has toured and recorded with Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson and Hal Ketchum, in addition to Kathy. As a songwriter, he’s had cuts by Kathy and Reba, among others. As an arranger, Bill has played an important role on Kathy’s albums, including the last two, “Coal” and “Calling Me Home” where Kathy explored her Appalachian heritage.

Bill has recorded three other critically acclaimed albums: His first CD, titled “Unravel’d” was released in 1997 and nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year at the Nashville Music Awards (he lost to Chet Atkins!) Music Row Magazine called it “….a magical gem of a guitar record.”

His second CD, “A Turn In the Road,” was released in 2004. Acoustic Guitar Magazine wrote, “few guitarists cover as much musical ground as thoroughly as Bill Cooley does on his second solo disc.”

In 2009, he released “The Return Journey,” to more acclaim. “A record full of gorgeous instrumentals.” – Vintage Guitar Magazine

“The only wish I had for this record that wasn’t met was that it were longer. Bill Cooley’s music makes you want to listen.” – Minor7th.com

“His acoustic instrumentals on his new, third collection are consistently dazzling.” – MusicRow.com After two years of intense work, Kathy and Bill are preparing to go into the studio and record her next album. Their partnership continues. It is still musically rich, creative and stronger than ever as they dig deep into the new collection of songs they’ve found.

Albums

Videos

Discography – Selected Albums

Kathy Mattea (Sugar Hill Records)

  • Calling Me Home by

Kathy Mattea (Mercury Records)

  • Time Passes By
  • Lonesome Standard Time
  • Love Travels
  • Innocent Years

Katy Mattea (Narada Records)

  • Roses
  • Joy for Christmas Day
  • Right Out of Nowhere

Kathy Mattea (Captain Potato Records)

  • Coal

Hal Ketchum (Curb Records)

  • King of Love

Reba McEntire (MCA Records)

  • What Am I Gonna Do About You
  • The Last to Know
  • Merry Christmas to You

Danny O’Keefe (Miramax Records)

  • Runnin’ with the Devil

Remembering Kate Wolf (Red House Records)

  • Treasures Left Behind

Sounds of Wood & Steel (Windham Records)

  • Vol.1 & Vol.2

Beth Chorneau (Gaff Records)

  • Sliver of Time
  • Noel

Celeste Krenz (High Horse Records)

  • Beautiful Soup

Jim Brock (Independent)

  • The Nature of Drumming (DVD & CD)

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