Dana Cooper – The Ghost of Tucumcari (2024)
Dana Cooper’s 32nd studio album, The Ghost of Tucumcari, is scheduled for release on May 17, 2024. This project presents the seasoned singer-songwriter’s enduring talent, with contributions by acclaimed artists such as Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, and Susan Gibson. Recorded across four studios; three in Texas and one in Nashville, the album represents a significant milestone in Cooper’s illustrious career spanning over 50 years.
Characterized by perseverance and unwavering dedication, Cooper’s musical career is a testament to his lifelong commitment to songcraft. The Ghost of Tucumcari delivers an enthralling, meaningful and imaginative intermingling of folk, rock, country, and Americana, captivating with its diverse multifaceted music. Highlight tracks include the haunting single “The Ghost of Tucumcari,” featuring Grammy winner Lyle Lovett, and a spirited rendition of Woody Guthrie’s classic “This Land Is Your Land,” featuring Lovett, Carll, and other renowned musicians.
Accompanying the album’s release is an extensive North American tour sponsored by Bingham’s Bourbon, curated by Ryan Bingham. Commencing in May in Texas, the tour promises both loyal fans and newcomers the opportunity to witness Cooper’s legendary live performances firsthand.
Guest vocalist Hayes Carll says: “Dana has a poet’s eye for beauty & detail, a blue’s man’s soul, and a songbird’s gift. He is remarkable.”
“I think it is 5-Star Grammy material,” adds singer Shake Russell
“The songs on this album span decades, from the 70s up to right now.” said Cooper. “Every artist/friend that contributed gave wonderful performances.”
Guest Singers: Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Libby Koch, Lyle Lovett, Shake Russell, Mando Saenz, Darden Smith, David Starr, and Gillian Tuite.
Musicians: Chris Benelli on drums and percussion; Dave Coleman on electric guitar, lap steel, acoustic guitar, keyboards, and percussion; Dana Cooper on vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, six-string banjo, harmonica; David Francis on upright and electric bass; Josh Leo on electric guitar; Rick Lonow on drums and percussion; John Macy on pedal steel guitar; Paul Slivka on electric bass; and Darden Smith on piano.
Track List
1 Start the World Again 3:45 (with Libby Koch)
2 The Ghost of Tucumcari 3:11 (with Lyle Lovett)
3 Children of a Common Mother 2:48 (with Shake Russell and Libby Koch)
4 What is Love Waiting For? 4:16 (with Mando Saenz)
5 Song for Myself 3:25 (with Gillian Tuite)
6 Falling Star 3:37 (with Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Shake Russell, David Starr)
7 Goin’ Down Judah 3:06
8 Rocked in a Country Cradle 4:24 (with Susan Gibson, Shake Russell)
9 Beauty and Ruin 3:50 (with Mando Saenz, David Starr)
10 This Land is Your Land 4:22 (with Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Libby Koch, Lyle Lovett, Shake Russell, Mando Saenz, Darden Smith)
11 Needless to Say 3:11 (with Lyle Lovett)
Writers:
Start the World Again – Dana Cooper & Shannon Hughes
The Ghost of Tucumcari – Dana Cooper
Children of a Common Mother – Dana Cooper & Shake Russell
What is Love Waiting For – Dana Cooper & Doug Biggers
Song for Myself – Dana Cooper & Tom Prasada-Rao
Falling Star – Dana Cooper – Dog Eared Music/SESAC
Goin’ Down Judah – Dana Cooper
Rocked in a Country Cradle – Dana Cooper & Josh Leo
Beauty and Ruin – Dana Cooper & David Starr
This Land is Your Land – Woody Guthrie
Needless to Say – Dana Cooper
For more information, go to: danacoopermusic.com/music
Author: Ryan Emmert
