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CLONING COOPER - A SHORT BIOGRAPHY:
Cloning Cooper, based out of Saranac Lake, NY, came together in February of 2003 and played its first official live show on July 4th of that same year. The group has ties back to 1999 when Rob Stout (vocals and guitars) and Josh Clement (guitars and vocals) formed the acoustic duo “Who Shot JR” and later “The Hardy Gardy Band” with friend and drinking partner Steve Hardy. Those operations winded down in 2002 when Rob moved to Albany, NY to pursue his education in medicine (he now dubs as the band physician!) With Rob out of the loop Josh and Brothers Brian (drums) and Walt Lewis (bass) hooked up for the next musical endeavor. Together with John Mark Ramsey and Jackie Kilmer “The Church of Groove” was formed. Although short-lived, there was an obvious chemistry between Josh and the Lewis Brothers and the seeds were planted for “Cloning Cooper.” But who’s going to sing? Enter Rob. Back in the North Country after learning how to save lives (you have to admire this guy), all the pieces to the puzzle were in place. The band began practicing at Josh’s popular bar and live music venue, The Door/Studio 76. Yes, Josh owned and operated his very own drinking establishment for 6 years. Not much money was made but the band often drank for free. Is that a good thing? Anyway, the band honed its craft by putting its own twist on covers from some of their favorite bands. The process became known as “Cooperizing”, where the term “note for note” was usually ignored at all costs. The band sought to honor its heroes by breathing new life into their songs, often choosing to cover B-sides as a way to reintroduce forgotten music. After developing an entertaining collection of tunes, the time was right for the band to unleash its live show on the public. But what about the name? Now this is the million dollar question! All that can really be said is only Walt knows the true answer. However, it’s thought that “Cloning Cooper” came about during afternoon drinks at the legendary bar and music venue, The Waterhole 3 in Saranac Lake, NY. Although there is certainly more to the story Josh points out, “If you Google “Cloning Cooper”, we come up!” A worthy name, indeed! So that’s Cloning Cooper. The band has been playing entertaining, high energy live shows around northern New York for the last 5 years. Some highlights are their opening act spots for Melvin Seals & JGB, Molly Hatchet, & April Wine. They also won the Northern New York Budweiser Battle of the Bands in 2006. Following that success the band was asked to headline a 6-band festival on July 4th, 2007 in West Mountain, NY. In 2005 Cloning Cooper set out to write original material for its first CD. The music is an eclectic mix that can only be described as “Diverse Rock and Roll with Attitude!” Each member has contributed to the project by adding their own personal flare and style to the tunes. The band, along with producer and engineer Dave Blinn at Rockbottom Studio’s, set out to make a rock record with something for everyone. Cloning Cooper is extremely proud to be releasing its self titled debut CD on July 11th, 2008. The music is meant to be heard and the band encourages everyone to share it with their friends or anyone they think is willing to give it an honest listen. Hopefully you too will see something in this hard working band with a load of heart and spread the word about their brand. Cloning Cooper is unsigned but they’re ready to go! It’s all about dreams, the right place, the right time, and the right people! Check them out for yourselves. You won’t be disappointed! On the web at: www.myspace.com/cloningcooper or www.cloningcooper.com. You can also contact by e-mail: inclement_weather@msn.com (Josh) or steel_wallflower@yahoo.com (Rob). Thanks for taking the time to read about Cloning Cooper and listen to their music. Rock and Roll forever! Peace!!
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