Melody Cooper
is an extraordinary vocalist, keyboardist, and harpist residing in Key West, Florida. From Jazz to Latin, Rock through Classical, solo to 14 piece Big Band, this versatile performer and her various groups are the perfect addition to any wedding, party or special occasion.
Melody is originally from New York City. Her professional training started classically at age 7 at the piano and now includes many years of voice and piano study, with performances in the classical, pop, jazz and Latin genres.
She is combining her years of classical study and New York jazz background with her Key West funky, Motown and theater (including opera!) experience to develop a truly versatile career as a pianist/vocalist and band leader.
Melody is a founding member of the unique chamber trio Bach to Bossa Nova and the pianist/vocalist with the Paradise Big Band. She is a soloist for the Island Opera Theater and Keys Chorale. Melody has written and performed several of her own unique jazz cabarets, most notably her one woman show 'Torch" which was well received in the US and at The Edinburgh Theater Festival. She also spent 10 years touring and recording with the motown revue The Fabulous Spectrelles as the wild redhead "Krissy". Melody sang the lead on their number one dance hit and made 2 tours in the UK with this group.
Highlights from Melody's New York years include singing with Dexter Gordon at Lincoln Center, with Rashid Ali at Small's Paradise and her own trio at The Black Orchid.
International highlights include a guest appearance with the Prince George Symphony and Eric Tompkins Quintet in Prince George , BC Canada and appearances at the Edinburgh Theater Festival and various venues in London.
Highlights from the last few seasons in Key West include: the annual Paradise Big Band concert series, as a soloist in the Haydn Mass, Elijah, Bach and Rutter Magnificat with the Keys Chorale, as Flora in La Traviata, and as the wacky Fairy Godmother in the Frog Prince. Melody was also the bandleader , vocal soloist and pianist for the Bach Cantata #208 at St Paul's Church ( now that was a gorgeous day of wedding music!)
Melody also joined force with cello, contrabass, saxophone, piano, flute and guitar for a spectacular concert which included the Bachianas Brasileras #5 and the debut of her improvisational piece Sweet River of Mercy.
Other appearances include Little Palm Island, the Pier House, Virgilio's , St Paul's Church , the Tennessee Williams Theater, Waterfront Theater, Casa Marina , Sunset Key, Westin Resort and Hemingway House.
Melody is currently working on a new CD of original lyrics and music and some favorite jazz pieces. This should be available in the summer of 2008. Her previous CD "Journey Through the Heart " is available at this site and at her live performances.
