It had to be a Christmas song for our final new video post of the year. Drew Cooper lends his marvellously characterful voice to Christmas classic ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’. Originally recorded by singer and pianist Charles Brown, the song was a famous festive hit for The Eagles. On this new version, Cody Canada and his son Dierks deliver excellent guitar-work alongside Cooper’s impassioned, gravelly vocal. John Lousteau (Foo Fighters, Iggy Pop), who also fulfilled production and mixing duties, pounds out a powerful foot-tapping rhythm, given extra melodic force by the pulsing bass from Carmine Rojas (David Bowie, Julian Lennon). An all-star cast of musicians is rounded off by Martine Guigi (Peter Frampton, Lady Gaga) on keys and suitably stirring Christmas-backing vocals from Laura Mace (Foo Fighters). Cody Canada says of the experience: “Drew is one of the most kind people I’ve met in 27 years of being in the biz. Big heart, big voice, big talented songwriter. So honored to have been a part of this song with my kiddo, Dierks. Another great artist with a huge, giving spirit. Thanks brother.”
The single was recorded in Los Angeles at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 and in the accompanying video we’re able to see the artists at work in the studio; it’s great to see them playing and creating but also having fun, working off one another. The positive atmosphere is evident and that chemistry contributes to an effective all-round performance and fine production. Cooper explains: “This being my first experience recording a Christmas song, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We went back to Studio 606 where we recorded my new album, so I felt right at home. And having these incredible players join us went far above any expectations I had. Finding a new space in the song between the original version by Charles Brown and the Eagle’s version, and being able to make it our own was amazing.” Cooper’s forthcoming album was put together in the same studio and will be one to look out for in 2022. It’s two years since his last release, ‘White Horse’, and Cooper has been busy creating as the new record, ‘This Life’, will be a double album.
