Joachim Cooder

Joachim Cooder grew up surrounded by music alongside his father, legendary guitarist Ry Cooder who took him on the road at an early age on the drums, playing both live and in the studio. These touring and recording projects allowed him to share stages and recordings with Johnny Cash, Ali Farka Touré, V. M. Bhatt, Steve Earle, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Nick Lowe, Mavis Staples, The Happy Mondays, and most notably the award-winning project The Buena Vista Social Club.

Joachim discovered the joys of playing an electric mbira through a small amp, and the sound that emanated was inspired by the world music that always captivated him, “I’m always hearing some sort of defunct cosmic ice cream truck in my head – that’s the sound I’m after with my mbiras and tank drums and other tuned percussion."

On his Nonesuch Records release Over That Road I’m Bound, -The Songs of Uncle Dave Macon, playful modern interpretations of the first major star of the Grand Ole Opry. Utilizing the plain-spoken songs of country-music progenitor and banjo player Uncle Dave Macon as a jumping-off point Cooder played with the lyrics and reworked melodies for his chosen instrument: an electric mbira (a variation on an African thumb piano). Uncut called the album, “Warm, uplifting and quietly spectacular,” and Mojo said, “However sui generis Over That Road I’m Bound is, there’s a reassuringly Cooderesque familiarity to it. Perfect late-night listening accompanied by a tumbler of something strong.” BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe said it was “one of the most intriguing releases we’ve heard this year.” Released in October of 2020, the release earned Joachim #1 Most Added at Americana, and a Top 10 Album & Single (US & UK).

Autumn 2024, brings a collection of new originals, Dreamer’s Motel pairing different instruments that come together in unique ways. Working with a band of long-time collaborators and co-produced by Martin Pradler, Dreamer’s Motel finds the Californian journeying into brand new areas with a musical soul that never stops searching for inventive ways to express his life-long sonic adventures.