Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Featured On The Jazz Network Worldwide: Spoken Word/Jazz Ensemble COPUS Blends Jazz and Classical Music with Spoken Word on Their Latest CD Release “Aspects”

Royal and I formed COPUS years ago with the idea of bridges - between words & music, between the university & the street, between ages & races, between classical & jazz. The word COPUS is an acronym for Creation Of Peace Under Stars ~ Wendy Loomis

COPUS is a spoken word/jazz ensemble that presents conscious lyrics intertwined with beautiful melodies for the sophisticated listener. “Aspects” is an extension of the continued effort of renowned poet Royal Kent and ASCAP award-winning composer Wendy Loomis. The track “Haves & Have Nots” was nominated for best jazz song by the Hollywood Music and Media Awards. In addition, COPUS collaborated with Steadfaster Media to produce a music video of track “COPUS to the World” which was viewed over 1,200 times in the first day of release.

"Royal and I formed COPUS years ago with the idea of bridges - between words & music, between the university & the street, between ages & races, between classical & jazz. The word COPUS is an acronym for Creation Of Peace Under Stars - even more appropriate today than when we conceived it." ~Wendy Loomis, composer/pianist/co-producer

COPUS includes flutist Monica Williams, bassist Patrick Mahon, drummer Greg McRay and an array of guest artists. The group has performed at clubs, theaters, festivals, and private events in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Boston and Western Massachusetts. The band is looking to expand their horizons and is currently looking to garner exposure through worldwide jazz festival bookings.

“COPUS is a very innovative musical expression that is gaining a loyal fan base. In today’s musical landscape, integration of genres is a new way of cultivating a new audience in jazz” says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide.

"The jazz styles are very complex and the music that is created is absolutely masterful. These compositions are amazing with just the music, but then you get the added pleasure of the smooth spoken word vocal styles of Royal Kent. His poetic onslaught of powerful lyrics are mind boggling,to say the least. His silky smooth voice holds a tight grip on the listener's ear and keeps them in a state of mind numbing ecstasy... COPUS could become legendary if given the opportunity to thrive!" ~ Michael
Allison, MusicDish.com

COPUS created an ingenious presentation entitled “Poets & Composers Salon” which is a monthly house concert that presents the best indie talent of the Bay Area in an intimate, home setting. Each Salon features spoken word/jazz ensemble COPUS, ambient duo Phoenix Rising, and guest artists including storytellers, poets, singers, videographers, dancers, and instrumentalists. The intimate setting of a home provides the perfect backdrop for creativity, networking, stimulating conversation, and putting away the distractions of technology for a few hours.

Their upcoming show is on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 in San Francisco featuring COPUS along with ambient duo Phoenix Rising, and singer/songwriters Karen Soo Hoo and Nathan Love.

COPUS & fellow jazz artists event - Shelton Theater, SF - Sat., Aug. 13th, 2016.

Sat. Sept. 24th, 2016, featuring COPUS along with ambient duo Phoenix Rising, guitarist with laser show artist Mariah Larkin and rock guitarist Marcus Machado.

Wine Tasting - Sat., Oct. 29th, 2016, featuring COPUS, ambient duo Phoenix Rising, and wine tasting with nonprofit Wines for Humanity (portion of the proceeds goes to Hamilton Family Center, SF).

COPUS will perform a showcase for music industry business people at the Cutting Edge Conference & Festival - Aug. 25-28 in New Orleans, LA at the Intercontinental Hotel. (http://www.cuttingedgeNOLA.com) as well as performing sets at various French Quarter jazz clubs from among this list: House of Blues, Howlin' Wolf, Balcony Music Club, Checkpoint Charlie's, Bamboula's, Little Gem Saloon, Julius Kimbrough's Prime Example Jazz Club, and Louisiana Music Factory Records Store.

Broadening the extension of performance presentations COPUS leans toward benefit concerts for several nonprofits including COA (a microloan program for businesswomen in Africa) and Art Angels. COPUS is currently setting up a program with Wines for Humanity - a Chicago-based organization that puts on wine tastings where a portion of the proceeds goes to local groups fighting homelessness. (http://www.winesforhumanity.com)

Be sure to catch their feature on The Jazz Network Worldwide at http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com. For further information visit http://www.copusmusic.com to learn more and to purchase “Aspects” go to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/copus23 


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