A hidden Gem One of the Best Female Guitarists
Joyce Cooling is an accomplished American guitarist, singer, and songwriter with over three decades of experience in the jazz industry. Born in New York City and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cooling was exposed to a variety of musical styles from an early age. She fell in love with the guitar at age 16 and pursued her passion by studying music at the University of California, Berkeley. After performing with several bands and musicians, she launched her solo career in the late 1980s.
Cooling gained widespread recognition with her solo debut album, “Playing It Cool,” released in 1997 on Heads Up Records. The album received critical acclaim and featured popular singles like “South of Market” and “Mm-Mm Good.” She followed up with several more successful albums, including “Keeping Cool” (1999), “Third Wish” (2001), and “This Girl’s Got to Play” (2004), which included her first vocal tracks.
In 2006, Cooling released “Revolving Door,” which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. The album showcased her signature guitar sound and featured collaborations with other notable musicians, including trumpeter Chris Botti and saxophonist Najee. Cooling has continued to release albums over the years, including “Global Cooling” (2009) and “Living Out Loud” (2019), released as a digital EP.
Cooling’s music is characterized by her smooth guitar melodies, catchy rhythms, and fusion of jazz, Latin, and funk styles. Her guitar skills have earned her recognition as one of the best women guitarists in the jazz genre, and she has collaborated with other musicians like keyboardist Jay Wagner and drummer Billy Johnson. Throughout her career, she has continued to evolve as an artist, experimenting with different sounds and styles.
Cooling is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has been involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and their “Together for Mental Health” campaign, which aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. In 2018, Cooling performed at the NAMI Walk in San Francisco and has continued to support the cause.
In summary, Joyce Cooling’s contributions to the world of jazz as one of the best women guitarists are significant. Her music is characterized by catchy rhythms, smooth guitar melodies, and a blend of jazz, Latin, and funk styles. She has collaborated with other notable musicians and continues to evolve as an artist. Additionally, her dedication to mental health awareness reflects her compassion and commitment to using her platform for good. Cooling’s music and advocacy continue to make a positive impact on the world around her.
Joyce Cooling is an American jazz guitarist who has released ten albums to date, spanning from 1989 to 2019. Her music blends jazz, Latin, and funk influences with smooth guitar melodies and lively rhythms.
Cameo (Nucleus, 1989)
Playing It Cool (Heads Up, 1997)
Keeping Cool (Heads Up, 1999)
Third Wish (GRP, 2001)
This Girl’s Got to Play (Narada Jazz, 2004)
Revolving Door (Narada Jazz, 2006)
“It’s Feeling Like Christmas” [Digital single] (Group 2, 2008)
Global Cooling (Group 2, 2009)
“The Holiday’s On” [Digital single] (Group 2, 2014)
Living Out Loud [Digital 5-song EP] (Group 2, 2019)
Cooling’s debut album, Cameo, was released in 1989 and showcases her early guitar work, featuring a mix of instrumental tracks and vocal performances. Her second album, Playing It Cool, released in 1997, marked her signing with the Heads Up label and features a more polished and sophisticated sound. Keeping Cool, released in 1999, continues in this vein, highlighting Cooling’s guitar work and her ability to blend various musical styles seamlessly.
Third Wish, released in 2001, marked Cooling’s move to the GRP label and features a more prominent use of keyboards and synthesizers in her compositions. This Girl’s Got to Play, released in 2004, features a more experimental and exploratory sound, showcasing Cooling’s growth as a guitarist and songwriter.
Revolving Door, released in 2006, features a more cohesive and focused sound, with Cooling’s guitar work at the forefront of the album. Global Cooling, released in 2009, showcases Cooling’s more upbeat and danceable side, with lively rhythms and infectious melodies.
Cooling’s most recent releases, including “The Holiday’s On” digital single in 2014 and Living Out Loud digital EP in 2019, continue to showcase her eclectic sound and versatile guitar playing.
Critics of Joyce Cooling’s music often praise her guitar work, citing her smooth and melodic style as a standout feature. Her ability to blend different musical genres is also often noted, with critics appreciating her unique approach to jazz and fusion music. However, some critics have noted that her music can sometimes feel formulaic and lacking in innovation, with some albums feeling repetitive or overly polished.
Overall, Joyce Cooling’s discography showcases her talent as a guitarist and her ability to create memorable and engaging jazz-fusion music. While some critics may find fault in the predictability of some of her compositions, her music remains popular among jazz fans and continues to attract new listeners with its catchy melodies and infectious rhythms.
