Singer-songwriter Brian R. Cooney performs his original compositions and favorite covers at various venues and events around the Maryland region. Brian, a lifelong resident of small town Catonsville, Maryland, has been performing a unique combination of classic rock covers and original songs that blend equal parts folk and rock for years.
One of eight children born to an ambitious Radio City Glee Club Captain, Ed Cooney Sr. and his Rockette wife Lois Richardson Cooney,
Brian R. Cooney was never a stranger to music. Growing up, his home was rarely silent. The family often sang harmonies together before bedtime, around the holidays, and in the car on long trips. Informal recordings of family gatherings from Brian's childhood sound more like the work of a celebrated youth choir than a group of "amateur" children.
In the fifth grade, Brian bought his first guitar for five dollars and taught himself to play. As the seven brothers grew into their teenage years, the Cooney household experienced a sonic explosion while each learned to play guitar. "The second floor of our house had a different song and style of music coming from behind each closed bedroom door," Brian recalls.
It was not long before a friendly competition began between Brian and his brothers. While the family often played together, Brian joined his friends Glenn Eliot and Walter Vanek in forming the band Tugwell in 1971, which helped him to find his own musical identity. In the years that followed, Brian played for church choirs and folk groups in Catonsville and wrote many songs that he began to play in front of modest crowds around town.
While he considers such rock legends and singer-songwriters as Neil Young, America, Cat Stevens, and the Beatles to be among his primary influences, Brian also finds himself constantly inspired by more contemporary acts like Richard Shindell, John Gorka, David Gray, Jackson Browne, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, and Bruce Cockburn. This unique combination of styles is what draws many to Brian's work, as his music becomes an easily accessible mix of classic folk and rock music with modern hooks.
Being a husband, father of three, and grandfather to twelve has led to some recurrent themes in Brian's songs, which often focus on relationships with his family, friends, and wife. The lyrics range from thought-provoking and darkly reflective ("Hideaway" follows a lonely youth through the boardwalk of Ocean City) to sincerely romantic ("The Proposal" is a re-recorded version of a song Brian wrote in 1974 before proposing to his wife).
Brian is available to perform as a solo act at various venues and events.
Solo Act: Brian R Cooney - Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica
Gigging Since: 1969
You Might Ask...
How many shows do you perform per month?
Three to four.
Where have you performed?
The Cellar at Chef Paolino's Cafe in Ellicott City, The Woods at Hedgesville, WV, Cacoa Lane, Caton Tavern, Mangia, Malley's Pub (Harrisburg, PA), Allenberry Resort (Boiling Springs, PA), Lurman-Woodland Theater, CCBC-Catonsville, University of Richmond, Private Functions, (And going way back, do you remember the Millrace Tavern, Golden Plough, Pappilon Pub, Marmadukes Moustache, Cheval de Bronze/Copper Stallion)
Do you have any CDs released?
I have recently released a new 2 CD compilation of originals and covers "Fly Away/Tributes" which is available at my gigs.