As a rock ’n’ roll guy at heart, jazz can be a little hard for me to assimilate at times. Two years ago, I might not have even gone to a free jazz concert. However, early last year, I came upon a YouTube video of a local jazz/pop artist named Roxi Copland that changed all that. Roxi’s sultry voice drew me in and made me a convert.
Fast forward to about three months ago: as fast as I had come to admire Copland’s work, she was gone—moved to Vancouver. I was not the only Central Iowa fan who felt the loss, as evidenced by Copland’s triumphant return to Des Moines music scene last night.
While gone, Copland had not forgotten about her home for most of the last six years. So, about three months after moving to Vancouver, British Columbia, Roxi was back in Iowa. Copland was in town to record her first full-length album, a stripped down acoustic solo effort, in the studios of Norwalk’s Capp Audio Productions. She was also here to give back to her fans.
Last night, Roxi played a free, invitation only show for her Iowa fans at the Cosmopolitan Lounge (800 Locust) in Des Moines. The show details were only emailed to fans that had signed up for Copland’s email newsletter at www.roxicopland.com. The free show was a way for Roxi to reward her most loyal and devoted fans, and engage them in the small, intimate setting of the Cosmopolitan.
The show allowed Copland to display the sultry voice, seductive delivery, and piano skills that had earned her her large Des Moines following. Funny, flirty songs like “In Love with Trouble”, “Perfect for Me”, and “Play” had the crowd smiling and nodding, as Roxi delivered them. The Cosmo couldn’t contain all of Copland’s followers throughout the night, and so, some were relegated to watching from chairs in the hallway at times. They didn’t seem to mind; they were just happy Roxi was back performing in Des Moines again—even if it was only for one night.
Copland would play 2 full sets, and a short 2-song closing. She played most of the songs from her 2 EPs, along with a song entitled “Heavy Load” from her upcoming acoustic album, and sprinkled in covers of songs from Michael Bublé, Nora Jones, Amy Winehouse, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens, and more. The dark, intimate setting of the Cosmopolitan was perfect for the show, as Copland revealed the stories behind several of her songs. She took time between sets to mingle and talk with the crowd. Roxi’s immense talent is not the only reason for her following—it is her accessibility, as well. She and her music are an open book on display for all to see.
In a day or two, Roxi Copland will pack up that big voice of hers, along with the rest of her gear, and leave Iowa behind again. But Iowa will not soon forget Roxi, and Roxi has vowed not to forget about Iowa either. Copland has promised that when her new album comes out in the summer of 2012, she will play a release party here in Des Moines. Those who have grown to love her music will have to be content with that, for now.
To keep up with everything Roxi, sign up for her email list at www.roxicopland.com. To keep up on all the Central Iowa music news and shows, click the link above this article. Both are quick, easy, and free.
Check out Examiner's interview with Roxi Copland here.
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