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Snippets from the Blues World

'Slap My Hand' - Jimmy Copley & Friends on Nina Records.  Eyes Wide Shut Recordings
Featuring: Jeff Beck, Peter Cox, Paul Jackson, Steve Evans, Neil Murray, Char, Bernie Marsden and many more.

The story starts very early where Jimmy started playing drums at the age of 5 years old, accompanying his Mother's (Nina) Jazz piano at parties. 

He turned professional early on joining the band 'Spread-eagle' who had just signed to Charisma Records and performed live, opening for various headlining acts such as 'Genesis', 'Lindisfarne' and 'Audience'. He recorded the Spread-eagle album 'The Piece of Paper, produced by Kinks and Who producer: Shel Talmy. Later on, Jimmy formed the band 'UPP' with Andy Clarke and Stephen Amazing and whilst rehearsing with UPP at Leslie Copley's 'Underhill Studios' Jeff Beck heard them and immediately took them into Escape Studios' and recorded the debut album for CBS Records entitled 'UPP'  

Jeff beck not only played on but also produced. UPP toured Europe and the UK with Beck, Bogart & Appice. 1976 saw Jimmy record a second album entitled 'This Way UPP' produced by Hall & Oates producer 'Chris Bond' which also featured Jeff beck and Tom Scott on sax. During the summer of 1976 Jimmy toured the USA with Jeff Beck. Turning to session work for much of the 80's & 90's. Work became steady and gave Jim the opportunity to work with many renowned artists such as Graham Parker, Ian Gillan, Paul Young, Killing Joke and in 1987 Jimmy joined GO West and recorded and toured extensively with them including a USA tour as special guests for Tina Turner. In 1989 Jimmy was invited to join 'Tears for Fears' for their massive "Seeds of Love' world tour. 

Once again he teamed up with close friend Jeff beck to record for the Jimi Hendrix tribute album 'Manic Depression' which also featured Seal' and Pino Pallidino on bass, this work achieved a Gold album in the USA. Later Jim worked with the 'Pretenders' and recorded the album: 'Last of the Independents' as well as recording two albums with Curt Smith (Tears for Fears). During this time Jim had chance to record an album for songwriter 'Martin Page'. Once again this shows that Jimmy's reputation was ever expanding which continued to bring many offers of work. 

During 1995 Jimmy was asked to join the 'Paul Rodgers Band' also featuring Jaz Lochrie and Paul Whitehorn, touring the world and recording three albums 'Now', Electric' and 'The Lorelley tapes live' . In 1996 Jimmy performed live with Char for his 'twentieth anniversary' which also featured Herbie Hancock bassist Paul Jackson'. Jimmy went on to co-write and produced the Sacred Hills' album with Char in his hometown of Bath. In 2004 Jimmy recorded with Iommi again and
bassist/vocalist Glen Hughes for the album The Dep Sessions'. During this period Jimmy also recorded Bernie Marsden's solo album 'Stacks'. 2005 saw Jim take up the drum stool for Magnum. He went on to feature on the new tour 'Livin the Dream' which was live at the Astoria in London. 

Jimmy continues to perform with Manfred Mann's Earthband and has now finished his first Solo Album which features a multitude of talent from artists including Jeff Beck, Pino Palladino, Peter Cox, Micky Moody, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Dino Bapiste, Ian Jennings, Paul Spong, Chris White, Mark Stanway, Mo Birch, Char, Paul Jackson, Sussane Loeser, Steve Evans. Released in Japan initially on May 21st 2008 and now out in the UK and RoW later this year. 

Late last year Jimmy performed live once again with close friend and guitar legend Jeff Beck and Ian Jennings (Big town Playboys Bassist) as a surprise guest of Robert Plant and The Honeydrippers charity show at a sell out JB's in Dudley. Jimmy is just about to embark on his tour of Japan to promote the SLAP MY HAND ALBUM and also announce a set of UK dates. 

www.jimmycopley.com

For more information please contact Manilla PR Ltd tel 01642 242170 email info@manillapr.com