b. 18 November 1951, Gnosall, Staffordshire, England. Cooper’s fiddle playing has been acclaimed by many notable folk musicians, a number of whom he has worked with. Having started playing violin at the age of nine, he went on to learn classical music during his teenage years. He then switched to studying English at Oxford University, from where he graduated in 1973. Reverting to music, Cooper then went on to study old-time fiddle in West Virginia, USA shortly after teaming up with acclaimed dulcimer player Holly Tannen. Releasing Frosty Morning, the two then toured extensively, in America, Europe, and Britain. From 1983, Cooper started working with Peta Webb, recording The Heart Is True three years later. The two played clubs and festivals throughout the UK. Never one to sit still for long, Cooper then formed Fiddling From Scratch, in 1985, recording All Around The World which included Tannen on two tracks, and issuing a booklet of the tunes contained therein. Cooper then formed Vivando!, which included former Zumzeaux fiddle player and vocalist, Neti Vaandrager (b. 21 August 1957, Rotterdam, Netherlands), Kathryn Locke (cello), and Geoff Coombs (mandola/mandolin). Together, the group played a variety of styles, encompassing Mexican and Bulgarian tunes, as well as American, and original material. In the new millennium Cooper formed Rattle On The Stovepipe with Dave Arthur (b. Little Sutton, Cheshire, England; banjo, guitar, melodeon, vocals) and Chris Moreton (b. 1954, Surrey, England; guitar) to perform English and Appalachian Old Time music. Cooper has gained an admirable reputation for his work. He has continued to study and teach traditional fiddle playing styles, and runs workshops as well as teaching. He also finds time to perform at clubs and festivals.