Nashville guitarist to play at First Baptist

Keith Cooper, professional guitarist from Nashville, Tenn. will appear at First Baptist Church of Whitehouse on Sunday, May 13 at 10:45 a.m.

"I am completely amazed when I realize the opportunities that God has opened up for me over the past couple of years," says Keith L. Cooper of his music ministry which is gaining worldwide recognition.

Keith's guitar style is extremely unique and blends a melting pot of styles including flamenco, classical, jazz, blues, Celtic, and even Brazilian sounds.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to witness Keith's live performance can indeed attest to his stunning command of the instrument.

His precision and artistry are as arresting to watch as his complex, yet melodic style is to hear. It is these very elements that are thrusting him into churches, seminaries, and colleges literally all over the world.

Keith has been using his talent to share a message of faith, hope, and edification for believers from the U.S, Finland, Northern Ireland, Greece and even into the heart of Russia!

Since arriving in Nashville in 1998 to study classical theory and composition at Belmont University, a school which boasts numerous well-known music industr y graduates, Keith continues to share his gift to inspire Christians ever ywhere.

The album "Truth of the Matter" (2002) was Keith's original debut album with Reel Loud Records (based in Appleton, Wisconsin). Since then, his album entitled "Sacred Dance" (2005) has received numerous rave reviews from Worship Leader Magazine, christianmusic suite101.com, and other acclaimed resources. "Sacred Dance," in addition to its national radio success, was a milestone for Cooper who has now opened for the likes of Sarah Groves, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Jars of Clay, and recently shared a joint concert with famed guitarist Doyle Dyke in late 2006. Last November, Keith also released a "prerelease" of his album "A

Guitar's Carol," a Christmas album featuring familiar melodies with rich moods and colors.

"God is the only One Who plans the paths of an individual. He uses our talents to further His Kingdom, and along the way you get to

work with

other artists in your field who share that same pursuit; the pursuit of making Christ known with what we do," says Cooper.

Keith's performance is jawdropping. His guitar arrangements sound as though there a two or more people playing the guitar. Many times he will lead in a worship song and then develop into a stellar guitar instrumental using the body of the instrument as a drum while playing the neck of the guitar like a piano.

"There is a great freedom in playing for God because He is the audience," Keith says. "When I write music, I know God's opinion is the only one that matters. If I choose to play fast, slow, loud, soft, or even untraditional, all of it is acceptable worship in God's eyes."

"My endeavor is that my life and my guitar solos would be a gift back to God. My hope is that He would continue to change me to reflect Him. Although I am still imperfect, I continue to cling to His redeeming work on the cross. May He be glorified in every note!"

Following in the musical footsteps of his father and mother, Keith has dedicated his life to using his guitar as a vehicle in which to present the Gospel. Because he strives first and foremost to make music pleasing to God, he continues to reach for a level of technical precision and musical artistry that is unmatched. And in the process of glorifying his Creator in heaven, he's turning heads of new fans here on Earth.