Memphis-born , DC-raised and now Brooklyn-based Clarence Greenwood (aka Citizen Cope), Greenwood’s musical journey began in the mid-1990s, when he first drew local acclaim for both his intimate songwriting and unique sonic fusion. His official debut album, CITIZEN COPE, was released in 2002, while THE CLARENCE GREENWOOD RECORDINGS followed two years later. The road to THE RAINWATER LP also included guest appearances on blockbuster albums by Santana and Dido, while Citizen Cope songs such as “Let The Drummer Kick” and “Bullet And A Target” have been featured in a wide array of films, television series, and advertisements. With THE RAINWATER LP, Citizen Cope offers the clearest distillation yet of his distinct musical approach, a laidback gumbo of acoustic blues, singer/songwriter rock ‘n’ roll and deep soul grooves. [He] has crafted an album redolent of such classic tunesmiths as Randy Newman and Stevie Wonder - both major touchstones for his emotively penned songs.

See ya September 19 at Annette Strauss Artist Square for the show.

Citizen Cope - “I Couldn’t Explain Why”

Clarence Greenwood built his career as Citizen Cope the hard way, surviving label shuffling and building a loyal audience through relentless touring. This song, from his latest self-released record The Rainwater LP, showcases the sound that he has made his own: a combination of acoustic guitars, live breakbeat-style drumming, and his signature reggae-influenced vocals. Greenwood has said that he titled the record in sarcastic reference to the standard record label practice of obligating artists to produce a certain number of LP’s, or long play albums.