Joachim Cooder

Joachim Cooder is an American percussionist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative blend of world music, Americana, and folk traditions. Born in Santa Monica, California, he grew up immersed in a deeply creative household, picking up drums at age five and going on to tour and record alongside his father, guitarist and producer Ry Cooder.

Those early years placed Joachim on stages and in studios with Johnny Cash, Ali Farka Touré, V.M. Bhatt, Steve Earle, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Nick Lowe, and — most notably — the Buena Vista Social Club. Over the years, he has maintained a close working relationship with his father while building a reputation as a lyrical drummer and an adventurous solo voice.

The spark for his own songwriting came when his wife and long-time collaborator Juliette Commagere became pregnant. Wintering in Nashville, Cooder found himself rising each morning to play his electric mbira…