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| Jazz Band "Warmth" mural at the Cooper House, Santa Cruz, California |
The Cooper House: A Downtown Landmark
Once a bustling hub of shops and restaurants, the Cooper House in downtown Santa Cruz holds cherished memories for many. One of its standout features was the Cooper House Sidewalk Cafe, where the house band, "Warmth," often serenaded visitors against the backdrop of a striking mural. Sadly, the mural, a creation by James McFarlin, met an unfortunate fate when later owners of the Cooper House tore it down and disposed of it.
Warmth Jazz Band: A Santa Cruz Icon
The heart and soul of the iconic Santa Cruz jazz scene, the Warmth Jazz Band, were led by the talented Don McCaslin, a constant presence at the keyboards. His son, the young saxophonist Donny McCaslin, occasionally joined the band. Donny has since forged his own path in the world of jazz, with several CD albums to his name.
The Earthquake and End of an Era
In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake dealt a severe blow to the Cooper House. As a result, the building was eventually torn down, marking the end of an era. The loss was deeply felt by all those who had fond memories of spending leisurely summer afternoons in and around the Cooper House.
The Warmth Band's Legacy
Warmth Band members, including Jim Baum, Wayne Goodwin, Franco, Wesley Braxton, and others who came and went, created an inviting and relaxed atmosphere with their music.
Don McCaslin, a musical virtuoso, took center stage as the band's leading figure. In 1972, he began his daily performances at the Cooper House, enchanting audiences with his lively Latin-tinged jazz. With fingers dancing on the keys of the piano, Don's music reverberated through the Cooper House Sidewalk Cafe, drawing in visitors from all corners of Santa Cruz.
Warmth was the heartbeat of downtown Santa Cruz for nearly two decades.
The Music of Warmth
Warmth's music remains a cherished treasure, and one of their most famous songs, "A Song The Children Dance To," has transcended generations. To relive the magic of Warmth, you can find videos of this iconic track on YouTube. These videos capture the essence of the band's music, including versions from their CD releases and the original vinyl records that were once sold at their electrifying live shows.
Listening to these recordings is like stepping into a time machine, transporting you back to the heyday of Warmth when the vibrant melodies and rhythms of this legendary jazz band filled the airwaves and brought joy to the hearts of listeners.
A Song The Children Dance To [CD]
A Song The Children Dance To [vinyl]
Fool On The Hill [CD]
Praise Poems [CD]
A Glimpse into the Past: "Gineronymous" Film
A charming film project, "Gineronymous," offers a glimpse into the world of Don McCaslin's Warmth Jazz Band in Santa Cruz. The film was a product of a film student's class project, filmed with a single camera but skillfully edited to create a multi-perspective effect. Warmth Band's enduring presence in Santa Cruz, which spanned over 25 years, began at the Cooper House and was immortalized in a mural.
A Photo Gallery of Nostalgia
To complete the journey down memory lane, we've included a selection of random photos that capture the essence of the Cooper House and the Warmth Jazz Band during their heyday.
These memories serve as a tribute to a bygone era, where music, community, and the Cooper House were intertwined in the fabric of Santa Cruz's cultural history.
Basking in the Warmth
In the annals of Santa Cruz's vibrant history, Warmth will forever hold a special place. For nearly two decades, they were more than just a band; they were the heartbeat of downtown Santa Cruz. The memories of those playful flower days in the 1970s, basking in the warmth of the sun, songs, and the wonderful people who came together, will remain etched in our hearts. Warmth, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten, and your music will continue to resonate through the ages.
