Strange Brew

The song "Strange Brew," featured on Jimmy Copley's 2008 album Slap My Hand, is a vibrant cover of the classic Cream track, reimagined with a stellar lineup of musicians. This rendition includes Bernie Marsden on guitar, Peter Cox on vocals, and Steve Evans on guitar, alongside Copley's masterful drumming. A notable piece of trivia is that the track showcases Copley's ability to blend rock and blues with his signature open-handed drumming technique, which allows for a fluid and dynamic performance. In a 2008 interview with Rocktopia, Copley mentioned that recording with such seasoned musicians was a "joyful jam session," with the band capturing the song's raw energy in just a few takes. The track's inclusion on the album was a nod to Copley's love for classic rock, and fans on the Jimmy Copley Fans Facebook group have praised its gritty, soulful vibe, often citing it as a highlight of the album.

Another interesting story about "Strange Brew" comes from a 2018 YouTube upload by a fan channel, which shared a live performance clip from a 2008 Japan tour featuring Copley and his collaborators. The video, though grainy, captures the band’s chemistry, with Marsden’s searing guitar riffs complementing Copley’s thunderous drum fills. Fans on X have shared posts reminiscing about Copley’s live shows, noting how "Strange Brew" was a crowd-pleaser that got audiences dancing. The Slap My Hand album, including this track, was also a passion project for Copley, who produced it himself. According to a post on the Jimmy Copley Official Facebook page, the album was a celebration of his friendships with iconic musicians, and "Strange Brew" was chosen to honor the timeless influence of Cream’s original version.

Jimmy Copley, born James Frank Copley on December 29, 1953, in London, England, began his musical journey at a young age, picking up drumsticks as a teenager. His professional career kicked off at 17 when he joined the band Upp, which caught the attention of guitar legend Jeff Beck. This early gig set the stage for Copley’s reputation as a versatile session drummer. Over the years, he worked with a who’s-who of rock and blues artists, including Tears for Fears, Paul Young, and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, where he served as drummer from 2007 until his passing in 2017. His open-handed drumming style, which avoided crossing hands to play the hi-hat and snare simultaneously, became a hallmark of his technique, earning him endorsements from Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, and Vic Firth. Copley’s passion for music was evident in his collaborative spirit, which shone through in projects like Slap My Hand.

For more on Jimmy Copley, his official website, www.jimmycopley.com, offers a deep dive into his discography and career highlights, though it has not been updated since his passing. His Facebook page remains active with tributes from fans and occasional posts from his estate, sharing memories and rare photos. On Instagram, the account @jimmycopley features throwback images and clips, though activity is sporadic. Fans can also connect on X using the hashtag #JimmyCopley, where enthusiasts share memories and music links. The Jimmy Copley Fans Facebook group is a lively community where Zoo Freaks can discuss his work, including Slap My Hand, and share rare recordings. Additionally, the fan-run site AllMusic provides a comprehensive overview of his contributions to rock and blues, making it a great resource for new listeners.