James and James duo makes ‘sweet music’

Published 5:01 pm Friday, February 26, 2016

Father-son duo James Everett Cofer and James Brandon Cofer play a variety of music together at venues and events around Shelby County. (Contributed)

Father-son duo James Everett Cofer and James Brandon Cofer play a variety of music together at venues and events around Shelby County. (Contributed)

By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

As a father-son duo, James Everett Cofer and James Brandon Cofer make some sweet music.

Piano (or keyboard) and guitar will set your feet to tapping especially if you are a fan of their music specialties (early rock and roll of the ’50s and ’60s, blues, big band and jazz of the ’40s).

Their songs are standards that are generally recognized and loved by all.

On a recent cold winter day they were at the Alabaster Senior Citizens Center for some “Mardi Gras” type entertainment.

The center was appropriately decorated, and each person had beads, snacks and of course lunch was served.

With James and James playing such favorites as “Sentimental Journey,” “Ain’t She Sweet,” “Five Foot Two,” “It Had To Be You,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blueberry Hill,” “Side By Side,” “I’m All Shook Up,” “Hey Good Looking” and “Cab Driver” (for those great line dancers) the room was rocking and lots of folks were singing their memories right along with the band.

James and James are managed by Cathy Cofer (Everett’s wife and favorite dance partner).

As local Alabaster residents the Cofers prefer town life and being near so many places to go and things to do.

Both father and son graduated from Thompson High School and have a deep appreciation for music.

Everett retired after 24 years with S.P. Richards Company.

If he or his music sound familiar to you, perhaps you heard him during the many years he was employed at Bernie’s Restaurant in Columbiana.

A family man, Everett Cofer enjoys practicing music with his son, dancing with his wife and eating hamburger steaks at Lloyd’s Restaurant (for over 40 years).

Now at age 27, James Brandon Cofer is pursuing his musical career full-time.

James loves the Spanish culture and is attempting to learn the Spanish language and also enjoys cooking in his spare time.

He has been playing guitar since he was 10 and is now learning to play the piano.

James and James is available for anniversary or retirement dinners, also Senior Citizen Centers, dance parties or any venue that desires live music.