The Varnish Cooks

Bio:

The Varnish Cooks pursue the old-time stringband tradition with intensity and emotional clarity. They perform old-time songs according to the impetuous and poetic spirit of American music. The Varnish Cooks do not let dust settle on old-time music. They are committed to the passion, improvisation, and mystery at the heart of the old-time tradition. The music is not pure; it is stained with clay and the blood of peoples, and stubbornly holds onto an integrity that could only grow from the celebrated and dark American story. In this post-modern age, media distracts us incessantly with fleeting information and entertainment. The Varnish Cooks yearn with their audience for transcendent simplicity. They retell the ancient songs without altering them, joining their voices with the musical ancestry that has passed down the music for hundreds of years. All music emerges from the vernacular, and a return to our roots is a crucial response to the fractured escapism of our day. Although the context for old-time music has changed, its relevance to the longing and joy of the heart has not. .. I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4

Member Since:

April 01, 2007

Members:

Gregory Paul: guitar, vocals; Ben Proctor: banjo,vocals; Greg Fair: mandolin, vocals; Ryan Griffith: bass, vocals

Influences:

Dirk Powell, Foghorn Stringband, Mike Seeger, Nirvana, New Lost City Ramblers, Fuzzy Mountain Stringband, Dillard Chandler, Highwoods Stringband, Steve Earle, Bruce Molsky, Pearl Jam, Riley Baugus, Bela Fleck, Radiohead, Doc Watson, Elliot Smith, Tim O’Brien, Sufjan Stevens, Alice In Chains, Roscoe Holcomb, Bob Dylan, Jim Kimball, Miles Davis.

Sounds Like:

Buy our new album, "Elzic’s Farewell," on iTunes here: