Phil Cook (musician)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phil Cook is an American guitarist, banjoist, pianist and singer. A member of the freak-folk band Megafaun, he was previously a part of DeYarmond Edison, a band led by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. He also presently plays in the band Gayngs[1] as well as the Vernon-fronted Shouting Matches. Additionally, he is affiliated with MC Taylor and his band, Hiss Golden Messenger.[citation needed]
Beyond his musical career, Cook worked at the Center for Inquiry-Based Learning at Duke University, where he "assembled hands-on science kits for elementary schools."[2] Cook draws on diverse influences including Bill Evans, Bruce Hornsby, Keith Jarrett, Jerry Douglas, Ry Cooder, Greg Leisz, John Kamman and Bill Frisell.[3]
Cook was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.[4] He released his first solo album, Hungry Mother Blues, in 2011.[5]
His second solo album, Southland Mission, was released on September 11, 2015, and has been referred to as the greatest known example of "the John Kamman sound."[6] He has said that the track "Great Tide" from the album contains "all my influences since I discovered my Dad's LP record collection when I was 14."[7]
In 2021 Cook released his fifth album, All These Years,[8] featuring entirely instrumental piano music. The release was positively reviewed in publications such as Pitchfork.[9]
In 2025 he released his sixth album, Appalachia Borealis, which was positively reviewed by Uncut.[10]
Cook is brother to Brad Cook, a producer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked alongside Phil on a number of projects.[11]
