Today, prolific songwriter, instrumentalist and producer Phil Cook releases an instrumental album called As Far As I Can See: Instrumental Recordings 2009-2019. The collection combines Cook’s favorite moments from out of print releases, as well as four unreleased recordings, into a brilliant companion to his more widely released output. The compilation is available today digitally on Psychic Hotline with a limited edition deluxe LP version out on May 31. Listen to “As Far As I Can See”:
Pre-order the vinyl Here.
As a celebrated recording and touring musician, Phil has spent the interstitial moments crafting georgeous melodic meditations on whatever instrument is laying around at the time, resulting in As Far As I Can See. Cook notes, “I began taking my banjo and guitar on the front porch, starting in the spring of 2009. Ten years have passed since that spring. In that time, I’ve traveled this country and beyond many times. Also along the way I’ve found discreet pockets of time here and there to sit on the porch and wander. I’ve approached every single one of these recordings with the same mindset. “Couple of Takes, Keep the Mistakes” and whatever I finish in a single day is the record. Sunrise to sunset allows me to believe in the sprit of these wandering moments and see them as a snapshot of that day, that time. Polaroids in a pile, all of them capturing the essence, none of them without imperfection. This is a collection of snapshots.”
Cook released his acclaimed sophomore album People Are My Drug in 2018, followed by performances at Newport Folk, at Eaux Claires, Austin City Limits and other festivals. Cook is involved with a number of projects, including psych-folk band Megafaun and as a recording and touring member of Hiss Golden Messenger. He has collaborated with Indigo Girls’ Amy Ray, performed with Mavis Staples, and been Musical Director for The Blind Boys of Alabama and much more over his evolving career. People Are My Drug earned raves across the board, including Rolling Stone, No Depression, UPROXX and others.
Cook heads out on tour with Charlie Parr on May 16 through May 21 for a select run of shows.
Tour dates:
05/16 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
05/17 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
05/18 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
05/19 – Duluth, MN @ Sacred Heart Music Center
05/20 – Eau Claire, WI @ Pablo Center
05/21 – Eau Claire, WI @ Pablo Center
Photo credit: Graham Tolbert
