Music Maker 25 is proud to be a part of Come Hear NC and the Year of Music in North Carolina, as well as the Smithsonian Year of Music. Music Maker 25 is made possible, in part, with support from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Phil Cook is a prolific songwriter, instrumentalist and producer based in Durham NC who has collaborated with world-renowned musicians including The Blind Boys.

Cook joins The Branchettes for a special collaboration. Aquarium Drunkard praised his 2018 album People Are My Drug as a vital product of our times, adding that “the Durham-based singer/songwriter clearly views his mission as a celebratory one, recognizing that the work required right now is good work to do.” In recent years, Cook has also worked with Hiss Golden Messenger and Mavis Staples, an indication of his impressive range. Having previously tapped Perry for his own Southland Revue shows and in other collaborative efforts, gospel’s influence on Phil Cook’s inimitable vocal delivery is unmistakable. The Branchettes are a Johnston County, NC duo comprised of vocalist Lena Mae Perry and pianist Wilbur Tharpe, who are devoted to sharing the songs and congregational hymns that live in their hearts. The Sunday proceedings at Music Maker 25 celebrate the gospel tradition. Ninety minutes before each concert, visitors are invited to experience 25 years of Music Maker Relief Foundation history at an extensive exhibition chronicling the organization’s work. Packages and single tickets can be purchased online, via phone at 91, and in person at the Duke University Box Office, Tuesday through Friday, 11 AM to 6 PM. The ‘Music Maker 25’ package - which provides access to all seven ‘Music Maker 25’ shows at The Fruit - and single tickets, including $10 Duke student tickets, are now on sale. Below are new songs from each songwriter.With special guest Phil Cook Sunday, Decem| 1:00 pm The Fruit Cook also announced that he had completed his highly anticipated Southland Mission album the day before. This night was the first time Parr and Gustafson had been exposed to much of each other's work and audible bits of appreciation were heard as they exchanged parts throughout the evening. Perhaps the biggest news from the evening was the announcement that the trio would be working together to produce Parr's next release, his first recorded outside of Minnesota. Lucius, Marcus Mumford, Courtney Marie Anders, Phil Cook, Natalie Merchant, Adia Victoria, and more joined in for a few numbers in the set. Each debuted new material and joined in on each other's songs as the mood fit. Simon wasn’t the only special guest in Rateliff’s revue. Ryan Gustafson, Charlie Parr and Phil Cook treated the audience to a nearly two-and-a-half-hour show. A black curtain covered the view of the ballroom space and the area was transformed into-literally-a coffee shop setting for the performances. The rain began falling on this chilly evening as people slowly filled the upstairs Cup 22 area of the ballroom. Ryan Gustafson, Charlie Parr and Phil Cookįriday night's show at the Haw River Ballroom featured an intriguing lineup and venue where three dynamic songwriters in the round made the most of an intimate setting.

Phil cook songwriter