The Varnish Cooks pursue the old-time stringband tradition with intensity and emotional clarity. They perform both original and 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. (read less)

The Varnish Cooks pursue the old-time stringband tradition with intensity and emotional clarity. They perform both original and 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 gro... (read more)