Phil Cook is an American guitarist, banjoist, pianist and singer. He is a member of the freak-folk band Megafaun. Before he became a member of Megafaun, Cook was part of DeYarmond Edison, a band led by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. He also 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]
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."[4] Cook has said the track "Great Tide" from Southland Mission contains "all my influences since I discovered my Dad's LP record collection when I was 14."[5] He released his first solo album, Hungry Mother Blues, in 2011.[6] Cook was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.[7]
Phil is brother to Brad Cook, a producer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked alongside Phil on a number of projects.[8]