This weeks artist is one that I have wanted to feature for quite a while, I just wanted to wait for the time to be right… and that time is now.
His playing is clear, concise, delicate, and packed full of emotion. I have never heard someone play old time banjo in such a way that so much emotion comes across. That’s just the playing though; his singing is raw and fits the old time banjo so well.
Chris Coole is an old time banjo player from Toronto, and he picked up the instrument at age 17. His education in old time banjo was delivered by the streets of Toronto… literally he would busk and play tunes over and over again to work on variations and refine his tone. He is now one of the main players in the old time banjo scene. He plays in various stringbands such as The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband. Along with the bands he also has a duo with Ivan Rosenberg (Dobro) as well as another duo with Arnie Naiman.
Chris really is a standout musician and his catalog of albums is proof that he is a bit of a musical shape shifter. From his solo album “Old Dog” to his “Farewell to Trion” album with Ivan Rosenberg; it is evident that Chris is an acoustic musician that should certainly be on your playlist.
I would recommend starting with some of his solo work and then building from there. You’ll find his solo performances captivating and that is no exaggeration whatsoever.
Chris Coole Links
- Chris Coole Site
- Chris Cool Tour Dates
- Chris Coole Merchandise
- Farewell To Trion (Album)
- Return To Trion (Album)
- Meet Me In The Music (Album)
