Phil Cook’s Spiritual Helpline (From Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger, & Megafaun to Gospel Glory)

After being affiliated with Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger, and
Megafaun – and releasing a series of his own acclaimed solo
projects, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Phil
Cook surprised many with the launch of his new roots gospel
label, Spiritual Helpline, and producing a rousing new live roots
Gospel album by North Carolina local legends, The Branchettes.
Though the group was formed over a half-century ago, they never
recorded a live album until now. The soul-stirring experience was
captured in the documentary film, Stay Prayed Up, which is
currently available on demand and is screening at film festivals
around the country. Cook – who is forty years younger than the
last surviving original member of the group – now says the only
records he will buy are Gospel records. He has found his purpose.


We'll hear all about Phil Cook's amazing musical journey – from
his youth in northern Wisconsin to his migration to North
Carolina with his creative community – to pursuing his love of
Gospel up close and personal. What started with a keyboard
session for The Blind Boys of Alabama has commandeered his whole
creative path and he could not be more thrilled.


When we crank up the Jukebox, we will dive deeper into Mother
Perry's story from the film and will listen more closely to the
live album she made with Cook and his insanely good band.


Full Show Notes, Music List, and a special Phil Cook and Friends
Playlist are available HERE or at TrueTunes.com/StayPrayedUp.


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(And if you liked this episode, don't miss our previous Gospel
explorations. Myron Butler discussed the legacy of Andrae Crouch
with us (and we featured Aretha's "Amazing Grace" on the Jukebox)
and DOE Jones joined us to talk about her long-anticipating
contemporary Gospel debut - plus Aaron "A-Train" Smith join us to
talk about Stevie Wonder in the 70s.)