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.
If you would like to support the show, please consider joining our Patreon community or dropping us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!
(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.)
Special Edition: Couples Skate (Jukebox Takeover)
Wild Harbors in Paris: Safety Is Overrated
@45RPM Did The Joshua Tree Fall on The 77s? (More Roe From The Cutting Room Floor)
More ”Alternative” Than You’ll Ever Be (Randy Layton’s Long Strange Trip)
@45RPM Charlie Peacock Revisited (From The Vault)
@45RPM U2’s Achtung Baby Jukebox Rewind
Outsider Art w Finster & Yingst + Mountain Goats on The Jukebox (True Tunes Live)
Tonio K. Walks On: Notes From A Lost World
Drew Holcomb Comes To Class
@45RPM Calling Out The Ghosts: JJT & Michelle Thompson (The Wayside) + Producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, Luxury) discuss new music
Prog Rock, Complex Art, & Cultivating a Discerning Ear: Neal Morse’s Epic Journey
Singing In The Choir w Nikki Lerner + Over The Rhine’s Nowhere Else Fest rocks the Jukebox
@45RPM David Bunker on Artist Care and Nurturing the Creative
Tyson Motsenbocker Loses His Milk Teeth (+ Madison Cunningham’s ”Revealer” on the Jukebox)
@45RPM What Good Is Music? (with Pastor Chris Williamson of Strong Tower Bible Church and Transformation Crusade)
@45RPM Creativity Will Save The World w Tom Willett (12” Extended Mix)
Bill Mallonee (Vigilantes of Love): From Americana’s ”Next Big Thing” to Indefatigable Digital Busker
Beatles & Outlaws: Ken Mansfield Comes Down From The Roof
Love Is Underrated: Undercover (+ What’s Shakin’ & Reality Rock on the Jukebox)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Immediately Kinfolk
This Next Song‘s About - A Songwriter‘s Podcast
No Jumper
Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin
OUT THE MUD PODCAST