Big Muddy Folk Festival
Boonville, Missouri
April 2—3, 2004

Phil Cooper and Margaret Nelson met more than 20 years ago at an open mike session and discovered a shared fondness for strong stories set to beautiful tunes, especially the traditional English and Scottish ballads, the slow airs of Scotland and Ireland, and contemporary songs with the same feel. Margaret sings with a velvety alto voice rich enough to magnify the beauty of any song, and Phil’s guitar style, reminiscent of Martin Carthy, shows subtly and power – “harp like at times--and a perfect match for Margaret's” singing. In l995 they teamed up with friend and singer Kate Early, comprising a trio that features fine harmonies, guitar, cittern, bowed psaltery, whistle and a passel of rhythm instruments.

They have been called “stalwarts of the Anglo-Irish tradition,” and ballads and traditional tunes are still the bedrock of their repertoire. It is a rare group that treats traditional music with deeper respect and integrity. Lest you think they take themselves too seriously, however, take note of their banter with an audience and introductions of their tunes. Their performance is dusted with puns nearly as cruel as the murder ballads they sing and a sense of humor that occasionally stretches to the absurd.