Phil Cooper

Based in Illinois, this pair has issued roughly a dozen recordings while sustaining an active touring routine. Their performances deliver thoughtful, nuanced takes on traditional material sourced from Celtic, English, and American traditions. Cooper handles guitar with steady assurance and also plays cittern, drawing on numerous alternate tunings that lend strong support to each piece. Margret Nelson supplies bodhran, doubek, and spoons while offering clear, understated vocals. Though additional players appear on many of the albums, Cooper and Nelson maintain their essential character as a duo throughout.