ere’s a special treat for you. Banjo Dan and Willy Lindner – known throughout the Northeast as The Sky Blue Boys – teamed up with a dynamic and entertaining musician who adds a new instrument (the upright bass), new styles (the blues, some funky jug band music, a hint of jazz), and even a new gender to “the Boys'” performances.
Carrie Cook brought her talents to The Sky Blue Boys for a few shows in 2017, and it clicked! The trio is now an option for promoters looking for a unique, authentic, and appealing program.
“We’d been thinking of adding a bass because with some venues, no matter how solid the music is, an acoustic duo isn’t a big enough sound.” says Dan. “A bass fills that bottom register and boosts the rhythm, while Carrie’s distinctive voice expands our vocal range and options.”
“Not just any bass player would do,” Willy adds. “We’re liable to jump from a Delmore Brothers song to a Les Paul instrumental, then swing back for some Everly Brothers, Hank Williams, or Jesse Winchester. Plus, our original material is often unconventional. We needed an adaptable, flexible player who could be simple and ‘rootsy’ one minute, then take off on an adventure the next.”
“Cookie” more than filled the bill. A lifelong bassist who played with the New York All-State Orchestra at age 16, she grew up surrounded by music, learning jazz from her father, classical music from her mother, and rural acoustic styles from uncles. She played with Pete Seeger on his storied sloop, the Clearwater, and in Vermont appears regularly on the infamous Groundhog Opry as well as Cookie’s Hot Club, Steady Betty and Girls’ Night Out. Now she’s found another home with The Sky Blue Boys & Cookie.
“Willy and Dan are real pros!” Carrie says enthusiastically. “It’s an incredible treat to play with them.”
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For bookings and additional information contact Dan Lindner at 802-223-6965 or banjodan@pshift.com
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Just released: Sky’s The Limit!
with The VT Bluegrass Pioneers, The Sky Blue Boys
and The Sky Blue Boys & Cookie
Samples