This week we are excited to talk with and listen to renowned clawhammer banjoist and songwriter Chris Coole. Chris Coole got his first banjo when he was 17 years old after falling in love with the sounds of folk and early country music. Today, Chris is known internationally for his clawhammer banjo style, songwriting, and singing.

Apart from his own albums, Chris can be heard as a sideman and/or producer on over 150 recordings by artists such as Sylvia Tyson, Jim Cuddy, Natalie MacMaster, Cara Luft, John Reishman, April Verch, Justin Rutledge, The Slocan Ramblers, and David Francey. Chris is also a sought-after teacher of both banjo and guitar at workshops and festivals across Canada and the U.S.

Apart from solo performances, Coole plays regularly with Ivan Rosenberg, The Lonesome Ace Stringband, and The David Francey Band.