While not exactly recognized as a bluegrass hotbed, our region abounds with the kind of hazy rural folklore that fits that music. The members of the Varnish Cooks, now a four-piece with the addition of increasingly tradition-fascinated singer-songwriter Gregory Paul, began exploring "old-time" music as young adults, but continue to approach it with the convincing zeal of lifelong devotees. The Varnish Cooks aren't looking to present the music as frozen in time. Instead, they're intent on keeping it alive by allowing for improvisation - an element which they insist was essential to its original vitality. Ironically, this only makes the music more convincing, as does its subtle but strong suggestions of human moral frailty.