Adam Hammer and Dave Cofell are no strangers to taking the spotlight solo with their infectious songs and stories. But when the two team up to split the bill, something incredible happens.
Somewhere along the line between Hammer’s intricate finger-style guitar playing and fluid lyrics, and Cofell’s heartfelt vocals and folky blues style, two acoustic worlds collide. The result is often unexpected and always memorable.
Hammer has lived a life well beyond his years and it all comes through in song. His story is one of fatherhood, homelessness, love, addiction, recovery, pain, comfort and unity told in front of a backdrop of his own unique style of "tattooed folk" – melodic acoustic music, highlighted by an indescribable aggression.
After more than a decade of performing with hard rock and alternative bands in front of crowds ranging from three to 30,000, Hammer went solo and taught himself his unique finger-picking style while living in Nashville in 2002. He has released three solo EPs, including 2008’s “Tattooed Folk EP” and his most recent release “From the Basement,” which hit the shelves in August. “From the Basement” is a preview of things to come from his upcoming solo full-length and Adam Hammer & the Impact side project releases due out later this year.
Cofell has been a fixture of the Minnesota music scene for more than three decades. His vast repertoire spans from folk to blues to rock to roots and even a dash of country. He started performing both solo and with bands in high school in the early 1980s and has since toured throughout the Midwest with shows at some of Minnesota’s top venues such as First Avenue in Minneapolis and Stephen B. Humphrey Auditorium in Collegeville. He also has toured Europe with a sold out performance in Hamburg, Germany.
Cofell is a prolific songwriter who most recently showcased his abilities on his debut solo CD “The Road Ahead” in 2009.
Hammer and Cofell put their efforts together in 2009 after meeting at open mic night at The Local Blend in St. Joseph, Minn., where they are now co-hosts and are on a mission to build community through shared music. They also have taken to touring throughout Minnesota with about 50 shows under their belts in the last year including performances at the Pioneer Place on Fifth Theater in St. Cloud and the Rochester Art Center in Rochester. Their show follows a song-for-song format where they back each other up on a mix of original progressive folk, blues and their own blend of "black and blues." Hammer and Cofell also throw in a few choice cover songs and remade renditions of familiar tunes.