Burlap to Cashmere Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Members

Johnny Philippides, Josh Zandman, Roby Guarnera, Scott Barksdale, Theodore Pagano, Steven Delopoulos, Michael Ernest

Biography

The alternative CCM group Burlap to Cashmere was led by the Brooklyn-based vocal/guitar duo of cousins John Philippides and Steven Delopoulus. Discovered by manager Jamison Ernest while performing in a New Jersey coffeehouse, the duo soon assembled Burlap to Cashmere, recruiting guitarist Mike Ernest, bassist Roby Guarnera, keyboardist Josh Zandman, drummer Theodore Pagano and percussionist Scott Barksdale; drawing on a vast range of folk and world music influences, the group soon began appearing at New York venues including the Bottom Line, Irving Plaza and Tramps, also building a national cult following on the strength of their extensive tour schedule. After independently issuing a live record in 1997, the following year Burlap to Cashmere signed with A&M to release their major-label debut Anybody Out There? ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide