Coming off the back of seeing Charlie Parr and Guy Davis last week, tonight completes the trio of great one man shows by superb musicians and singer songwriters. It’s taken Phil twenty years to release an album proper under his own name and let’s hope it’s not another twenty till he releases his next.
The two set alternates between tracks from one of the best albums of last year, his fine ‘Southland Mission’, covers and standards. He takes us on a musical history lesson from gospel, blues, country, Americana all wrapped in a west Coast Laurel Canyon seventies vibe that’s still fresh and relevant today.
Humble as ever Phil dedicates various tracks to family members and it’s clear that family and music are his great passions. He seems genuinely pleased to be here away from the traditional music hangouts of London and we are more than pleased to welcome him out here in the sticks. He’s a fine guitarist anf his voice has a lovely mellow quality but also has a good range that I hadn’t noticed before.
In an evening full of highlights, there are many heartfelt songs that hit the button but for me his version of Charlie Parr’s “1922” and tracks “Aint it sweet” and “Gone” really stand out.
Can wait to see him again in December in his other day job as guitarist with Hiss Golden Messenger
Keep on rockin y’all.