FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Artist: Hugh Phillips,
Album: It’s Been A Long Time,
Release date: October 31 2020
Label: String Kitchen Music
Contact: stringkitchen@gmail.com
The buzz around Hugh Phillips’ freshman release is palpable, almost a year in the making he is finally ready. As a lifelong auto technician this says a lot given his midlife turn-around to pursue professional music in 2010. Hugh has a natural talent to song writing where he’s able to sit down and come up with a tune that has a great story with emotion we all know as humans on this earth. This record exemplifies this through his descriptions in songs like Hydrocarbon Heaven and Just a Little More. The feeling of place and friendships is real, since Hugh has had a connection with the western landscape since a boy.
Produced by Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording in Tennessee, the sound and arrangements are stellar. Mougin is known for work in the bluegrass world, as well as producing plenty of great sounds from reggae to rock and country. In his studio in Goodlettsville, Stephen and Hugh went to work as producer and executive producer respectively, on creating the magic that the record is, through appropriate timings, openness and instrumentation. The solos and interludes on tracks like Jack Devise and Bird Song resonate clearly, invoking a beautiful and well-rounded sound engineered by Mougin.
The record features incredible musicians too. First is Hugh’s vocal with a unique old school vibe. Steve Dawson likened it to Jay Farrar of Son Volt fame after laying down the HI-Ways track. Hugh also played the rhythm guitar on all the tracks adding to the overall feel.
Speaking of Steve Dawson you can hear the timely slide and pedal steel work throughout the album.
The rhythm section is comprised of the powerhouse duo Chris Brown and Todd Parks of the Sam Bush Band.
On lead guitar were two folks that bring a wealth of experience and talent to the table. First is Corey Congilio, a guitarist versed in all contemporary styles. At one point Hugh was laughing after he added this metal sounding riff that just nails the flavour of Jack Devise.
Next, James Mitchell, rips it up on Steel Driver’s Lament with his fast and accurate tele work. He brings a country sound as well as adding a psychedelic factor in For the Love of Whiskey. James has played on Grammy nominated and #1 albums with artists ranging from Cole Swindell to Willie Nelson. He used a vintage Gretsch hollow body in addition to the telecaster.
Steve Thomas lent his amazing skills to the fiddle and mandolin on the record. He is a versatile musician that has played with many country artists and toured with Sonny Osborne and Barbara Mandrell, among others.
Ned Luberecki is featured on Steel Driver’s Lament playing banjo. Ned is known for work with many artists including his current work with the Becky Buller Band. He was also was named Banjo Player of the Year in 2018 by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Rounding out the record is Stephen and his wife Jana along with Alan Bartram on harmony vocals. None of these players are slouches when it comes to vocals. Listen for the sweet 3 part harmonies on Rain Dance and Hydrocarbon Heaven. Alan has played bass most recently with the Del McCoury Band and Travelling McCourys. Stephen Just released his first solo record which also features Jana on vocals.
As a whole the first release from Hugh Phillips is one amazing record and should please audiences worldwide. Much can be credited to his upbringing in music and creative drive to write songs for the folks who live in the western frame of mind.
Available October 31 2020, on all platforms, Airplaydirect.com, and physical copies at www.hughphillipsmusic.com