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Reviews:

Little Phil "Out Of The Shadows" (Coffeehouse)

*** 1/2 Stars - Now he may look a bit like a country singer but "Little Phil" is big on soul music. I mention this 'cuz of cut #4, "White Boy". He sings "Some criticize me, some surprise me/Yes, when the call me a wannabe/A little blue-eyed soul never hurt nobody/Yep, so I'm gonna do as I please/At a hole in the wall is where you'll find me/Every Friday night and Saturday too... cuz that's enough to make a white boy sing the blues!". I think this is the first song I've known that self consciously addresses the prejudice some have against a caucasian trying to sing black music. Phil sings his heart, nay soul, out with a voice that reminds me a bit of Don Henley or Joe Walsh singing deep soul... and he sells it.

The set commences with "Get Over Yourself", a rolling soul blues with a band deep in the pocket and a memorable hook. Just to show he's got the cajones, he follows that with a strong rendition of Wilson Pickett's "I Found A Love". He also nails "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" later like he's got something to prove.Then he shows he's hip to the modern Soul/Blues genre by covering an O.B. Bryant song (not exactly a household name). "Blues Party" is a funky little number that namechecks some stalwarts old and new: Clarence Carter, Mel Waiters, Marvin Sease. I really believe Phil listens to this music. I'm sure producer Rick Phillips does too (he also wrote or co-wrote the four originals here). He presents an authentic backdrop of organ, bass, guitar, drums and horns (sometimes programmed though you barely notice). "She's My Baby" is a classic soul gem and a prime example.

This project was tastefully done and these folks have good taste. Yes, Phil wants to be a soul singer but he's no "wannabe". Welcome to the club kid.

Blues Critic Reviewer:
Dylann DeAnna
BluesCritic.com