Acoustic Singer/Songwriter with songs of love, loss and redemption.

11 MP3 Songs
COUNTRY: Americana, FOLK: Folk-Rock

Details:
Been an independent singer/songwriter and musician for over 30 years. Songs have taken me from church to pubs to prisons and been fortunate to collaborate with some of the best well-known Welsh artists on the way. Also had them feature on my albums. eg Wal Coughlan, (current bassist for Cerys Matthews); Nigel Hopkins. (keyboards Chris de Burgh). Also provided backing vocals on a number of artists' albums that in all honesty I can't remember.(sounds pretentious but true!)

As a solo artist, produced two albums to date in the acoustic genre. This Way Up! in 2001 and Shine Like You in 2005. Both received good reviews and airplay on a number of radio stations. Tracks from the last album playlisted by BBC Radio Wales and others still receiving regular airplay on Folk shows.
Lyrics-wise I'm a recovering melancholic! Someone once wrote I'd be great if only I lightened up! Truth is I never shy away from writing about uncertainty as well as hope and redemption. More recently songs have been penned on a lighter note, some being autobiographical and others complete fabrications! (Friends still come up and ask "did that really happpen" and " are you singing about your wife there?") I keep them guessing! Never wrote many songs about relationships til I was 40, then it all changed. Maybe you became more grateful the older you get!!)

Review - Shine Like You:

"The Welsh singer/songwriter produces an album of warmth, subtlety and deft musicianship. Pride of place goes to Phil's beautifully played acoustic guitar which when picking bluesy figures on "Take Me Back", finding clever jazz chords on "Be With You" or finding a haunting folk figure on "Best Years", always gives his hauntingly, wistful songs their depth and texture. This album is more than brilliant guitar work however. Phil's voice is expressive and easy on the ear, the arrangements, accompaniments are satisfyingly organic while his lyrics, taking in topics such as the ways of an unfaithful lover (Once Bitten), travelling home to that special loved one (Honey Blue) and childhood reminiscence (Best Years) are carefully crafted. And there are spiritual themes as well with the title track and its memorable images of light and darkness. All in all, a fine set from an eloquent songsmith."

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