Stripped-down production, rich melodies and a soulful voice remindful of fellow Brit native Paul Rodgers are hallmarks of a David Philips song and all are present on “Angel.” This is an advance single from his newest LP If I Had Wings, which is due to drop in March 2015 from Black And Tan Records.
The layers of sounds on “Angel” — the lush, multiple guitars, the harmony vocals, kitchen utensil percussion and even a hint of electronics — is at first blush a far cry from the back-to-basic sessions that produced albums that practically announced its humble incubation methods within its titles (The Rooftop Recordings and December Wine [4 Track Tapes]). Nonetheless, it all comes together in a streamlined fashion for “Angel,” with nothing there that’s more than what is needed, and nothing getting in the way of the song, a pretty, empyrean strain befitting the topic of his roaming ‘angel.’
David Philips had worked as a session guitarist in a prior life and the tasty, ethereal solo he drops in the instrumental break gives testimony to his advanced acumen in that department. It puts the cherry on top of this sweet sundae of a song.
A complete package as a lyricist, melody-maker, singer, guitarist and arranger, David Philips is the best singer-songwriter you need to learn more about. Visit David Philips’ website to find out more.
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