DAVID PHILIPS
The Rooftop Recordings
Black & Tan 037

www.black-and-tan.com
 

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, singer-songwriter and guitarist Philips moved to Barcelona, Spain at age 24 and has lately released two solo albums on the Dutch Black & Tan imprint (Heal Yourself Alone was the first) that were both recorded on the terrace of his rooftop apartment that sits atop a block of flats. This time around, all the windows and doors were purposely left ajar to allow the ambient sounds—mainly swifts and house-martins—to complement the stripped-down arrangements that are mainly Philips’ soulfully soothing voice alongside some deft fretwork on either guitar, dobro or ukulele along with a little foot stomping. First-listen favorites include the playfully philosophical “Our Own Hands,” the Townes Van Zandt-styled “Raised In The North,” a bluesy love song titled “When I’m Drunk” and the nostalgic recollection “South East Breeze,” that recalls Fred Neil. Fans of the Incredible String Band or John Martyn should also lend an ear.

— Gary von Tersch