Phil Christie: Press

It's not often you hear a voice as strong as Phil Christie's. Though he keeps it well leashed, the potency and muscularity reverberate in every verse he sings. Another of those highly talented Canadians, he took very broad inspiration from fellow countryman Gordon Lightfoot, one of my all-time favorite folkies and a guy who gets nowhere the milemarker status he should. Though promo lit credits John Denver, Neil Diamond, and Bruce Springsteen to Christie's column, and I have to admit I hear the Diamond/Denver thematics, forget those guys. Where I wouldn't give Springsteen the time of day, I'd stand in the rain to hear this cat. James Taylor is also brought in for kindredness, and that's much more agreeable. Christie's compositions reflect Taylor's nicely but still keep more to the distinctiveness of a Lightfoot or Bruce Cockburn—there's just something of the forest and brisk winter in the way a good deal of the Canadian folkies compose…save for Joni Mitchell, who caught the California sunlight perfectly.

Every cut of this CD is solid radio material, so don't expect experimentation, neoGoth, or sulky Gen X crying towels, Christie's way too vibrant for that, even when forlorn. Broken Angel is particularly exhilarating, written for a heartbreaking/heartwarming situation: Wendy and Kris Soderman's unusual Ideal School, founded to properly tend to one of their twin boys, who has cerebral palsy, unwillingly to relinquish him to the highly dubious mercies of the aberrant standard educational system. Listening to the song without knowing that tugs at the emotions; understanding the backstory brings a tear to the eye, but the song is at one with the work of Rik Emmet (another Canadian and a member of Triumph) and his perpetual fight-the-good-fight war cry. 'Ere long, some director's going to catch Broken Angel and insert it in a movie, making spirits swell.

The backing band is thoroughly professional though the drummer's hobbled by a bit too metronomic a duty. Either Christie or Steve Sheehan is playing a perpetually chord-picked axe, I'm not sure which, but it's like a rainbow running through most of the cuts. I'm certain, though, that Rearview Mirror doesn't represent the singer at his zenith; that's yet to come. You have to hear his voice to understand. Christie has the presence and sturdiness of an opera singer, but that's not his gig. I don't know what would be, but when he hits the mode that will take the full measure of his prowess, a cyclone will cut through the charts. Trust me

Canadian Singer-Songwriter Phil Christie shines with his song “Rearview Mirror”, with beautiful lyrical imagery and Contemporary Folk production and songwriting. His new Album also named “Rearview Mirror” has just been released. Fans of David Wilcox and Gordon Lightfoot will appreciate his music. This artist is one to watch.
www.PhilChristie.com
RATING: ***** (5 out of 5 Stars)

Back in the heydays of James Taylor and Jackson Browne, there were second tier singer/songwriters that a lot of people liked more that were highly influential and very talented but just didn’t have that something that put them over the top. Christie is in the mold of those musical soldiers that felt more like a pal than an unreachable star, who didn’t drop the hits but left you with something more lasting. Think comparing Fred Neil to James Taylor. With some highly talented pals that know the ropes bringing home the sound, Christie’s tales of every day life are sure to ring a bell when you are looking for some meaty songwriting you can get into. It may not be vintage Dylan, but there’s noting wrong with vintage John Batdorf.

If you like your music richly mellow, flavored just right with equal doses of Americana and Folk, then Phil Christie, a Neil Diamond similar-sounder, is worth a listen. Blessed with a smooth, easy and clear tone, this Canadian is out with his latest, Rearview Mirror.

On an album filled with anchored emotion, Christie is the guy you play at night, late at night, when the candle flickers and the wine is working, when thoughts run and race -- when music does its best work. The multi-talented Christie – he draws major duty by producing, playing and writing here –has pulled together an album that’s not going to appeal to the hats and buckle crowd; rather, if you lean towards middle-of-the-road country that’s easy and melodic to the ear, this is for you.

Opening with the title track, a song that looks into life, love and loss from a backward glance, Christie moves through his album of soft ballads and reflective thoughts with easy style, backed by a band of seasoned musicians. Among the sound-makers are some noted names such as Doug Lancio (Gretchen Peters and Patty Griffin) on guitar and Barry Walsh (Gretchen Peters) on piano.

Tracks like the parochial “Montreal”, the powerful reverence of attachment heard on ‘Echo,” the up-tempo invitation to a freedom walk from love, “You Got It” and the sad rewards for love’s inattention, “Otherwise Engaged,” all reveal a singer/songwriter with depth, passion and talent.

With a warm and melodic voice, easy-on-the-ear tunes, all wrapped in fine musicianship, this, as mentioned, won’t race off the shelves clutched in the hands of some Toby Keith or Jewel fan. However, it will find an audience with those who appreciate late nights, the glow of a romantic candle and good wine.

Folk guitars travel over the highways. “Midnight moon on a night, muddy, black as coal, trail of dust and a heavy load. Everything I once held dear in my rearview mirror.” A familiar lonely tale, but told with new poetry. “Desert wind blows a tumbleweed up on the rise” evokes one feeling and a moment later “sunlight around her like a prayer” digs deeper into another feeling, a memory of my life lived, perhaps a bit callously. I’m sure some of my past would yell at me -> you weren’t looking, you were very callous. Ah. Takes good music to pull out confessions from a hard-hearted man. And Phil obliges with much good music. Shoutout tunes are the beautiful Random Acts Of Kindness, a tale of the small flowers I let slide through my fingers, and Me & My Guitar, a song that many people write but few succeed at. Phil succeeded. “Three chords and a simply melody opened up my heart and set me free.” Thanks for stirring my soul!

“Rearview Mirror” is the title track and one of 10 self-penned songs on a new CD by Phil Christie from Canada.

With a mix of Americana, folk, rock and country, he offers the listener a wide selection of several styles. The lyrics are about love lost, love won, unfulfilled dreams and dreams that could still come true. The singer claims to be very much influenced by musical legends such as Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor and John Denver.

In the number ‘Echo’, Christie glances back to the glorious history of the Indian Swan family where the grandmother of his wife comes from. In “Montreal’ he reflects with some nostalgia upon the time he spent in the land where he was born. The title track “Rearview Mirror” actually describes best what Phil Christie attempts to achieve with his CD: a nostalgic retrospective of his experience of the passed decennia. The rearview mirror not only shows pleasant things but also sad moments from one’s life. “Broken Angel” is an emotional and heart breaking story ending with a message of hope and admiration for the perseverance of those people hit hard by life. Christie is also concerned about the ups and downs of this planet and sings about it in ‘One World” and “Random Acts of Kindness”.

In “Me & My Guitar” he tells about his love for music and “how three chords and a simple melody” changed his entire life. “Rearview Mirror” is the story of a modern troubadour for whom singing is as important to life as is breathing. This resulted in a fine CD altogether.

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Christie set his sights on a career in music due to the influence of legendary singer/songwriters Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, John Denver, and James Taylor. After much perseverance and after following in the footsteps of notable artists, he released his early recordings in 1999. This was followed in 2002, with Summerstown.

Phil Christie is a songwriter, that much is obvious from the first listen to this disc. Clear, smooth vocals and an impressive range are wonderfully displayed in this album, from the frivolous, 'Karl the Koala' to the spooky blues of 'Skeleton', the Spansih influenced Carlmelita and the poignant 'Mother's Day.' The album has been produced in such a way that it complements the music and at no time feels overproduced. From the title track, Summerstown to what for me is the stand out track ,Old Man Jacob, rich storytelling and heartfelt emotions fill the tracks, and the characters and places are painted so vividly I feel as if I know them and their towns intimately. Dream of Colorado allows Christie to almost pay homage to John Denver and the place he loved so much, perhaps as a thankyou for the inspiration. It paints a beautiful picture of a beautiful place.

Suffice it to say that Summerstown is the place where great music of the present meets the influences of its creator's past, and everyone ought to pay it a visit in order to enjoy its charms

“I like your skeleton, baby. I like your style. I like your collarbone and your suicide smile. The way you hang there seems to light up the room. Just like some Joan of Arc before she was doomed.” What a great pick-up line, LOL!!! The story continues, with the band pushing the funky dance to the border of texas and louisiana. Great fun. “There’s just no telling how the storybook ends.”

“I highly recommend Phil Christie's "SUMMERSTOWN" album. It is exceptional. It's one I wish I had produced.”

“Phil Christie's experience and strong vocal ability can be clearly heard in his music. Hundreds of live shows and a variety of experiences have a way of polishing a singer. I was very impressed with his movie and television musical experience but more so with his clear voice and descriptive lyrics. Creme rises to the top and so has Christie.”

Christie is a great composer and singer. The SUMMERSTOWN album is well produced and the sound quality is rich. I'm adding "Summerstown" in a hurry on my playlist.

Just received the album "Summerstown" by Phil Christie. The album is full of honesty, creativity and dedication. From the first to the last word and note, we believe what we hear, there's plenty of talent on this release and I just wonder how this pearl is not on a major circuit or at least at the top of the indies scene.

Industry, follow this man, he is more than a singer-songwriter. He's a REAL MUSICIAN.

Phil's CD has been played constantly since it has been received here at QBN FM 96.7

Four Stars!

Summerstown is a CD that I've enjoyed listening to at home as well as playing on air. My first impresssion was that here is the 2005 "version" of Gordon Lightfoot as some of the songs do have that Lightfoot sound but on further listening I realized that while Phil has been influenced by Gordon Lightfoot, he has been able to effectively create his own unique sound that ranges from country rock on the title track to a ballad sound on "Mother's Day" and even Spanish on "Carmelita" and a touch of blues on "Skeleton". Other influences that come through are from Neil Diamond. All in all a great album that showcases Phil's skills both as a songwriter and performer.

Thank you for your cd... I have listened to "Summerstown" and I find it quite simply perfect.