Phil Gammage – Redeemed
Phil Gammage’s new album Redeemed continues his foray into timeless, old time bluesy, swing based music with plenty of contemporary roots rock. Set in the context of New York City with southern gothic overtones, the songs make you feel like you’re there amongst the people – through both the beauty and violence – even if you can’t be.
“Good Place” takes you on an easy stroll around a coffee bar with organ and a sunny day story about stores and folks in New York. What do they have in common? Various perspectives on “it’s a good place to fall in love.” ” Right On” starts off with lonesome hobo style harmonica in a tale of a mugging and doing time: “we all get some evil when we think we think we be good.”
“Woman in the Window” is darker with a southern gothic intro “the woman (in red) in the window, she seems all alone, spending all her nights talking on the telephone… I only see what she permits.” The title track mixes in a little more southern gospel in the style of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” through the lens of a modern troubadour’s tale in “I will be redeemed.”
“Serious Trouble” is dark with an early radio vocal filter, muted hobo harmonica, and plenty of bluesy guitar: “that girl is some serious trouble.” “Messages From the Grave” is a more haunting look at someone drinking whiskey as he sifts through someone’s belongings after they passed away, the process that we go through in the aftermath – when we find papers and “whatever was left will be the messages from the grave.” “Phil’s Boogie” is an enjoyable instrumental boogie.
This music is that of a hobo riding the rails and stepping out for awhile to walk the streets of New York City. Glorious, swingy, gritty, honest, and with a blunt acceptance.
Musicians on the album are Phil Gammage on lead and background vocals, guitars, harmonica, marimba, and keyboards; Michael Fox on drums, Jeff Gordon on bass; Johnny Young on keyboards; Brian Hack on guitar; David Fleming on harmonica; and Joe Nieves and Lizzie Edwards on background vocals.
Find more information on his website here: https://philgammage.hearnow.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Video Premiere: Phil Gammage “Message From the Grave”
Basic tracks were recorded at 30 Below Studio NY, NY. The album was engineered by Brent McLachlan, Tony Mann, and Phil Gammage. “Johnny Lee” was mixed by Tony Mann. Photography for the album was by David B. Schell with cover design by PreFab International Cine.
All songs were written by Gammage / Schell except “Phil’s Boogie” (Gammage) and “Prisoner of Love” (Russ Columbo, Leo Robin, and Clarence Gaskill).
