Jerry Phillips – For the Universe
This Phillips is the son of a rock n’ roll legend who wasn’t an artist. Sam Phillips was the owner & innovator of Memphis’ independent record label Sun where Elvis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins & Jerry Lee Lewis were among many legendary performers who passed through those Union Avenue doors of the Memphis Recording Service.
These 10 assertive country flirtations from Jerry’s debut For the Universe (Drops Aug 23/ Omnivore Recordings/Rock On/37:19) were produced by Halley Phillips & Scott Bomar & recorded in Memphis, TN. Jerry’s a musician & producer & he’s been around the barn a few times. He isn’t the only offspring who made a mark in their father’s business.
Roy Orbison’s son sounds like Roy, Rocky Burnette, son of rockabilly artist Johnny Burnette hit with “Tired of Toein’ the Line.” Cousin Billy Burnette, son of Johnny’s brother Dorsey is a solo artist & former member of Fleetwood Mac. Elvis’ late daughter Lisa Marie & John Lennon’s son Julian both charted & Johnny Cash’s daughter Roseanne & son John Carter Cash have charted. Zak, the son of Ringo Starr is a drummer. So, Jerry’s in good company. The tradition & vocal prowess of the region are still delivering.
Vocally on the opening tune “Number One Girl,” & his original song not the Elvis’ classic of the same name — “That’s All Right” finds Jerry sounding close to blues rocker Mason Ruffner (“Gypsy Blood”).
But, by “Treat Her Like She Was Mine,” Jerry’s firmly in his domain with soulful backing & a vocal style that sprouted from the 50s. It’s not retro, Jerry just has nostalgia in his tone. Not letting go of that nostalgia he employs a very Liberty Records 60s style chorale & strings to “She Let Me Slip Right Through Her Fingers.” A pleasantly arranged country ballad that would’ve been a good cover in the voices of George Jones or Jim Reeves as well.
Jerry rocks out on “24/6 Not 7” & “Specify” — I think Jerry Lee Lewis & Paul Butterfield are proud.
Can’t spite a man who drives a 50s Bel Air that looks that spiffy.
Highlights – “Number One Girl,” “Treat Her Like She Was Mine,” “She Let Me Slip Right Through Her Fingers,” “Black Widow Eyes,” “I Like Everything I See,” “24/6 Not 7” & “Specify.”
Musicians – Jerry Phillips (vocals/acoustic & electric acoustic guitar), Marc Franklin (horns/horn & string arrangements), Danny Banks (drums/bgv), Matthew Wilson & Scott Bomar (bass/bgv), John Paul Keith (electric guitar/bgv), TJ Bonta (piano/organ/Wurlitzer/bgv), Eric Lewis (acoustic guitar/pedal steel), Rick Steff (accordion/organ), Spooner Oldham (Wurlitzer) & Lynn Jones (harmonica), Halley Phillips, Cindy Walker, Marie Lewey, Reba Russell & Susan Marshall (bgv), Kirk Smothers, Jim Spake, Gary Topper & Art Edmaiston (horns), Jessie Munson, Wen Yih Yu, Yennifer Correia, Jennifer Puckett & Jonathan Kirksey (strings).
CD cover image courtesy of Jim Herrington. An 8pp stitched color insert is included. CD @ Amazon &
http://samphillipsrecording.com/jerry-phillips-for-the-universe
