[editor’s note: Knowing Bill, I expected a couple pages for this review. I was stunned when I saw four short paragraphs, but then I read what he had to say and other than adding that I dig every song on the record, I couldn’t find a better way to say any of it.]
Sitting down to listen to a few tracks by Sherrie Phillips’ new record, “Nobody But Me,”. I started out with her cover of Janis Joplin’s “Piece Of My Heart.” Wait a minute! What The?!
I had to listen to it a second time, cranked, with headphones! Holy germanium fuzzbox! I cannot remember the last time a band took my breath away like this (Yes I am an old fart). The band is tight and very much at ease doing this material. Sounds like they just came off the road. They own the music. The are not some modern slick band, they are punchy and gritty and noisy like the music is supposed to be.
But the vocals from Sherrie Phillips are the blonde blue eyed icing on the cake. Perhaps her voice brings out the best in her band. It’s been a long time since I had goosebumps because of the soulful singing of anybody. I am currently listening to a cover of “Fire” that is outstanding. And you’ve never heard a cover of “Sundown” like this one.
Her bio says she has been compared to Dusty Springfield, Janis Joplin and Beth Hart. And rightly so. But there is one song that shows more of who Sherrie Phillips really is, without being compared to any other artist. If you get a chance, listen to “Nobody But Me.” There is so much soul in this one song…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Elaborate if you need to…I think these are great songs and I really like her music a lot. She would be worth making the trip to Tennessee to see.
[note: that last sentence says volumes, it’s a two-day drive for Bill to get to Tennessee.]
We got to spend a few minutes talking with Sherrie the other day, and it was a true pleasure getting to know this Nashville wonder. The whole interview is here: https://www.midtnmusic.com/podcast-mid-tenn-listens-ep-54-sherrie-phillips/
You can find Sherrie Phillips at: http://www.sherriephillipsmusic.com