BILL PHILLIPPE
PARADE
ARKANSAS STREET RECORDS
BLUES COME CALLING (HOME)–PROPER-SORROW–14TH STREET–IF I SHOULD LOSE MY MIND–SOLITUDE/A KINDER VOICE–EVERYTHING I HAVE IS GREY–PARADE–TONIGHT–LITTLE ZION–RED BERET–TAKE IT WITH ME
Bill Phillippe broke big onto the scene with his 2015 all-acoustic affair, “Ghosts,” detailing his journey thru the Delta a few years back to study the music, myths, and truths of that storied region. His latest release continues that exploratory theme, and is entitled “Parade. This one is also all -acoustic, with Bill on vocals and guitar, Ivor Holloway on clarinet, Swen Hendrickson on upright bass, and Glenn Hartman on accordion.
Of the eleven cuts, there are two covers that fit perfectly within the context of the originals that Bill uses to convey his message of “life is indeed a Parade,” and “no dream of life is spared” from it. As we listened, we likened this music to a unique joining of Delta blues with New Orleans-styled sounds, especially with the interplay between the accordion and clarinet.
Bill also uses these tunes to relate to life’s many varied experiences. There’s always gonna be some “Blues Come Calling (Home),” so, might as well “punch your ticket and take your seat!” Loneliness is addressed in “If I Should Lose My Mind tonight, will you love me anyway?” There’s the girl in the “Red Beret” who “whispers your name” and “whistles a tune, beckoning me,” to, perhaps, “come along and join the Parade!” And, in the end, nothing compares to that love of a good woman that you’ll “Take It With Me When I’m Gone,” Bill’s touching read of this Tom Waits classic.
Bill Phillippe continues to bring a fresh, avant-garde perspective to the blues, using visionary instrumentation to convey the message that life is a “Parade,” so let’s all embrace it! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
donandsherylsbluesblog 