For The Universe
Omnivore, 2024
8/10
Even though this is his debut album, Jerry Phillips has a long history with music, as his dad was Sam Phillips of Sun Music fame, and these 10 songs embrace all that we’ve grown to love and admire about the sounds of Memphis.
“Number One Girl” opens the listen with an infectious energy, where Danny Banks’ animated drums and TJ Bonta’s lively keys suit the soulful and rockin’ spirit, and “Treat Her Like She Was Mine” follows plenty of retro fun, as Phillips’ warm acoustic guitar and cozy voice is met with Matthew Wilson’s playful bass and the bright horns.
At the midpoint, “I Like Everything I See” welcomes soothing backing vocals and radiant electric guitar thanks to John Paul Keith alongside Phillips’ dreamy voice, while “That’s All Right” benefits much from rowdy horns and a fiery rhythm section for the dance floor ready album highlight.
Near to the end, the nostalgic swagger of “New Pair Of Everything” showcases a timeless mood with no lack of melody and sincerity, and “Specify” exits with Rick Steff’s organ and well timed backing vocals courtesy of Susan Marshall and Reba Russell that builds into a gritty, blues climate.
A record that balances bar room rockers and country soul nods, there’s also plenty of Southern sensibilities and blues-rock to enjoy across this authentic and memorable affair.
Travels well with: JD Souther- You’re Only Lonely; Steve Young- Stars In The Southern Sky