In 2019, singer, pianist, bandleader, presenter, producer, and educator Robin Phillips went on a road-trip on a Harley Davidson motorbike. His goal was “to retrace the path of jazz and blues in America, from Chicago to New Orleans”. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. He wanted to “better understand the art form he has dedicated his life to.”
There has been a documentary film of the tour, called “Back to the Source”, which has won prizes. Another project directly inspired by the trip is a new album of songs, “Return From The Source” which was launched last Wednesday 26 March at Pizza Express Holborn.
One member of that tour party was actually in the band at the launch: baritone saxophonist Stacey Dawson, caught well by the camera lens and great eyes of Matt Pannell.
The songs on the album have a strongly melodic feel, and cellist/backing vocalist Natalie Rozario brought this effectively and joyfully to the fore.
Robin Phillips once told me in an interview: “I suppose I have a lot of energy generally and especially when performing.” That is certainly true. He is an incredible instigator and project leader with admirable and seemingly off-the-scale energy vessels, and that was evident right through Wednesday’s show. Matt Pannell’s photo shows Robin and his eight-piece band (full list below) receiving their well-deserved applause from the virtually full venue. He has worked hard over a long period
The track from the album which is getting played the most is “Brother”. Robin does have an older brother, and the gratitude he expresses in the first verse is something he genuinely feels about him:
“I couldn’t be who I am, without the times you saw me through”
In verse 2 he thinks of a woman in the developing world being maltreated; verse 3 is about his mother, and verse 4 is anger at the exploitative nature of people who are already rich.
BAND
Vocals/piano: Robin Phillips
Cello/vocals: Natalie Rozario
Electric guitar: Louis Thorne
Trumpet: Luke Lane
Trombone: Sam Sankey
Baritone sax: Stacey Dawson
Acoustic bass: Rob Anstey
Drums: Alex Best
