Phil Edgeley – In the Blood

Recorded at Noonah Studios in Sunbury, Vic. Mixed and mastered at Cloud Studios in Wyong, this long overdue album contains my latest originals, and, in contrast to my other recordings, songs written by artists who have inspired me over the years.

Review by John Williams

This CD grabbed me at first listening.
Phil is a great Blues guitarist and has a real blues voice and feel.
Originally from England he now resides in Australia, which is our good fortune.
Phil writes a lot of his own material which is showcased on this CD
The CD opens with two tracks by Phil ‘Broke Down Engine’ and Strength in You’.
They get you in straight away and leave you wanting more.
Next Phil tackles the amazing song ‘Beeswing’.
I love Roy Bailey’s version and this one is very different but all I can say is “Wow!”
I got a whole new experience from Phil’s version and played it quite a few times.
As an older man I had to laugh at Phil’s ‘Can’t Fight Time’.
As he says ‘Old age is inevitable so you may as well laugh about it.”
This song has a great message for all, after all as my father always said, old age is much better than the alternative.
‘All The King’s Horses’ is a very powerful track.
It is dedicated to a friend and really makes you think about life and death and the reasons for it all.
‘Fix It Up’ is a challenging track about our Earth and the way we treat it.
It really makes you think and could be adopted by any one of the groups trying to do the right thing by our planet.
On the CD Phil does great versions of Dylan’s ‘Girl of the North Country’, Leadbelly’s ‘Gallows Pole’, Chris Whitley’s ‘Living With the Law’ and Blind Willie McTell’s ‘Dehlia’.
He has a powerful voice and uses it to great effect in all the above cover versions.
Phil says in the cover notes that he wanted to pay respect to artists who have inspired him.
Believe me he does.
Phil performs every track with great passion and it shows.
You remember his voice and guitar long after the CD has stopped playing.
If you are a fan of the Blues you would find it hard to go past this CD.
In the immortal words of Molly Meldrum, “Do yourself a favour” and add it to your collection.
I am glad it is in mine.