Reviews

Artist:Phil Christie
Album:Summerstown
Label:Laurent River Records
Tracks:11
Website:http://www.myspace.com/philchristie

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Christie set his sights on a career in music due to the influence of legendary singer/songwriters Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, John Denver, and James Taylor. After much perseverance and after following in the footsteps of notable artists, he released his early recordings in 1999. This was followed in 2007, with Summerstown.

Phil Christie is a songwriter, that much is obvious from the first listen to this disc. Clear, smooth vocals and an impressive range are wonderfully displayed in this album, from the frivolous, 'Karl the Koala' to the spooky blues of 'Skeleton', the Spansih influenced Carlmelita and the poignant 'Mother's Day.' The album has been produced in such a way that it complements the music and at no time feels overproduced. From the title track, Summerstown to what for me is the stand out track ,Old Man Jacob, rich storytelling and heartfelt emotions fill the tracks, and the characters and places are painted so vividly I feel as if I know them and their towns intimately. Dream of Colorado allows Christie to almost pay homage to John Denver and the place he loved so much, perhaps as a thankyou for the inspiration. It paints a beautiful picture of a beautiful place.

Suffice it to say that Summerstown is the place where great music of the present meets the influences of its creator's past, and everyone ought to pay it a visit in order to enjoy its charms.

Helen Mitchell

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