Phil Perry

PHIL PERRY LEAVES US “BREATHLESS”

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Phil Perry has a voice that is timeless and intoxicating. For decades, the storyteller has created music and moments never to be forgotten. Phil has shared his gift with artists such as Quincy Jones and Chaka Khan. The legendary Al Jarreau fondly referred to Phil as the “real deal,” a sentiment everyone shares. “Breathless” is Perry’s 12th album, and quite honestly, it will take your breathe away. Collaborating with his long time friend and producer, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, once again proved to be a formula for success. Phil says that with them, it’s about “friendship and relationship. However, the music is paramount.” He says his music feels like home. When listening to songs like “Someday We’ll Meet Again,” “Moments In The House Of Love,” and his cover of “Loves In Need Of Love Today,” you are sure to feel the same way. On “Breathless,” Phil says: “I’m just a mouthpiece.”

Listen to my friend and I talk all things music:

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“A BETTER MAN”……HE IS PHIL PERRY

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With a career spanning 46 years, Phil Perry encapsulates what it is to be “A Better Man.” The vision for his latest album is simple yet powerful, and it stems from realizing that at this point in his life, he still has room to grow into more than he is. Perry says he wanted the album to “touch on different facets of relationships, from different perspectives, be informative, enlightening, but entertaining as well.” Having an understanding of the importance of being “audience inclusive,” he has always been able to capture and engage listeners. The romanticism heard throughout the entire album is sure to warm the hearts of fans old and new. Taking this journey with Phil is his longtime friend and colleague, Chris “Big Dog” Davis. Together, they created a collection of eight original songs, two covers, and sailed into romance paradise. Phil invited Kim Waters, Rick Braun, and Howard Hewett to collaborate on the project, as well. Collectively, the album is intimate and romantic with a twist of old school and infused with heartfelt sentiments.

Listen to the “hopeless romantic at heart” talk about how he believes in love:

Phil Perry 2

HOWARD HEWETT IS TIMELESS

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There are times when you encounter an artist who has sustained a successful career for decades. Howard Hewett has done just that. The longevity of his career can be attributed to his fans, his delivery of great music, and to being “evenly keeled.” Without a doubt, Hewett believes that “you must learn how to deal with circumstances, rather than let circumstances deal with you.” He learned this at a very young age, and it has remained his essential way of thinking, subsequently sustaining him. Although, his fans will always love the music from the past, they are still engaged and excited about his latest songs. Howard’s latest sexy thriller is titled “Better Guy.” It’s the second song released from his forthcoming project. Again, the “common thread for Howard is his vocals” no matter the style of music. The new album will be released through IEG – The Incendiary Entertainment Group, which Howard is a huge part of.

Howard and I have a candid conversation:

 

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KIM WATERS’ “SILVER SOUL”

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Kim Waters is celebrating 25 years of success, and as a token of his gratitude for the fans who’ve supported him, he has a new album titled Silver Soul which will be released on September 2nd. Kim’s been playing instruments since he was a young boy, so it is only befitting that he has sustained such a stellar career in music. He knows what it is to have No. 1 singles, No. 1 albums, and Top Ten Singles. That is the kind of success that Waters attributes to having the perfect formula and the talent to build a brand. He has the gift of expressing romance and love with his music, allowing the sax to be his voice. Simply put: Kim Waters knows how to write and produce songs that energize the love inside of all of us. With his wife, Dana, and his twin daughters, Kayla and Kimberly, as his source of inspiration as well as his fans, he wrote Silver Soul. The album differs from his others by having more vocals and an R&B flavor. The first single, Dreaming Of You, is doing great, and Kim shares that accomplishment with his daughter, Kayla, who played piano on the song. As to be expected from Waters, Silver Soul weaves a story of love. Collaborating with him on a pair of R&B songs is Dana Pope on Anything You Need and Eric Roberson on Laying Beside Me. In addition, Kim covered John Legend’s love song All Of Me  and Fireflies, originally done by his niece, Zendaya, who also sings on his version.

I congratulate Kim on his 25th anniversary, and we talk about Silver Soul:

 

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PHIL PERRY CELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN MUSIC

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The unmistakable voice of Phil Perry has graced us for over four decades. For generations upon generations who have loved his music, it is a gift to still have him sharing his talents with us. Although it has been 45 years for Phil in the music industry, it doesn’t feel like it has been that long to him. He is honored, fortunate, and humbled to have earned the respect of his peers for all these years. Perry has prided himself on his professionalism and feels that it has been a sustaining quality throughout the years. He is critical of himself when it comes to writing, yet he is led to write. His latest album, “Say Yes,” features some original tunes and some covers. The covers–although recognizable–are not the same. They have Phil Perry all over them. The album spent weeks on the smooth jazz charts as Top Vocal and Top 10. He collaborated with Chante Moore on the song “Where Is The Love,” and it has spent weeks as Billboards’ Top Smooth Jazz Vocal. Phil enjoys performing and always delivers more live than you can hear from simply pushing play. His success can be attributed to the fact that he is grateful for every chance he has to make music because it makes him a better singer each time. In addition, he attempts to leave himself in what he is doing, and that creates an emotional connection between him and his audience. Perry’s advice to anyone who wants to be in the business is to “make sure you love it, and love it to the degree that you’re willing to suffer for it. Because without suffering, there’s no growth.” I personally couldn’t agree more and have been profoundly inspired by his wisdom and willingness to share it.

From the porch of his home in California on a picture perfect day, Phil shares his story with me:

Phil Perry "Say Yes"
Phil Perry “Say Yes”

 

 

SAXOPHONIST AND VOCALIST MARQUEAL JORDAN

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Marqueal Jordan is a double threat in the world of music. The extraordinary musician is a gifted saxophone player and an amazing vocalist. He’s thankful for his vocal talent and has mastered how to use it. However, it’s the saxophone that compels him to push beyond the boundaries. Marqueal has been on the music scene for a long time. Early on, he showcased his talents with the funk unit “Fat Time.” Along the way, he had several opportunities to weave his way through genres such as R & B, Blues, and Jazz. Fortunately for him, in the long run, those experiences would have served him immensely. When he was asked by Brian Culbertson to join his band and go on tour with him, he did not hesitate. This was the moment for which he’d been preparing for many years. Since that time, Marqueal has collaborated with some of the very best artists in multiple genres of music. His skills and talents make him the perfect asset. Although he has spent much of his career as a sideman, Marqueal recently decided to step into the spotlight and embark upon a solo career. That decision has proven to be the right move for Jordan. His debut album is titled “Catalyst” and is full of songs that Marqueal says are “the best representation of himself.” His quest was to create a project that was a cross between Grover Washington and Maxwell. Ultimately, his work with friends and fellow musicians Brian Culbertson, DJ INC, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, and Frank McComb has led to this body of music that is nothing short of incredible. All of his hard work paved the way for such a time as this.

Marqueal and I had a great time talking about “Catalyst.”

Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan