The answer? Jack Phillips. Night & Day is Phillip's newest album, dropping just last year. And truth be told, my first impression was that someone had thrown together a potential soundtrack for Rocketman 2. Apparently not the case, but you coulda fooled me.
The record opens with a mellow but hopeful "I Love New York," is getting plenty of attention on internet radio, and it is very easy to see why. While I find it to be a little slow for an album opener, I have to appreciate it's simplicity in its design and its reflective and happy message. The second track of the record, "I've Got Sophistication Too," is where we really see the musical genius of Phillips come to life in a damn-near flawless blend of blues and jazz. Personally, I think he ought to call it Blazz, cause Jues just doesn't seem right...
"Sophistication" brings some more horns into the mix, and what a welcome addition they are. Admittedly, there are a couple spots here and there throughout this song that could've used some more polish I think, after a certain instrumental break the vocals come back in and its a little bit of a rough landing. But it's very minor, in fact I forgot it happened as quickly as it did. I only am making note of it because being nit-picky is kinda my thing.
There's something expected, but unexpected about this record. It's charming and refreshingly nostalgic, in other words it sounds very vintage for a new record. It could have come from the classic jazz age, could have come from recording sessions during Elton John's career, or I suppose it could have come from 2020, because somehow it did. What makes this album unexpected, though, is the actual variety of sound you get with it. Phillips really takes full advantage of the full array of jazz and blues sounds, and on some tracks, such as "No One's Home," we get some funky flavors as well.
Some of the highlights of this record for me, are the parts when the bass takes more of a spotlight, because it adds such a deep groove to the sound, and it works beautifully with Jack's vocal style. I also love the use of harmonies, and some of the female backing vocals that we get here and there. A strong sonic presence on his own, Jack proves time and time again that he can sing and carry a song himself, but those backing vocals are very much appreciated, since you're asking me.
The record ends with "Down in the Jungle Room," a badass, jazzy-bluesy-funky instrumental that I had no idea I was waiting for the whole time. In my past I have discussed how instrumentals often bore me, and only a rare select few really grab my attention and hold onto me the whole time. Well folks, this is one of the fortunate few.
Night & Day - Jack Phillips
11 - 6 - 2020
Favorite Track: No One's Home
Least Favorite Track: Take Them To Manhattan
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