A setlist of magic..

Last night I found myself at The Elwood Lounge, a local I had avoided for some time now for no real reason. The man who finally drew me back there? Simon Phillips. There has been a lot of talk on my blog about this guy. The issues have raised a lot of discussion and internal dialogue many times. I'm so glad that I held on to a little bit of faith and relented. It was so worth it.

Now, I have been a fan for many years. I have seen Simon play small venues with just his flamenco guitar and I have seen him take to the stage in other venues with a full band. I have been inspired constantly and touched and moved and every other joyous word that true music can bring you. I have admired his humbleness, conviction and talent. Those facts will never change.

I dont want to go into every magical detail of the gig... well maybe I do. But I wont. I'm content to just say that after a chat he took the small setlist I gave him, told me it was an honour and proceeded to play every song that I had written down (granted there were only 4, I'm not that greedy). And although the many drunk patrons threatened, on occasion, to ruin the atmosphere, I must say again that real musicians like Simon Phillips are just magic to watch.

Time and time again.

Do yourself a favor..

..and check out Simon Phillips. He writes amazing songs about real issues, and he plays a flamenco guitar. He is one of those rare musos who truly does it for the passion and not for the money. What else do you need? Ok he may also do a kick ass cover of 'billie jean' if you ever see him live. Here is his bio.


Simon Phillips combines his West Australian roots with highly trained and well travelled musicianship. He seems to execute complex music without alienating audiences. After a Bachelor of Music degree at the West Australian Conservatorium and a trip to Brazil, he joined the Sydney Latin Guitar Duo – Urban Gypsies. The duo busked in streets and market places for two years finally earning enough money to record the album 'Sauvage', released through MGM and promoted through SBS, local media, the ABC and receiving a 3/4 star review in The Sydney Morning Herald. Following that he released and promoted his solo album, 'Songs For Leaders', and having written new songs, relocated to Melbourne. His latest album 'Tuesday Night At The Espy' captures a live performance at the famous Melbourne venue - The Esplanade Hotel. The songs are acoustic guitar driven contemporary tracks with drums.

So yeah, check it!!