Steve Phillips is the founding member of The Notting Hillbillies with Mark Knopfler. Visit www.stevephillipsmusic.com for more info or Mark's site at www.markknopfler.com/music/affiliated/
Steve Phillips also has his own band, The Rough Diamonds based in the UK. We're on MYSPACE as well - search it.
Steve Phillips also retains a band for Scandinavian works, The Blue Moon Playboys - again, search MYSPACE.
Influences
Where do I begin? I guess Robert Johnson would be a good start and Blind Willie McTell oh and Lonnie Johnson hmnn I see this could go on and on.
Ooo I have to mention Muddy Waters and Big Bill Broonzy. But the girls, what about the girls. Well, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie are as great as any of the guys! (Hey look fellas I have to cover myself!)
Sorry guys but now it's got me thinking of my dream female singer .... Billie Holiday. She sang from the heart and soul.
I guess as someone picking up a guitar for the first time in the fifties and wanting to sing I was in awe of Elvis Presley. But in the Elvis package I was treated to the legendary guitar playing of Scotty Moore. I tried so hard to emulate that man.
I'm still thinking about the ladies .... Maria Muldaur. I bet you thought she was just 'Midnight At The Oasis' but check that girl out on her album, 'Richland Woman Blues' ... stands tall amongst any of those other ladies of the blues!
What about some of today's artists currently on the scene .... Madeline Peyroux, simply sublime. Richard Hawley, a breath of fresh air in the UK charts!
Nick Lowe ... the man is a UK national treasure!
Jerry Douglas ... the man is a USA national treasure!
Joe Brown ... get along to one of his shows and you'll see why he's still packing out theatres across the land.
I'll come back here again and give you some more hero's and heroines soon.
Sounds Like
Real music just like the good old days. Music from the soul played from the heart.
Blues, Swing, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, Boogie and more.
STEVE PHILLIPS:
Inspired by the grand early masters of Country Blues such as Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, Fred McDowell and Willie McTell to the urban performers such as Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, Phillips takes you on a musical journey stopping off en route to flirt with fifties RnB and Western Swing.
The enigmatic Mr Phillips, who in his usual attire, bears more resemblance to a 1940’s Mississippi showboat entertainer or cardhand - and a ’dandy’ one at that, is only outshone by his dazzling side-kick, a steel bodied resonator guitar.
Steve Phillips is perhaps best known for his works with Mark Knopfler since their early days together in the 60's as 'The Duolian String Pickers' to present day. Steve and Mark founded 'The Notting Hillbillies' band.
Please also visit myspace/stevephillipsandtheroughdiamonds
Sorry Steve....yesterday I had news, I will be busy on 3rd April so I can't be in Cotronei anymore to see you in concert.. :( I hope to do it next time. Cheers Angelo
Hello Steve, thanks for the add! I know your stuff since 1990 when I bought the Notting Hillbillies' amazing and unforgettable album. I am a big fan of Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits, I play guitar fingerstyle like Mark does and I am in love with blues and country music. Check out my profile for more info, audio and video....hope you enjoy it. Cheers from Italy! Angelo
