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“An artist steeped in jazz, blues, and Americana who conveys complexities of the human condition with lyrics that are as deeply poetic as they are direct and conversational. ”
NEWS
Phil Madeira Lets Love Shine Through On Bliss, Out February 18; New Single Drops Friday
Phil Madeira Showcases Range on ‘Open Heart’ (No Depression)
Review: On The Rebound, Madeira Finds The Power In Healing (Associated Press)
Phil Madeira Looks Back on an Emotional Sliver of Time on “Shelter You” (American Songwriter)
Phil Madeira Seamlessly Fuses Jazz, Americana, and Folk On New Solo Album, Open Heart
Hear Emmylou Harris Guitarist Phil Madeira’s Moving Solo Song ‘Gothenburg’ (Rolling Stone)
Phil Madeira Premieres New Song ‘Crescent Park’ (American Songwriter)
“I love the songs of my friend Phil Madeira. His lyrics celebrate life and love while acknowledging the heartbreak inherent in both; they always make me smile.”
BIOGRAPHY
For those in his personal orbit, the idea of a happy Phil Madeira might seem a little… odd. They’re used to other descriptors. Talented? A given. Funny? Riotously so. Passionate? Exceptionally. Wry? Nigh-constantly.
But the past few years, both on a deeply personal and wider worldview level, there hasn’t been much that’s brought a true, joyful smile to the longtime music maker’s face. Until now. And Madeira’s happiness is gloriously displayed on his newest collection of songs, not-so-subtly titled Bliss.
This new project can be looked at as the completion of a trilogy (along with recent projects Open Heart and Hornet’s Nest) of albums that chronicle Madeira’s journey from a devastating loss, through the stages of grief, and finally, the celebration of new life and love.
The respected songwriter and longtime Emmylou Harris sideman retreated to the studio in 2021 with his longtime friends, bassist Chris Donohue and drummer Bryan Owings (both members of Emmylou’s Red Dirt Boys), as well as a few carefully selected guests and collaborators, to produce this stunningly joyous record.. . .
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“It’s the unabashed enthusiasm infused in every song in this set that gives the album an indelible identity. Little wonder then that ‘Bliss’ is so consistent and contagious”
“The uncluttered arrangements include occasional horns, strings and spot-on piano solos by Madeira. Ballads predominate, but the whole thing swings as the versatile Madeira — an ace sideman as well as a fine songwriter — flexes all of his musical muscles, from country to jazz. In the end, it’s all bound to the blues, designed to help make hurt go away.”
“When I was in The Civil Wars, one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of writing was when Phil was in the room. He’s kind, salty, quick witted, endlessly curious... he weaves stories into songs that feel like having a conversation with an old friend.”
“I’m really looking forward to Phil Madeira’s new recording. The man knows how to grind it.”
“Phil is a wellspring of words and music. You can always tell when you’re writing with someone, whether they are making widgets or, like Phil, communicating from the soul. Phil wears his heart on the blank canvas.”