Mo Phillips
The Boat
2004, Figwine
Throwing his dusty hat into the even dustier singer/songwriter ring, Mo Phillips offers us The Boat. On its surface, Boat is well played, but deceptively, standard fair. But underneath all the mandolin, banjo, and what I’m guessing to be a Martin, there is a treasure chest of sonic gems. From the subtly Tuvinesque quality of Target Practice to the ring modulated guitar solo in Shadow and Light. There are little surprises hidden everywhere on The Boat, that demand multiple listenings.
Phillips possesses a gravelly nasal whine that is often reminiscent of Sir Neil and at times, John Prine, thankfully not overwhelmingly so. His phrasing and guitar style has a familiarity that at once evokes sadness and hope. In that things aren’t going very well right now, but this is now, that will be then, sort of way.
The Boat is fine listen by a fine musician, top notch production by Jeff Saltzman, and the CD art is pleasant and well designed. Phillips surely doesn’t rock The Boat, but there are some beautiful waves created in it’s wake.
- Music Liberation Project (Jan 30, 2005)