Phil - Profile

This article is one of a series on regulars at the club.

Phil first came to the folk club about ten years ago. He says he sings anything that takes his fancy but he has a strong affinity for early American rural music. He sings, and plays guitar and harmonica.

Phil's musical tastes developed by listening to skiffle bands and the AFN (American Forces Network) during his national service with the British Army of the Rhine (1954-56). While recovering from an operation about ten years ago, he encountered an excellent guitarist who encouraged him and taught him some of the basic skills required to play the guitar. Phil's hearing is now severely impaired, so he thinks it unlikely that he will improve his playing further.

Phil has a wide selection of music on CD and vinyl, such as hillbilly blues and string bands (The Carolina Tar Heels, North Carolina Ramblers, Carter Family and Memphis Jug Band)., and individuals and duos (Jimmie Rodgers, Cliff Carlisle, Kelly Harrell, Darby and Tarlton, Riley Puckett, etc.). He would like to know whether anyone else is interested in this type of music.