Acclaimed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips will be releasing his ninth solo album, Widdershins, on February 23, 2018, via Yep Roc Records. Phillips recently revealed a new video “Walk In Circles,” the third single from the forthcoming album. Of the track, Phillips says, “‘Walk In Circles’ is a declaration of dependence…on the earth, on peace, and ultimately each other.” Watch it below:
“Widdershins…it’s an old word,” says Phillips of the album title. “Moving counterclockwise, spiralling backwards. The album begs the question, in what direction are we moving?” Phillips delves into man’s primitive nature on “The Wilderness.”
Recorded over four days at Sound Emporium in Nashville, the new album, Widdershins was produced by Phillips (guitar/vocals/keyboards) and cut largely live in the studio as a trio with Jerry Roe (drums) and Lex Price (bass). Mixed by Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket) and engineered by Mike Stankiewicz, the album delivers its poetic truths in Phillips’ peerless melodic sensibilities, relayed via vocal performances that balance intensity and vulnerability.
The California-born singer, songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, actor, film composer and visual artist began his career in the early ‘90s as the frontman of the acclaimed trio Grant-Lee Buffalo. Once named “male vocalist of the year” by Rolling Stone, USA Today called him a “soulful balladeer” and Uncut hailed him as a “distinguished U.S. songwriter”.
For his last album ‘The Narrows’, reviewed here, Mike Davies declared that Phillips was just warming up. He may have been right.
UK TOUR DATES:
April 18 — Hare & Hounds — Birmingham
April 19 — Philharmonic Music Room — Liverpool
April 20 — Deaf Institute — Manchester
April 21 — King Tuts — Glasgow
April 22 — Brudenell Social Club — Leeds
April 24 — Portland Arms — Cambridge
April 25 — The Lantern — Bristol