Phil Madeira - Bliss (2022)

“Phil Madeira’s latest record “Bliss” is the exuberant followup to “Open Heart” and “Hornet’s Nest”, and completes a trilogy of albums that chronicle his journey from a devastating loss, through the stages of grief, and finally, the celebration of new life and love.

The veteran songwriter (Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Keb’ Mo’) and 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) and produced a stunningly joyous record.

With his heart ever on his sleeve, Madeira’s latest record reveals the joy of finding a soul mate. The musical influences are all over the map: To be sure, his jazz-blues influences are still present, but the record swings back to the Americana genre that has provided his launch pad; there are traces of Prine and the Beatles, and even Steely Dan.

“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride”, Phil jokes about his journey. Madeira came to Nashville in the 80s to be an artist, but wound up writing songs and playing all manner of instruments on the records of other artists, and still enjoys serving the art of others. That tribe includes a diverse group of artists including Mavis Staples, Keb’ Mo, Taj Mahal, Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Little Big Town, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, Vanessa Williams, Buddy Miller, Solomon Burke, and dozens more.

After producing two critically acclaimed multi-artist projects called “Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us”, Madeira realized it was now or never, and in 2014 released “PM”, his first record since 1996. But it was 2018’s “Providence”, a piano-driven tour de force, that garnered exceptional reviews and visibility as a songwriter’s songwriter. His albums took on an autobiographical mantle that has continued with “Open Heart”, “Hornet’s Nest”, and now, “Bliss”.

Madeira continues to tour with Emmylou Harris & Her Red Dirt Boys, while touring as a trio, and as The Red Dirt Boys sans Ms. Harris.

“Bliss” releases early 2022 on Mercyland Records, via Soundly Music.

TRACKLIST

01. Phil Madeira - This Little Boat
02. Phil Madeira - Star
03. Phil Madeira - Get to Me
04. Phil Madeira - The Longing
05. Phil Madeira - Lazarus
06. Phil Madeira - Not Afraid of Loving You
07. Phil Madeira - When I Take You Down to New Orleans
08. Phil Madeira - You Do Something to Me
09. Phil Madeira - I Won't Question Love
10. Phil Madeira - Angel
11. Phil Madeira - Don't Worry About Tomorrow