Cafe Nights In New York

Well, I must say I was very intrigued when I started this project. I was familiar with the composer/performer Jack Phillips' work as a pop-rock artist, but I didn't have an inkling that he was familiar or interested in the Classic American Song Book. Then I was even more surprised to find out how much he knows about the likes of Cabaret artists such as the wellknown Cole Porter authority Bobby Short. Mr. Short is famous for his long, long run at New York City's famed Upper East-Side Supper Club the Caf Carlyle. Unlike entertainers who mostly perform classic material. Such as Diana Krall, Michael Buble, John Pizzarelli and Steve Tyrell, Mr. Phillips wanted to write all new material for his foray into this style of musical entertainment. When he approached me, he had worked out four songs with the wonderful pianist Conal Fowkes who is responsible for the lovely keyboard work on this CD. Jack and I collaborated on six more compositions to complete this project. I can say it was great fun producing this CD with the generous help from Mr. Fowkes along with bassist Pat O'Leary, drummer Klaus Suonsaari and the fantastic multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson. Jack's song The Old Grey Hat was inspired by a line in a Woody Allen film. Since Jack is a fan of Woody's clarinet playing I called in the Trad inspired clarinetist Dan Levinson. I may be a bit prejudiced, but I believe Jack's first step into the waters of the Classic American Song Book is well worth checking out. Jack's back and it's something all new. Eddy Davis Producer and Arranger.