A journey along the highways and byways of America’s rich musical heritage, Phil Alvin’s debut solo album found him exploring a collection of vintage tracks that incorporated jazz, gospel and blues. Those familiar with Phil’s work with The Blasters might be surprised at the sheer depth and breadth of influence on Un “Sung Stories”, or maybe not. Collectively, The Blasters were a walking encyclopaedia and drew from a deep musical well, and that’s precisely the aesthetic Phil brings to this project as he stomps, stamps and struts to 10 prime Americana cuts.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a band more musically catholic than The Blasters, yet their focus on the more rowdier end of blues and rock n’ roll meant that there were certain genres that fell outside their remit, and that’s exactly where Un “Sung Stories” steps in. There’s perhaps no better introduction to Phil (and, indeed, Americana) than ‘Someone Stole Gabriel’s Horn’. It provides a carnival for the ears and immediately buries itself deep in your consciousness, and should have all but the firm and frail shaking their stuff (or at least those with a pulse). In stark contrast, the following ‘Next Week Sometime’ stands stark and bare, yet it is no less arresting. Phil’s rustic vocals are counterpointed by his bright, shiny guitar and the two combine to become all encompassing, and sound far bigger than their constituent parts. Un “Sung Stories” is an eclectic album that jumps between genres and tempos (and constantly shifting personnel) it hangs as a collective whole; each of these 10 songs has a strong narrative, and that’s precisely what stitches them together. Every song is a mini-novella that’s brought to life through Phil’s musical voodoo.

Perhaps the most intriguing collaboration on this record comes via Sun Ra And The Arkestra (in what proved to be the bandleaders last ever session) who appear on three tracks, most notably ‘The Ballad Of Smokey Joe’ (which also includes two other drug-influenced songs ‘Minnie The Moocher’ and ‘Kickin’ The Gong Around’). Sun Ra immediately evidences his genius by arranging them perfectly and his less-is-more vibe brings the lyrics to the fore, a lyricism that still sounds relevant almost a century later. Likewise, Sun Ra’s piano playing on ‘Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?’ brings an emotional quality to the fore that echoes throughout the years. While only one of these songs was written post-World War II (‘Daddy Rollin’ Stone’), Phil has brought a freshness to these songs which makes them sound as if they were written only a few months ago, as opposed to several decades. It’s a kind of suss that very few musicians possess, and the sting in the tail of final track ‘Gangster’s Blues’ is the kind of move of which only a few would think to take.

Along with a recent Blasters compilation, Un “Sung Stories” is the first in a major reissue campaign that will see the release of Phil Alvin’s solo work, along with that of his parent band, and on the strength of this release, we’re in for a treat!

Un “Sung Stories” is released via Liberation Hall and is available now.

Track List:

1. Someone Stole Gabriel’s Horn
2. Next Week Sometime
3. Ballad Of Smokey Joe
4. Death In The Morning
5. Old Man Mountain
6. Daddy Rollin’ Stone
7. Titanic Blues
8. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
9. Collins Cave
10. Gangster’s Blues