2 February: >>Click here<< to listen to mp3 song samples from Mr Yellow Tree
26 January: Mr Yellow Tree, album shipping. >>Click here for website orders<< Ode Records distributing Mr Yellow Tree, @ good music retailers from first week of February.
A note from Phil (Jan 28, reflecting on 09 and looking forward to 2010...)
I remember the first time I set foot at my favourite spot on the hill close to my home in Auckland, New Zealand. Little did I know, I was about to embark on one of the biggest projects of my life to date. With my guitar, tape recorder and a strongly brewed coffee, I sat and wrote on that bench, which became my best friend for the next few years.
Five years later after many hours of writing, playing, recording, editing, drawing and trying to make enough money to pay for everything, I finally completed ‘Mr Yellow Tree’. It was a long road but a good road and I loved every bit of it because I learnt so much about life, music, and the stories that the world had to tell.
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing this album complete. There have been so many people that helped me along the way but I can’t help having a feeling of gratification that I finally did it.
Thank you to those who have purchased ‘Mr Yellow Tree’ and for taking the time to listen to my baby. I am very humbled by the feedback that I have received and by those who have told me how much they related to the songs or how it has struck a chord with them. Thank you.
My highlights of 2009:
The completion of the album ‘Mr Yellow Tree’
Sitting in on the mastering of the album by Steve Smart at 301 Studio’s in Sydney, Australia
Being a top five finalist at the Apra Silver Scroll Awards with my song ‘Dancing on the Moon’
Performing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ with the APO at Starlight Symphony
Singing ‘Lady’ and ‘Dancing on the Moon’ for the first time on national television
Finishing the year on a high singing ‘Dancing on the Moon’ at Coca Cola Christmas in the park
I am so happy that my music has finally made it to the airwaves, cyber space and to music stores for all to enjoy. A personal highlight last year for me was when I was asked by someone in the audience to sing ‘Dancing on the Moon’. With them not realising that I was the guy who sang it, they came up to me afterwards and said “You sound exactly like the guy on the radio.” I just smiled politely and replied, “I think that guys got potential.”
So thank you to all those who had their part in the album, who I performed with, who attended my shows, who simply just supported me with their love, time and friendship. I’m very grateful.
As I say goodbye to 2009 I eagerly look forward to 2010, including more music and good times with you all.
Love Phil
