[dcab-l] Phil Rosenthal back in Washington

Bluegrassers:

 

I just thought to mention how much I enjoyed Phil Rosenthal’s wonderful house concert at Sully Stevens home quite recently.

 

Phil, former lead guitarist and singer for the Seldom Scene, visited the area from his home in Connecticut, and played two gigs in Washington environs, Sully’s House Concert, and Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, Md. (with Tim Finch, Tom Gray, Mike Munford, and others).

 

Phil did the house concert as a solo act, and the Rams Head with a six piece bluegrass band.  He entertained the audience at Sully’s with his rich warm vocals, accompanied with open backed banjo and his legendary Martin D-28.  He can still smoke that Martin!

 

I specifically remember his renditions of “Our New England Home” and “Open Up the Window, Noah”. He had an instant rapport with the audience: like coming home.

 

We got a chance, before the concert, to sit together in a corner, and renew acquaintance. A wonderful gentleman, and an accomplished musician.  As expected, he’s doing quite well!

 

The current news with Phil is that he and his son Daniel, a jazz trumpeter, have produced a new CD entitled “Fly Away”, which includes elements of bluegrass, folk, jazz, and even some rock.  Father/son harmonies are also part of the new project.  Dad and son are billing themselves as: “The Rosenthals”.  You can check “Fly Away” out at his home page: www.TheRosenthals.org. Be aware that the web page will be totally active in a few days, and  purchases will be enabled.  You’ll also find “Fly Away” on “CD Baby”. Or, you can grab a fresh CD ($15) from Phil himself at:

                 Phil Rosenthal

                 P.O Box 270

                 Guilford, Conn.  06437

 

Phil also mentioned that “The Rosenthals” played the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival last summer, and were quite well received!  Bluegrass ears have evolved over the past 40 years, and folks appear amenable to a slightly different sound.

 

Thanks, Phil!  Great seeing and hearing you!

 

Ed