Album Notes

Zach Phillips is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter unafraid to pigeonhole himself in the rock/folk/alternative-country category. Of course, this would not be completely accurate, as it would ignore his love of atmosphere and lush musical arrangements.

It would also ignore the fact that while he believes Bob Dylan to be a divine apostle, Zach admits to pulling out Kate Bush and Tori Amos albums on a cold winter night.

Zach has an interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, a quality that could spoil a lesser rock artist. He does, however, love satire and thinks Kurt Vonnegut is the best living American writer. He also thinks John Kennedy Toole's "A Confederacy of Dunces" is the funniest book ever written.

He's not much of a rebel, but still wears his hair longish.

He thinks folk and country music is misunderstood, grunge is overrated and punk is okay.

He thinks John Lennon's first two solo albums are as rewarding as any Beatles album.

He loves Bob Dylan's voice, and doesn't like cover versions of Dylan tunes for the most part.

His belief system leans to the left, but he thinks extremism creates destructive behavior.

He thinks laughter may be the sound at the center of the Universe.

He's only opinionated when given the platform (like now).

Zach loves people, and has been described as outwardly intense and loud, but inwardly peaceful.

"Still Night" is Zach's second album. It's a mellower, edgier CD than his first, offset by pretty arrangements and melodies. It has a warm, vintage roots-rock sound. It evokes the psychology of heartache. It captures the Zen release of too much heartache. It hints towards happier times, then delivers on the promise. It borders on sentimental, but is saved by its uncompromising rock n' roll spirit. It waxes the spiritual, but not too much. It has sad songs, it has a lot of love songs. It's accessible enough for the average listener, but still interesting enough for music snobs. It's pretty. It's edgy. It's intimate. It makes better sense after dark.

It was recorded in Zach's tiny basement studio with the help of several of the finest human beings and musicians alive today.

And, yes, Zach can be pretentious about his art, making him feel a close kinship with other singer/songwriters.

Similar Artists/Influences: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Whiskeytown, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Nick Drake, Elvis Costello (he's been told)