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CD Reviews of "One Plus One Equals Three"
Until a couple of years ago, Trudy Edgeley had been
quite content to manage English bluesman husband Phil's career, so all
I can say is thank goodness that she took those cajon lessons on the sly
and suggested a jam one night after one of Phil's national tours. Not
only did he find the percussionist of his dreams, but also a truly sublime
singer-songwriter whose music brought elements of gospel, work song, Pacific
Islander, and Indigenous melodies and rhythms to mix and match Phil's
love affair with the Mississippi Delta blues of the '30s through '50s,
with a dash of British traditional folk. They write separately, with Phil
bringing nine to Trudy's three songs to the table, with Muddy Waters'
"Can't Be Satisfied" and Curtis Mayfield's "People Get
Ready", the latter sung by Trudy, making up the baker's dozen plus
one, so Oneplusoneequalsthree is still pretty acoustic Delta blues-heavy,
and the contrast when Trudy steps forward adds another really powerful
layer to an amiable and, on the quiet, powerful collection.
Micheal Smith - Rhythms Magazine
On their latest release : "One Plus One Equals
Three", Phil and Trudy Edgeley bring it all back home- from dust-blown
worksongs to gospel-tinged country blues they tell of universal experience
at the same time deeply rooted in their own cultural understanding.
The idiom and instrumentation are at once familiar and fresh, lending
as they do, a colloquial expressiveness to a time-honoured form (and I've
got to say I'm a sucker for a tuba).
Glenn Skarratt's production manages to enhance the telling of these tales
without ever obscuring the message or distracting from the journey, and
a journey it is, as all the best roots recordings are.
These two tireless troubadours are indeed greater than the sum of their
parts."
Mark Lucas - Singer/Songwriter
I listen to the latest tasty
offering from Phil Edgeley and Trudy Edgeley titled oneplusoneequalsthree
and am transported along with them on one of their numerous treks around
this fantastic country without the physical opportunity to do so. As I
hear the marvellous word, sounds and culture oozing from this CD I can
only imagine what the audiences Phil and Trudy have entertained from around
the world have felt.The stories, the accents, the sounds, the music …
their curiosity must be off the charts to sample more of these two exceptional
musicians, wordsmiths and story tellers and a little more of our very
diverse lands. Great ambassadors!
For us here at home it is an insight into the stories from our heritage,
culture and lives. Outback campfire songs, Australian Roots, Blues, Folk,
so many niches to place them in but try and forget the tunes – no
way. They stay in your mind and visions and keep the enjoyment happening
long after you have hit the off button.All tracks are by Phil and Trudy
and while it has the distinctive ‘Edgeley’ sound with new dimensions
it differs on a few tracks as well. Trudy’s influence adds a mutable
slant to the forefront of the songs that I can only presume are the tracks
that are more her influence and thoughts If you were thinking of testing
new Edgely grounds think of that ad where they have you hooked already
and then say … ‘but wait, there’s more’ … this
is the more.
Debbi Lalor - WhatsonCentralCoast
CD Review of "In the Blood"
Born in the UK, Phil Edgeley now calls Ettalong
Beach, NSW, Australia home. Looking out of my window at the snow falling
and the slush rapidly freezing, I can’t help but feel a little jealous;
though listening to “In The Blood” it’s obvious the sunshine
suits his music. He plays a form of acoustic blues, which accommodates
an overt folk influence. Indeed, an early highlight of the set is his
cover of Richard Thompson’s “Beeswing” and his take on
Dylan’s “Girl of the North Country” is just as effective.
As good as the covers are, original material dominates the album, and
Edgeley’s a smart songwriter with tales to tell. Opener “Broke
Down Engine” takes inspiration from the Blind Willie McTell song,
“Strength in You” utilizes powerful imagery and “Can't
Fight Time” tells a basic truth with wit and charm without pulling
any punches. It’s an album that flows beautifully, and takes inspiration
from artists such as Chris Smither, Martin Simpson and Chris Whitley,
and that’s good company to keep.
“In The Blood” is Edgeley's first collection of new material
since 2007’s “Then And Now”, and there’s a palpable
excitement present in the whole album's enthusiastic execution. It’s
catching, and as a new convert to Edgeley and his songs, I hope I won't
have to wait too long before he finds his way into the studio again.
Phil S. - Leicester Bangs (U.K.)
CD Review of "Then and Now"
Phil is an ex-pat Pom who’s been living
for some years in the Newcastle (NSW) area. I've seen his name on various
festival lineups (Newcastle, Berry) but I'd never listened to him till
now. My loss, because boy, he sure makes some beautiful music.
It took me a couple of listens to tune into what I was hearing because
to my ears, Phil's songwriting features unusual structures, intonation
and phrasing (I know what I mean). And he has an interesting voice; a
sort of mix of Paul Kelly, Sime Nugent and JJ Cale.
Underpinning it all is his very nice playing of a range of resonators
and acoustic guitars (6 string, 12 string, baritone tricone, Weissenborn,
National Resorocket). There is some very sweet stuff happening here.
Very like Jeff Lang, perhaps without the flashy stuff.
He’s helped out by Roni Francois (bass, drums, piano, percussion),
Michael King (electric guitars), Christian Marsh (harp), Paul Rutter (fretless
bass), and Murray Campbell (djembe, Moroccan talking drum, Rain Stick)
and they all provide a very tasteful accompaniment and solos without overshadowing
Phil and his guitar. It's a very nicely mixed album; a lovely rich sound
that really rewards careful listening. It’s not an album to be listened
to in my car – the road noise covers up too much good stuff.
Put it on in a quiet moment and sit back and listen; it's well worth the
effort.
Phil's storytelling and sweet playing is perfectly showcased in beautiful
tracks like It Could Be Me, Price I Pay, Troubled Mind and I Don't Stop.
Songs of life, loss, and despair, all written by Phil and al beautifully
presented.
The next time this guy plays The Tea Club in Nowra I'll be there.
Gary deWall - SYDNEY BLUES SOCIETY
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