PHIL PERRY

Magic

Heart of the Man...Pure Pleasure...One Heart, One Love...My Book of Love...The titles of Phil Perry's four previous solo recordings from 1991 through 1999 say it all about the amazing commitment to romance that defines the singer and his music. When he says, "Love's the only thing that stands the test of time," he's not simply explaining why his focus has always been love songs; his solo artistry is living testament to that truth. Perry's Peak Records debut, via the label's new association with Concord Records, Magic (PKD-8504) takes the flowing passion to new levels while showcasing more than ever his development as a songwriter. Long one of adult contemporary music's great vocal interpreters, Perry co-wrote nine of the eleven songs on Magic, collaborating with renowned composer/producers like Barry J. Eastmond, Peak Records co-owner Russ Freeman, Chris Davis, and Lee Ritenour.

"I've been singing love songs since the beginning of my career, writing on occasion while seeking out a few great tunes among hundreds that were submitted," says Perry. "Being so deeply involved in the compositional side of things this time out allows me to offer a unique perspective while continuing to do what I love. I always put all of myself into songs that were not my own, but singing songs I've written means that every emotion comes from within, from a purer place. I wrote about many kinds of love about the people and things that mean the most to me...my wife Lillian, our four children, my career. Love has many faces and stages, and the material here reflects that. Lee Ritenour wrote and produced 'In the Morning (A Father's Lullaby)' about my late father's assurance to me as a kid that if I prayed before I went to bed every night, everything would be fine in the morning."

Perry adds that while the collaborative process with each co-writer is somewhat unique, there are a few very important criteria he always follows: "If I can hear part of my life in the song, then I know I can truly give of myself. As a lyricist, I know I can't be too wordy, and I have to focus on the meter and how I'm telling the story. I usually begin with the chorus part and build from there."

All of the singer's projects have found him enjoying working with a strong lineup of producers. On Magic, longtime creative associates Barry J. Eastmond and Lee Ritenour are joined by Chris Davis (who first worked with Perry as musical director of the Rhythm of Love tour with Will Downing and Gerald Albright) and Russ Freeman. The four Eastmond-produced tracks are the silky, mystical opening title track (which features an exotic Eastern flavor complementing the gentle mid-tempo funk); the dreamy and whimsical "Spirit of Love," a tender story of forgiveness; the optimistic, gospel-tinged "More of Your Sweet Love," on which Perry -fully employing his trademark falsetto -explores the joyful changes wrought by love; and the breezy Brazilian flavored delight "Perfect Island Night."

 Davis produced three tracks -a hypnotic retro soul take on The Isley Brothers' warmly familiar "For the Love of You"; the elegant ballad "I Can't Wait ('Til Morning Comes)," with Perry ranging from a sexy whisper to his powerful falsetto; and the upbeat, highly percussive jazz-shuffle piece "You'll Never Know." Freeman's two songs are the romping Brazilian romance "Keep Reminding Me" (featuring Freeman taking masterful turns on electric and classical guitar) and the similarly exotic and intensely soulful "All of My Days," the story of an eternal love borne from a first wayward glance. Ritenour's tracks include a moody cover of another Isley Brothers' tune called "Groove With You," and of course, the very spiritual, tear-inducing father-son ballad, "In the Morning (A Father's Lullaby)."

"I've been fortunate to work with a variety of producers who bring their own flavors and sensibilities to the project," says Perry. "They all contribute something special, and I am grateful for the way all of them created a relaxed environment for me to get the performance over and do what I do best."

Perry's been "doing his best" since about age ten in his hometown of East St. Louis, when the nuns at his parochial school were blown away by a hymn he sang for Midnight Mass; he also learned gospel singing with his pianist mother at her Baptist church. He launched his professional career with 70's soul group The Montclairs, scoring hits like "Make Up for Lost Time" and "Dreamin' Out of Season" before cutting two albums for Capitol as part of the duo Perry & Sandlin. After the duo split, Perry established himself as a first call background vocalist and session singer in Los Angeles. His trademark has been versatility-singing at local clubs with Lee Ritenour; doing studio dates with James Ingram, Quincy Jones, famed composer Michel Colombier, Sergio Mendes, George Duke, Barbra Streisand and Patti LaBelle; singing the title theme from "Arthur II"; and touring in Japan, the Pacific Rim, Europe and Brazil with Ritenour and others.

When Capitol Records executives heard him sing at a Ritenour date at the Hollywood Bowl, they signed him again to the label for the acclaimed 1991 recording Heart of the Man, which spawned the #1 R&B hit "Call Me," a cover of a classic Aretha Franklin tune. Performances with Dave Koz, recording dates with Fourplay (on "Between the Sheets") and a vocal on GRP's The Benoit/Freeman Project increased Perry's popularity in smooth jazz circles and led to a deal with GRP. The acclaimed Pure Pleasure (1994) featured the hit singles "If Only You Knew" and "Love Don't Love Nobody." One Heart, One Love (1998) was Perry's debut recording for Peak Records via their then distribution through Private Music/Windham Hill; he then released My Book of Love on Peak/Private in 2000. He's toured on and off with the Rhythm of Love Tour since 1997 and recently contributed several vocal tracks to the Ritenour-produced Twist of Marley.

"Whatever era of time we're talking about, people will always want to hear great love songs," he says. "I've always believed that good music makes things happen, and what could be more magical than singing about what you believe in? My goal is to share the passion, feelings and concern of people without having to actually be in the room with them. It's about more than simply entertaining for me. I make music that I hope can become a part of someone's life. The new album Magic is another wonderful opportunity to do what I love to do."

 Peak Records contact info:

310-317-6220

PR contact info:

Sheryl Feuerstein

310-475-8668

Radio contact info:

Rebecca Risman

310-453-7776