Great Longingby Anonymous

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June 23, 2008: Phil Roy has collected a parcel of songs that reflect on the quality of his craft. His latest effort, The Great Longing, shows that Roy is becoming ever-more comfortable in his own skin. He’s been working in the music business for years, writing songs for numerous artists and for movie soundtracks, including, Leaving Las Vegas. His solo releases, Grouchyfriendly and Issues Options, revealed that those years of sharpening his skills forged mature and sublime records - records more likely to come from a recording artist in midcareer than from someone relatively unknown. Phil Roy is a storyteller, telling tales from a first-person perspective that isn't necessarily his own. Not that his life has been a walk in the park… Dropped from his record label at about the same time he divorced his wife, Roy’s experiences have provided a jumping-off point for many of the themes found on this CD. He is particularly adept at sketches of hard-luck lives and unrequited love. But far from being maudlin, he chooses to celebrate the twists and turns of life and delivers his most honest and enjoyable album to date. Throughout the record, Roy is accompanied by a host of accomplished musicians (Madeleine Peyroux, Mutlu, Melody Gardot, and more) who contribute the perfect backdrop to the songs. The sum of these collective parts proves to be a winning combination and makes The Great Longing one of the best record to be released this year.