I first heard about Phil Laeger when I started listening to transMission, a Salvation Army worship band from the USA Southern Territory (who just released a great record, The World For God). And I also remember the first time I really got to know him. The Singing Company was recording their first album, The Red Book Sessions, and Phil was invited to lend a solid listening ear and an extra set of superb vocal cords. And that he did.
We got to hang out for that week of recording, and it was a blast. We literally wrote Marching On In The Light Of God in Phil’s bed in one night. Seriously. A couple of dudes, writing music on a laptop, at a really late hour after a long day of recording equals one hilariously fantastic time. Since that time, though, he’s moved to Australia to work for the Salvation Army, and still lends his talents to transMission when he can. Another change since has been an increasingly growing solo career, which will no doubt take a bigger leap with the release of his up and coming record Honestly.
It’s slated to be released really soon (the website actually says February), but you can listen to four full length tracks for free, and for your audio pleasure, at his myspace. Now, I’m no music credit, but there are a few things I’d like to say about this spectacular work.
If you’ve been jaded by albums that have a static sound, and very little instrumental variation, then this record will hopefully help change your perspective. While it won’t bombard you like Sufjan Stevens might, simplicity won’t either. For one, check out the jazzy notes on Do What You Want To or listen to Coming Clean’s solid drum beat and piano combo.
And of course, Phil adds great music with transparent lyrical truth. While he’s most definitely expressing Biblical teaching, Phil does so while holding a mirror up to himself. It’s completely evident in the two tracks above and on Back To You, and one can only bet on it being true for the rest of the album.
So, like I said, I’m not much of a music critic (and it’s definitely not what I get paid for), so without further adieu, go listen to it for yourself! I guarantee you’ll be blessed!