Bio

'Slow Borders' is the debut album from the Phil Edwards Band, to be released in March 2011. Led by none other than Phil Edwards, this six-piece band possesses a distinctive summer feel to their songs. Ranging from warm acoustic ballads to blues numbers, the songs are all linked by honest, emotive lyrics and Phil’s unique voice.

The first single 'Crash' opens the album, a summertime anthem that has been gracing the NZ radio airwaves since its release late in 2010. The first part of 'Slow Borders' continues in a similar vein, while the middle of the album brings a grittier tone, with rhythmic tracks such as 'Lit My Fire' and 'Rhythm of the River' recalling love gone wrong. The lush harmonica-laden 'Society' is a bluesy take on politics and the current state of the world, and 'Taking the Long Way' a heartfelt, haunting ballad that rounds out the album, before it is brought to a close by acoustic final track 'Broken Down'.

As both the driving force and the front man of the band, Phil Edwards provides warm vocals and catchy acoustic hooks. Tom Charleson (guitar, BVs) brings a wealth of live experience after touring both sides of the Tasman with Auckland band Tahuna Breaks, and alongside Phil, helps direct the song-writing. Forming a solid foundation for the band’s music is an experienced rhythm section comprised of drummer Ryan Wilson and bass player Adrian Ashdown, who have both toured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand. James Townend (harmonica, percussion and BVs) and Hamish McClean (keys, sax and trombone) complete the line-up and complement the band with their diverse musical backgrounds.

The bulk of the album was recorded in Auckland, but the band also spent a week recording at Phil’s station in the Hawke’s Bay. "We wanted to get away from the distractions of the city," says Phil, "and to give the tracks a more grounded, honest feel." But soon enough 'Slow Borders' was to be city-bound again.

Inspired by the sound of John Mayer’s album 'Continuum', Ryan contacted Dave O'Donnell, a Grammy Award-winning producer, mixer and engineer, who'd worked on it. "To our surprise, he replied the next day. He said he loved our sound." Eventually, the album was on its way to New York. It was mixed in New York by O'Donnell (who has worked with the likes of James Taylor, John Mayer, Eric Clapton amongst others), and mastered at Stirling Sound, New York, by Ryan Smith (Beyonce).

The Phil Edwards Band will be playing a series of shows throughout March and April to support the release of the album – dates and venues to be announced shortly.

Slow Borders will be available on iTunes and in-stores from March 7 2011.

Band Members:
Phil Edwards (vocals, guitar)
Adrian Ashdown (bass)
Ryan Wilson (drums)
Tom Charleson (guitar, vocals)
Tim William (keyboards)

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