Steve Phillips

biography

Inspired by the grand early masters of Country Blues such as Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, Fred McDowell and Willie McTell to the urban performers such as Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, Phillips takes you on a musical journey stopping off en route to flirt with fifties RnB and Western Swing.

The enigmatic Mr Phillips, who in his usual attire, bears more of a resemblance to a 1940's Mississippi riverboat entertainer or gambling man - and a 'dandy' one at that, is only outshone by his dazzling side-kick, a steel bodied resonator guitar.

Acclaimed as 'Europe's finest acoustic Blues guitarist'. - Blueprint

When Steve Phillips first heard the legendary blues men such as Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, Big Bill Broonzy and Lonnie Johnson, Steve embarked on a long, self-tutored course in the intricate art of Country Blues and Folk guitar playing.

In 1968 Mark Knopfler was also playing guitar at this time and meeting Steve Phillips was simply a case of two minds awaiting fusion.

Steve Phillips and Mark Knopfler continue to play together as The Notting Hillbillies or as part of Mark Knopfler's Band during selective periods.

The Notting Hillbillies also featured old friend of Phillips and Knopfler, the wonderful Brendan Croker. Phillips and Croker continue to perform together regularly as a duo.

Steve's current works now include solo tours and festival appearances across Europe perfoming classic and contemporary Country Blues.

Steve also appears with his band, The Rough Diamonds' who between them play a fiery blend of classic rock n roll, rockabilly, blues, country and western swing tunes.