For all of you Sam Phillips fans out there, let me tell you, the
new album (a boot and a shoe) may just be better than Fan Dance, and
that's saying something! I got back early this morning from seeing
Sam Phillips in LA, at the very beautiful Getty Museum.

First of all, I couldn't believe I was able to get tickets, since
she's only given a handful of concerts in the past 8 or so years I
think (at least that's what she said). It was of course packed (it
was free, which helped too, but made tickets even more
difficult). "The Section Quartet" accompanied her,
and also played some numbers themselves. Extremely good! She's
from LA, though, and probably contributes to the museum, and somehow
they got her there. She played mostly unlreleased songs from the
upcoming album, although she did play 2 from Fan Dance and 2 from
Omnipop.

She started off the concert with an a capella cover of a song
from the 30's or 40's. Billie Holiday sang it at some point in
time, but I didn't recognize it. I asked her afterward if it would
be on the album, but unfortunately it will *not*. She said Billie's
shoes were big ones to fill, which is of course true, but she filled
them perfectly last night.

During the entire concert, she was flawless! Literally
flawless! She has extremely good control over her voice, and it
showed in her singing. She was accompanied by a pianist and
percussionist, who were both extremely good. On a few songs the
Section Quarted added some strings as well.

The last song she preformed was Animals on Wheels, where she
proceded to bring out a mini-tape recorder on which was (sorta
poorly) recorded the background music, i believe from a piano. She
held the tape recorder to the microphone, and sang along to it,
which provided a great affect, and went along wonderfully with the
tone of her past two albums.

This new album is apparantly much in the same vein musically as
Fan Dance. Both from the review in the program, as well as the
examples from the concert. It was truly a wonderful concert from
start to finish!

And afterward I was able to talk briefly with her, and she truly
is extremely pleasant and open. She extended her hand, and proceded
to introduce herself to me with a nice handshake! (Hello, my name
is Sam!" After hearing her music and seeing her role in Die Hard
with a Vengence, I expected someone much more introverted and shy.

Her 6 year old daughter was there, who apparantly takes tap
dancing classes as she was tapping away afterward in the lobby =) I
assume T-Bone was there as well, but didn't personally see him.

I guess all I'm saying is the album is bound to be a doozy--an
immediate purchase for me! (as will Patty Griffin's, and Sarah
Harmers--which comes out in a few days!!)

Sam has an upcoming concert in San Francisco in June I believe,
which hopefully I can make it to as well. It is not yet listed in
pollstar, though. I would urge you all within driving distance to
make it, cause it's bound to be more than well worth it!

Here's a review of the album from nonesuch's webpage:

In a recent concert review, The New York Times says, "If
understatement could peak, it would have when Sam Phillips
performed." That's an apt description for Phillips' new album, A
Boot and a Shoe, which is produced by T Bone Burnett and derives
much of its power from restraint and subtlety. The arrangements are
remarkably simple, consisting mostly of acoustic guitar, electric
bass, drums and Phillips' vocals. The playing and singing are hushed
throughout, although the reverberations of loosened drums and aging
guitars are audible at every turn.
The record's thirteen new songs unfold with the intimacy and organic
coherence of a live show. Musically dynamic but never cluttered, the
album includes occasional piano vamps and string arrangements by
Patrick Warren, electric bass by T Bone Burnett and drums by Jim
Keltner, Jay Belarose and Carla Azar (Autolux).
A Boot and a Shoe, is Phillips' eighth studio album and follows her
critically lauded Nonesuch Records debut, Fan Dance (2001), which
also was produced by Burnett. Fan Dance initiated a stylistic
departure that A Boot and a Shoe, builds upon: the records' spare,
spacious sound diverges from the lush production of Omnipop (1996)
and the Grammy-nominated Martinis and Bikinis (1994), which featured
Phillips' hit "I Need Love." In addition to her acclaimed albums,
Phillips has contributed music to a number of major films and
television shows, including the popular WB show "Gilmore Girls."

Although he has collaborated with Phillips on many of her albums,
Burnett's role in her most recent two recordings is particularly
vital, as he is well known for helping artists explore new ground.
Perhaps best known for producing the six million-selling O Brother,
Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Burnett has produced albums by The
Wallflowers, Gillian Welch, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, and others.

Sincerely
-danieljsummers