Hi everyone!

It’s been a few months since you heard from me here and my, how time flies! I’ve been immersed in creative projects, writing and re-writing, laying low under the winter snow and wind and watching for what’s next. After a high-energy fall run with The Boyfriend, my favorite six-piece musical lovers, I went into recluse mode a bit. The sound that is coming from the performance respite is emerging as a lighter, more intimate soundscape, I think. I’m letting this lovely, private creative space take me where it wants to for a while longer, but look forward to emerging later in the summer with lots of new material, a new live combo of sounds, and to expressing my deep gratitude to everyone who’s been so supportive of my hiatus. 

I just moved into a new, more spacious and airy space in Boulder with an inspiring view and lovely neighbors. I’m excited about how the new space may allow me to open my heart and mind more while workshopping this new material and reworking my old favorites. I love making music. And I love offering song up to the ethers and letting it fall onto me from above and around, too. I hope to see you soon so that I can show you what I’ve been up to. I’ll be reinstating my monthly newsletter soon, to give you more of a taste what’s on my mind. For now, I leave you with all the warmth in my heart. Please drop me a line if you like! I’d love to hear from you.  

Warmly,
Heather
heather@heathermariephilipp.com

It was just after sound check for last night’s CD Launch party for Under the Apple at The b.side Lounge that the boys brought the day’s press to my attention. I’d been so preoccupied with the prep for the show, I forgot to check the papers to see if any of my press contact paid off. I had photos and highlights of the gigs in three local pubs! Here’s the shot from The Onion’s A.V. Club section highlighting the release in a half-page spread. The photo featured here was taken by Brooke Trexler.

We had a great time at KGNU last week and I was so appreciative of the hospitality of the crew, the sharpness of the sound team, and the enthusiasm of the Jazz & Beyond host, Sara Dee. The Boyfriend & I played a five-song set the featured music from Under the Apple, a couple of new tunes, and the beloved Disney classic Baby Mine. Sara Dee and I also talked a bit about what I’ve been up to by way of my performance calendar, buzzed about this week’s CD Launch at The b.side Lounge, chatted about my prose blog The Most Beautiful Thing, the story behind some of the songs, and why those six handsome band members are called the Boyfriend.

Get the podcast of Heather Marie Philipp & The Boyfriend at www.KGNU.org. It’s the last listing on the page for Wednesday, December 3 and can be had by simply clicking the yellow speaker icon.

Hope you enjoy it and watch for free live MP3 tracks from the broadcast on the fans-only page!

~ Heather

P.S. Not a subscriber that has access to the fans-only page? It’s free. You need only be on the email list (sign up quick).

Under the Apple
Heather Marie Philipp

Yours is a very eclectic sample. Many styles combine in these haunting tunes, but invariably, they create an inviting canvas for your sensuous vocals. I hear hints of jazzy Cassandra Wilson, feeling-saturated Radiohead, breath-carressing Joss Stone, and delicately-poignant David Sylvian.

I would dare classify this album in the soft-jazz milieu. “To Remember You” and the Miles Davis tinged “clear blue sky” certainly veer in that direction. However, it were the songs that deviate from the readily-classifiable format that moved me the most. My favorite is “Love Blind.” I find it truly amazing: gorgeous melody, and lyrics. the band backs you up perfectly, so very tastefully. A nice, driving beat, thick, syrupy timbres that wonderfully compliment your vocal quality. It reminds me a bit of Fiona Apple and Lizz Wright.

“Courting Stars” accentuates the sensual in your voice, as you trade licks with the stand-up bass. The odd-time passages in the middle are a welcome surprise, bringing a lop-sided roll to the end of the chorus. sweet.

The instruments in “Snow Fell” lay down a melancholy background that allows the space for your voice to soar. Driven by a mysterious and moving string ensemble and a graceful electric piano counterpoint, this track sinks into a mystifying white, wintry landscape, where the only sounds are the softly falling snowflakes. “Under the Apple” seems to have a similar quality, a sparse universe of subtle tones that fall like rain as we walk with you on autumn leaf-strewn streets.

These songs bring out your best. They possess elegant tensions, originality and a seeming frailty that falls away to reveal power in the subtle.

~ J. Miranda
Read more from artist and music writer J. Miranda at Poetrical Musings
Purchase Under the Apple at CDbaby.

Hi all ~ Please tune in tomorrow night when The Boyfriend and I play a live set on KGNU radio. Listen live online at www.kgnu.org or tune your dials to 88.5 FM (Boulder), 1390 AM (Denver), or 93.7 FM (Nederland). We’ll be playing and interviewed on the Jazz & Beyond show hosted by Sara Dee with guest host Camren Von Davis.

Heather Marie Philipp & The Boyfriend
LIVE on KGNU radio December 3, 2008
10 pm online live streaming at www.kgnu.org
88.5 FM Boulder :: 1390 AM Denver :: 93.7 FM Nederland

And don’t forget next week is my CD LAUNCH at The b.side Lounge. Check it out on Facebook!

Heather Marie Philipp

Under the Apple (independent)

Not only is Heather Marie Philipp a joy to listen to but she surrounds herself with stellar musicians that exponentially add color and depth to this vocalist’s original songs.  With a three-octave range that sounds incredible down low, Philipp could be compared to the breathiness of Norah Jones, albeit more mature sounding, and the earthy tone of Madeleine Peyroux, yet warmer.

Under the Apple (c) 2008 Heather Marie Philipp

Under the Apple opens with the jazzy flugelhorn intro of “To Remember You.” Philipp’s smooth, edgy alto vocals glide along with the bass and is nicely built upon by the slow addition of instruments.  First the brushed snare drum and then the piano entrance make a natural crescendo delicately enhancing Philipp’s build into the last dramatic verse. Then after repeating the chorus once more, she melts away into nothingness.   Philipp is accompanied by brass again, this time by a muted trumpet, in the bluesy funk tune “Clear Blue Sky.” The songstress maintains excellent control of her mid and upper registers and exhibits clear enunciation throughout the piece.

“Counting Stars” opens with a sampled clip of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra which mixes into a soulful R&B beat.  Heavy bass and electric buzz add to this cool, seductive number.  The violin effect on the keyboard adds a shrill edge when mixed with Philipp’s soaring melody.  While the instrumentation is an aural pleasure, there are times when less is more, especially since Philipp’s voice is an extreme instrument in itself.  The poetic ballad “You Bring Me Alive” opens with just vocals, piano and strings.  That piece could stand alone without any extra instruments because Philipp has the ability and vocal prowess to pull it off.  Her delivery of the songs she has penned flow easily from her lips and demonstrates a true understanding of the genre she has chosen to pursue.

With such an incredible voice, Philipp could sing many different types of music.  The jazz world should be honored and proud to welcome her into the scene.

-Kelly O’Neil

Last night, we played to a packed house at The Laughing Goat in Boulder. It was standing room only! Camren Von Davis our host/m.c. held us all together and the staff at the Goat was stellar at taking care of everyone’s needs. Ella rocked the door for us and Paul saved the day with sound tech help. As for The Goat itself, well friends, if you are looking for a cool place to hang out at night in Boulder, The Goat is definitely to be added to your list! Now that they serve beer and wine, it’s a whole-other vibe.

We heard and saw great sets from openers James Thorpe (joined by Paul Fowler) and Dechen Hawk. James played some of our old favorites, as well as some solid new tunes all in his unique blend of alt-folk/soul/rock. I am looking forward to hearing his debut album (in the works and being produced by Paul Fowler who also produced my CD Under the Apple). Dechen brought us his signature warm jazz soul and we could’ve listened to that crooning all night! He is also working on a CD project scheduled to launch in the spring and I can’t wait to hear it!

As for Heather Marie Philipp & The Boyfriend, well we just did our thing! After less than two months together, it’s amazing that seven different players can come together on that itty bitty (but wonderful) Goat stage and gel. We’re happy with how things are progressing and really looking forward to what’s to come. We played some tunes from Under the Apple, a couple of new ones, some standards, etc. Here’s the set list:

No Simple Child (new original)
To Remember You (from Under the Apple)
Love Blind (from Under the Apple)
Courting Stars (from Under the Apple)
Fly Me To The Moon (standard)
Lost and Found (brand new original)
Baby Mine (yes, from Dumbo :)
Freedom Hangs Like Heaven (Iron and Wine tune)

We had to cut the tune Under the Apple at the last minute for timing consideration, but we’ll get that one in next time. :) A big nod to the boys of The Boyfriend for really getting into this music and making these songs groove big-time: David Ortolano (drums), Jared Banta (bass), Ryan Spencer (trumpet), Andrew McNew (trombone), Phil Norman (cello), and Aaron McCloskey (guitar). You guys are stellar! Photo by Marvin Ross.

All in all, it was a really fun night and I’m so thankful to everyone who came out to see us and make the night such a musical blast!

Hey all – I’m happy to announce that Mark Diamond and his Big Swing Trio will be opening the evening at the CD Release on December 11. The combo, featuring Andy Weyl on the piano, Paul Romaine on drums, and Mark on bass, is a popular, long-standing group in the region, not to mention world. They have an album out and this trio is just one of the many projects Mark leads in the area. 

Check out Mark and Big Swing Trio at www.markdiamondmusic.com.  

The CD Release for Under the Apple will be Thursday, December 11 with doors at 9 pm. The $10 door includes a copy of the CD! The evening will feature Big Swing Trio, myself and The Boyfriend (the new six-piece band I’m working with), and a VON DAVIS electro-memph-tronic-boogy dance party all at our favorite local music venue The b.side Lounge, Boulder. See you there! 

~ Heather

Last week, we had my friend Marvin Ross stop by rehearsal to take a few photos of the new band. Here are a few shots of Heather Marie Philipp & The Boyfriend:

I’m excited to announce the new band I’m working with, The Boyfriend!

The Boyfriend are a six-piece jazz/soul group of fine, talented musicians. They are:

David Ortalano :: drums
Andrew McNew :: trombone
Ryan Spencer :: trumpet
Phil Norman :: cello
Jared Banta :: upright bass
Aaron McCloskey :: guitar

They’ve got a salty-fresh groove, offer a stellar versatility in terms of arrangements and vibe, and have a real knack for interpreting my old and new songs. I love working with them and think you’ll really enjoy the way they rock it out in our sets! Come check us out all together at one of our November gigs! Check out the calendar here.