Phil French - tehillahpr.com

Phil French
Phil French
Phil French is a true force to be reckoned with. As a multithreat talent he is trailblazing the music world of Gospel
and Jazz with momentous success. As a gifted saxophonist,
producer, songwriter, arranger, recording artist, and
engineer, Phil French has laid a firm foundation with
an impressive discography and a virtual “who’s who” of
musical industry giants with whom he has performed and
ministered. Household names such as The Winans, The
Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Richard Smallwood, Kim
Burrell, Yolanda Adams, Jean Carne, Stanley Turrentine,
Grover Washington, Jr., Norman Connors, Ramsey Lewis,
Najee and a host of others have been touched by his talents.
What he’s been blessed to accomplish to date has prepared
him for his next assignment. Taking everything and
everyone to the next level, he has teamed up with his longtime friend, musician, writer, recording artist, and producer
in his own right, Terrence Richburg, to bring to fruition his
new, game-changing CD release on the RichEscape Music
label, Everlasting.
Phil’s lifelong passion for music started at the age of 10.
All it took was one look at the saxophone, and he knew he
needed to try it out. “At school, you had to be in 5th grade
in order to play the saxophone, but at the time, I was in
4th grade,” Phil recalls. “People tried to encourage me to
play something else in the meantime, but I waited. There
was something about the saxophone that drew me in, even
before I picked it up to play it for the first time,” he says.
Once he was old enough, he started his formal musical
training in the Maryland public school system including
Thomas Stone Elementary School in Mt. Rainier, Roger
B. Taney, Jr. Junior High School in Temple Hills and
Crossland High School, also in Temple Hills. However,
French really honed skills while playing at Shiloh Church
of God 7th Day in Hyattsville, Maryland.
As a youth, Phil continued to play his saxophone in
both Christian and secular arenas. Mentors like Alvin
Nesbitt, a gospel harmonica player, Pastor Jonathan
Carson, a skilled organist and fellow sax man, and jazz
icon, the late Grover Washington, Jr., all poured into
Phil. He cites their influences in helping to make him the
gifted saxophonist he is today.
Throughout his development he has been afforded the
opportunity to perform, minister, and share the stage
with a variety of locally, nationally, and internationally
acclaimed musicians and artists including Pieces of a
Dream, Marion Meadows, Brian McKnight, the late Ollie
Woodson formerly of the Temptations, Marvin Sapp,
William Becton & Friends, Maurette Brown Clark, and a
host of others.
Phil French
But, perhaps one of French’s most pivotal musical endeavors was serving as a band
member and the Music Director for the GRAMMY Award winner Yolanda Adams for
over four years. While playing with Yolanda, he also had the opportunity to record on
her album More Than a Melody. During the same time, Phil was also a band member of
the legendary Jean Carne. His experiences with Yolanda Adams and Jean Carne have
helped him to polish his stage presence and perfect his amazing, jaw dropping circular
breathing technique. Phil has also performed and recorded on sessions with the award
winning Ben Tankard.
Now a Dallas, Texas resident, and a member of the renowned Potter’s House
where Bishop T.D. Jakes is pastor, French has become one of the most sought
after inspirational jazz instrumentalist. Performing all over the country for
all types of events including jazz, Gospel and cultural festivals, conferences
and convocations, jazz venues and restaurants, as well as Sunday morning
church services, Phil truly believes that music is for everyone. His call and
desire is to use the gifts that God has given him in music as a language to
cross all barriers including but not limited to race, denomination, religion
and color. A favorite with Gospel music lovers and jazz fans alike, Phil has
an uncanny ability to move each heart as he plays. Most of all, Phil simply
wants to bring God glory.
In his role as recording artist, French has released six
projects to date on his FrenchySoundz Music label:
Been So Good! (2000), Royal Love Songs (2002), Songs
to Hymn (2007), Beyond This World (2008), Songs for
His Season (2009) and The Alpha Experience (2013). In
2014, he collaborated with Terrence Richburg signing
with Richburg’s Stellar Award-nominated record label,
RichEscape Music. French released of his 7th CD,
Everlasting Featuring Terrence Richburg, on January 27,
2015. French and Richburg created musical magic during
the making of the new CD. With stunning compositions
and instrumentation by Richburg and smooth sax sounds
from French, the 17-track project, including vocal and
instrumental songs, is a melodic masterpiece fashioned
to inspire the soul and delight the ear. Tracks like “In
My Heart”, “Wave Offering” and “Consider Now Eternity”
leave the listener begging for more. Just one listen and
it’s clear that this musician has been given something
very special.
The new project is a culmination of sorts as well as a new
beginning. The CD is a sonic reflection of how far God
has brought him and where He is taking him. The true
power of the calling on Phil’s life was apparent at the end
of a Bible Study one night. “I remember one evening,
a young man came to me and wanted to talk with me,”
shares Phil. “He said to me, ‘I have one of your CDs and
there is one song that I keep playing. There is something
about that song. I used to do things before I heard
your music that I don’t do anymore. I used to abuse my
wife, but that song took that spirit off of me’. That one
conversation let me know that I can’t stop doing what I
am doing. I will never stop. That’s what it’s all about.”
Phil French
Endorsements
“Phil French is a ‘monster’ talent and has been a great friend of mine for many years.
While I love ALL of his previous CD releases, I am most excited about Everlasting.
What an anointed collection that will warm the hearts of every listener. Also a dynamic
performer, I would suggest you catch Phil live in concert as well. I believe the only thing
better than a Phil French CD is a Phil 2-hour concert!”
~ Ben Tankard (Multi-Stellar winning, GRAMMY, Dove, & Soul Train
Award Nominated Best-Selling Gospel Jazz Recording Artist, Producer, &
Composer)
“Not often am I privileged to witness a Prodigious Talent evolve into a Seasoned
Virtuoso. Phil French has afforded me that experience. I recall with fondness and pride,
Phil’s dedicated and energetic efforts to hone his craft and take his place as a WorldClass Saxophonist. Everlasting, his latest Gift to us, lifts our Spirits and takes us to an
Anointed Musical Strata, where the Harmonious and the Divine co-exist. Join me in
receiving a Musical Blessing from Maestro, Phil French.”
~ Jean Carne (World-Renowned Jazz/Pop Vocalist & Recording Artist)
“Often, within a saturated market of talent, someone emerges and his or her refreshing
sound, tickles the ear. Phil French meets that challenge, as he emerges with the smooth
sound of his soprano sax on the easy listening tune, ‘I Won’t Let Go’ and the fearless
approach to odd rhythmic meter, which is demonstrated in the syncopated groove found
in ‘Twilight’, both produced by the masterful Terrence Richburg. If you enjoy listening to
instrumental jazz music, this offering by Phil French will fit nicely into your playlist.”
~ Steven Ford (Multi-GRAMMY Award Winning Producer & Composer)
“I like both songs very much. The first song, ‘TWILIGHT’ I can hear as a first single in
the smooth jazz format. The second song, ‘I WON’T LET GO!’ is a very beautiful ballad
and I thought his solo was very tasteful. I think it could definitely make a significant
mark in the smooth jazz format. I give the songs 5 stars out of five.”
~ Norman Connors (Jazz/R&B Chart-Topping Recording Artist/ Musician,
Producer, Composer, & Arranger)
Phil French
Discography
Amos Davis & The Angelic Choraleers – 1988 (Sweet Rain Records)
Terrence Richburg – Rich Spirit One – 1994 (RichEscape Music)
Yolanda Adams – More Than A Melody – 1995 (Tribute Records)
William Becton & Friends – Broken – 1995 (Intersound Records) – w/Hit “Be Encouraged”
Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music – We Sing the Power – 1995 (Patrick Lundy & The
Ministers of Music)
Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music – You Carried Me – 1998 (Patrick Lundy & The
Ministers of Music)
Phil French – Been So Good! – 2000 (FrenchySoundz Music)
Phil French – Royal Love Songs – 2002 (FrenchySoundz Music)
Mark Walker – Forever Yours – 2003 (3 Brutha Records)
Brenda Campbell – Praising the Lord With Brenda – 2003/2009 (Brenda Campbell Music)
Phil French – Songs to Hymn – 2007 (FrenchySoundz Music)
Phil French – Beyond This World – 2008 (FrenchySoundz Music)
Phil French – Songs for His Season – 2009 (FrenchySoundz Music)
Phil French – The Alpha Experience – 2013 (FrenchySoundz Music)
Phil French [featuring Terrence Richburg] – Everlasting – 2015 (RichEscape Music)
Talents & Credits
Phil French plays: Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Baritone), Flute, Wind Controller, and
Drums.
Phil is also a Producer, Writer, Arranger, and Recording Engineer, and Mixing & Mastering
Engineer.
Artist, Executive Producer, Recording Engineer & Mix Engineer on six of Phil’s own CD projects:
Royal Love Songs, Songs to Hymn, Beyond This World, Song for This Season, and The Alpha
Experience.
Served as Producer (In Studio Production, Musical Director), Played Sax, and Provided Horn
Section Arrangements on Brenda Campbell’s CD project, Praising the Lord With Brenda.
Mixed songs on Artist Jermaine Mackey recording projects.
Phil French
CD Discography
1.
Twilight4:35
2.
Everlasting…2:40
3.
Consider Now Eternity
5:15
4.
I Won’t Let Go5:46
5.
Joy Unspeakable4:16
6.
Away5:36
7.
7 Heaven3:49
8.
What A Friend4:59
9.
Wave Offering6:06
10. Whom Shall I Fear
4:23
11. He Touched Me3:27
12. Consider Now Eternity (Vocal) 5:16
13. In My Heart4:58
14. Interlude – 7 Heaven
1:01
15.
Away (Vocal)5:29
16. I Won’t Let Go (Sax)
5:47
17. Intentional6:03
Phil French
Fact Sheet
Hometown:Dallas, TX
Home Church:
The Potter’s House
Dallas, TX
Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pastor
Musical Experience: Saxophonist, Composer, Producer, Songwriter, Engineer and Recording Artist
Performed with Numerous Musical Icons including Jean Carne, Alex
Bugnon, Pieces of a Dream, Norman Connors, Ramsey Lewis, Brian
McKnight, Ollie Woodson of The Temptations, The Clark Sisters, The Winans, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Richard Smallwood, Kim
Burrell, Vashawn Mitchell, Najee, Ben Tankard, Yolanda Adams, William Becton & Friends, Maurette Brown Clark, John P. Kee and
late legends such as Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Turrentine,
Nathan Heathman and Moment’s Notice and Art Porter
Released 6 CD Projects; 7th CD, Everlasting, released 1/27/15
Musical Style/Genre:
Contemporary Gospel, Gospel/Inspirational Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Accolades:
Artist Played on Yolanda Adams – More Than A Melody (Tribute Records) – 1995 2nd Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards – Best Gospel Album
Artist Played on William Becton & Friends – Broken (Tyscot Records) – 1995; Included Billboard top-charting single, “Be Encouraged”
Stellar Award, GRAMMY Award Nomination
TV Appearances:
BET Jazz Show with Ben Tankard (1995)
Atlanta Live – WATC-TV (2014, 2015)
Babbie’s House – WATC-TV (2015)
Phil French
Prominent Events
Festival
• Played at the Juneteenth Jazz Festival in Oklahoma City, OK with Jean Carne - 1995
Charitable Events
• Bobby Jones Aides HIV Awareness Concert Sponsored by BET – 1993
• No Hungry Children Initiative Benefit Concert Sponsored by US AIR Warner Theater with
Yolanda Adams – 1996
• Christian House of Prayer, Kileen Texas Ribbon Cutting (Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb) – 2001
• Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative (TORI) Sponsored by Bishop T. D. Jakes – 2012 & 2013
• Company Support for Vice Presidential Candidate Al Gore Electoral Events
Political Events
• Played for Mayor Marion Barry’s Election Celebration
• Played for Mayor Sharon Pratt-Kelly’s Election Celebration
• Congressional Black Caucus Events
• Reverend Jessie Jackson Birthday Celebration
Conferences
• Gospel Music Workshop, Washington, DC – 1990 with Amos Davis
• Evangel Church Youth Conference – 1994 – 1996
• Fathers In The Faith Leadership Conference, Philadelphia, PA Sponsored by Freedom
World-Wide Covenant Ministry (Pastor Gilbert Coleman) – 2001 – 2002, 2014
• Women Thou Art Loosed Conference (Bishop T. D. Jakes) – 2008 – 2011 – Dallas, TX
• Manpower Conference (Bishop T. D. Jakes) – 2008 – 2011 – Dallas, TX
• Covenant Connection Inc., Leaders that Leader Holy Convocation, Christian House of
Prayer, Kileen Texas (Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb) – 2009 & 2010
• Pastors and Leadership Conference Sponsored by Higher Ground Always Abounding
Assemblies, Inc. - 2014 – Washington, DC
Concerts
• Blues Alley (many times w/Jean Carne)
• Blues Alley (Father’s Day Show) – 6/16/2014
Phil French
Musical Equipment Endorsements
Phil French Exclusively Plays:
ANTIGUA WINDS PRO-ONE Saxophones
C. E. WINDS Custom Mouthpieces
FIBERREED Synthetic Reeds
SILVERSTEIN Custom Ligatures
Phil French
Press Release #1
Stellar Award-Nominated Label RichEscape Music
Readies New CD, Everlasting, With Renowned
Inspirational Jazz Saxophonist Phil French
RichEscape Music’s Own Terrence Richburg Featured On New
Project Scheduled To Release On January 27, 2015
(Washington, DC) – December 17, 2014 – Saxophonist Phil French has played with
the cream of the crop. His resume reads like a who’s who of the music industry. He’s
performed with artists and musicians such as The Winans, The Clark Sisters, Fred
Hammond, Richard Smallwood, Kim Burrell, Yolanda Adams, Ben Tankard, Stanley
Turrentine, Grover Washington, Jr., Norman Connors, Ramsey Lewis, Najee and a slew
of others. A producer, songwriter, arranger, recording artist and engineer as well, French
has ministered his anointed artistry nationwide for years now. Recently partnering with
popular producer, composer, instrumentalist and Gospel Jazz artist Terrence Richburg
and his Stellar Award-Nominated record label, RichEscape Music, Phil French is putting
the finishing touches on his upcoming CD, Everlasting…Featuring Terrence Richburg.
The CD will be available on January 27, 2015.
Phil French is thrilled about the new musical offering and the chance to work with his
mentor. He says, “More than any other CD I’ve done, I loved the process of recording
this album. I am so used to doing the producing, the recording, the engineering and
everything else. With Terrence at the helm of production, it allowed me the opportunity
to be the artist. What we’ve created, I think, is awesome. In my opinion, every single
song is a strong one.”
Easily flowing musically from the sacredness of a Sunday morning church service to the
jazzy atmosphere of a Blues Alley, Phil French has the uncanny ability to touch a variety
of audiences. Everlasting…Featuring Terrence Richburg is perfect for the Gospel music
lover and the smooth jazz lover. The upcoming CD is a spirited collection of largely
inspirational instrumental music, created to uplift the heart and soothe the soul. On
Everlasting, all songs were penned and arranged by Richburg who steps into the role of
instrumentalist and background vocalist in addition to producer. Songs like the soulful
and melodic “In My Heart” and the captivating and groove-laden “Wave Offering” take
the listener on a sonic and enjoyable journey. Other superb cuts include the syncopated
“Twilight” and the unforgettable “Consider Now Eternity”. Although most songs are
strictly instrumental, Richburg and his wife Kathy’s impressive vocals, are sprinkled
throughout the dynamic project.
Phil French
Press Release (continued)
Long-time friends, Richburg and French felt a musical collaboration was a natural
one. Richburg says, “Working with Phil is always a blessing because of his magnetic
personality. I’m so incredibly happy that after all the writing, arranging, and recording...
and the hard work, long days and nights, and sacrifice to make this happen, the real joy
is in knowing that it wasn’t Phil or me at all. It was always the strength and power of
Jesus working through us and His calling of music ministry breathed into both of our
lives long ago for His glory.”
Terrence Richburg started RichEscape Music in 1994 with the goal of giving artists a
platform to express themselves musically and vocally and most importantly, spiritually.
In 2007, the label celebrated its first Stellar Award Nomination for the CD, Awesome, by
Worship Leader Terrell Hunt. The project netted a nomination for New Artist of the Year
for the artist and label. In addition, Richburg and his musical partner Howard Riley, Jr.
released their Gospel Jazz debut, Ascension, to critical acclaim. Richburg is readying a
number of other projects scheduled to drop in 2015.
Phil French started playing at the age of 10 at Thomas Stone Elementary School in Mt.
Rainier, MD. As his passion for the instrument grew, he honed his skills in church at
Shiloh Church of God Seventh-Day in Hyattsville, MD. His exquisite saxophone skills
are exhibited on two award-winning projects, Yolanda Adams’ More Than A Melody and
William Becton & Friends’ Broken. French is a member of the prominent mega-church,
The Potter’s House, where Bishop T.D. Jakes is the pastor. He’s ministered at countless
conferences and events including Woman Thou Art Loosed, Manpower, The Pastors
& Leadership Conference and the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Phil French
– Everlasting…Featuring Terrence Richburg is French’s 7th CD -- a rather profound
number which encourages both he and Richburg to “complete” even greater works in the
future and thereby inspire the very lives of people everywhere through their music. For
more information about Phil French or Terrence Richburg, log on to www.PhilFrench.
com or www.TerrenceRichburg.com. Connect with Phil French on Facebook and Twitter
(@frenchysoundz1).
Publicity:
Andrea R. Williams
Tehillah Enterprises, LLC
[email protected]
240.222.3022
Phil French
Press Release #2
Popular Inspirational Jazz Saxophonist
PHIL FRENCH Releases Brand New CD,
Everlasting Featuring Terrence Richburg
RichEscape Music Release Receives Endorsements
From Jazz Icons Ben Tankard, Jean Carne And Norman Connors
(Washington, DC) – January 30, 2015 - Jazz Saxophonist Phil French has been a favorite
among Gospel Jazz and Smooth Jazz lovers for years now. His soothing yet uplifting
musical style has been touching the hearts and ears of music aficionados since his
debut CD in 2000. Known for working with the finest in Gospel and Jazz and providing
unforgettable live performances, French has been honing his chops for decades now.
Now French drops his 7th CD and his first with RichEscape Music entitled Everlasting
Featuring Terrence Richburg. The new project is now available on iTunes, CDBaby, and
on RichEscapeMusic.com. Fans can sample all the album selections and get a taste for
the flavor of Everlasting on the label’s Sound Cloud page.
The CD features tracks penned by the CEO of RichEscape Music, Gospel Jazz artist,
composer, arranger, engineer and instrumentalist Terrence Richburg. Long-time
friends and musical cohorts, French and Richburg collaborated for their first-ever full
project. French was excited to once again work with Richburg. “I am so used to being
the songwriter and producer, and having to do all the recording, the engineering, and
everything else to complete the project,” says French. “But this time, with Terrence at
the helm, it was nice to focus solely on my performance as the artist. I think Everlasting
Featuring Terrence Richburg contains many magical and inspired moments. I have been
hearing nothing but great things about the songs.”
Industry notables have been raving about the project:
“Phil French is a ‘monster’ talent. While I love ALL of his previous CD releases, I am
most excited about Everlasting. What an anointed collection that will warm the hearts of
every listener.”
-
Ben Tankard, Multiple award-winning artist and Gospel Jazz Pioneer
“Not often am I privileged to witness a Prodigious Talent evolve into a Seasoned Virtuoso.
Phil French has afforded me that experience. I recall with fondness and pride, Phil’s
dedicated and energetic efforts to hone his craft and take his place as a World-Class
Saxophonist. Everlasting, his latest Gift to us, lifts our Spirits and takes us to an
Anointed Musical Strata, where the Harmonious and the Divine co-exist. Join me in
receiving a Musical Blessing from Maestro, Phil French.”
-
Jean Carne, World-Renowned Jazz/Pop Vocalist & Recording Artist
Phil French
Press Release (continued)
“I like ‘Twilight’, which I can hear as a single in the Smooth Jazz format. Also, “I Won’t
Let Go” is a very beautiful ballad with a tasteful solo. I give the songs 5 stars out of five.”
-
Norman Connors, Jazz/R&B Chart-Topping Recording Artist, Musician,
Producer, Composer & Arranger
“Often, within a saturated market of talent, someone emerges and his or her refreshing
sound tickles the ear. Phil French meets that challenge, as he emerges with the smooth
sound of his soprano sax on the easy listening tune, “I Won’t Let Go” and the fearless
approach to odd rhythmic meter, which is demonstrated in the syncopated groove found
in “Twilight”, both produced by the masterful Terrence Richburg. If you enjoy listening to
instrumental jazz music, this offering by Phil French will fit nicely into your playlist.”
-
Steven Ford, Multiple Award-Winning Producer, Songwriter &
Instrumentalist
The 17-track CD is a Jazz lover’s dream. Cuts like the melodic “Consider Now Eternity”
and the upbeat rhythms of “Twilight” warm the heart and spirit. The relaxing grooves
and vocals on “I Won’t Let Go” and the boldness of “Intentional” span the musical gamut
of emotions. Other amazing cuts include the soothing “In My Heart”, the faith-filled
“Whom Shall I Fear”, the familiar, tastefully arranged “He Touched Me” and the jampacked “What A Friend”. Produced by Richburg, fans have been having a tough time
choosing just one favorite on Everlasting.
Blessed with an ability to play in front of Jazz audiences and Gospel congregants alike,
Phil French can easily flow musically from the jazzy ambiance of a Blues Alley to the
sacred setting of a Sunday morning service. His resume’ flaunts playing with the greats
of both worlds. He’s performed with artists and musicians such as Stanley Turrentine,
Grover Washington, Jr., Norman Connors, Alex Bugnon, Pieces of a Dream, Nathan
Heathman, Ramsey Lewis, Najee, Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp, The Winans, The Clark
In addition to Phil’s upcoming television appearance on Atlanta Live, he will be
appearing on TBN, TCT and Babbie’s House. For more information about Phil French
or Terrence Richburg, log on to www.PhilFrench.com or www.TerrenceRichburg.com.
Connect with Phil French on Facebook and Twitter (@frenchysoundz1).
Publicity:
Andrea R. Williams
Tehillah Enterprises, LLC
[email protected]
240.222.3022
Phil French
Press Coverage
Atlanta Live - WATC-TV
Babbie’s House - WATC-TV
The Belle Report
Conversations Live with Cyrus Webb
Fullness of God Radio Broadcast
KBMS Radio
KDAYLive.com
SoulTracks.com
ThePraiseHouse.com
UGospel.com
UrbanMusicScene.com
WDFU Radio - Jazzations with Tony Smith
WTJZ Radio
Phil French
Contact Information For Phil French
Record Label:
RichEscape Music, LLC
P.O. Box 90388
Washington, DC 20090
[email protected]
202.210.0314
Publicity/Press: Tehillah Enterprises, LLC
P.O. Box 1855
Waldorf, MD 20604
[email protected]
240.222.3022
Management & Praize Entertainment
Booking [email protected]
574.360.2467