Written in 2008 by Steve Jordan for Solomon Burke’s “Like A Fire” album, the song has been a favorite of Philipp’s for years and reflects his contemplative mindset. While the music is cheerful, almost in the reggae neighborhood, the lyrics are somewhat resigned.
Yes, this is truly something—Philipp Fankhauser’s new album. It’s not that his previous seventeen albums have always been free of surprises, but this one is quite substantial! To claim it’s just “another” blues album wouldn’t be wrong, but it also wouldn’t tell the whole truth! Fankhauser and his congenial musicians effortlessly swing between blues, country, gospel, R&B, zydeco, and French chanson. Always maintaining Fankhauser’s signature sound, infused with a healthy dose of soul, impressive authenticity, and a uniqueness that is unparalleled in this country! Listening to and watching the six men on stage is simply a joy!
It’s also remarkable how quickly Philipp Fankhauser has recovered from his life-threatening illness. From critically ill to completely healthy in less than a year. “The stem cell transplant feels like it was ages ago!” says Fankhauser. “I feel great and could hardly wait to tackle the long-planned and eagerly anticipated album.” In August 2024, Philipp Fankhauser retreated with his five musicians to a recording studio in Limoux, near Carcassonne in southern France. Together with Hendrix Ackle, Richard Spooner, Andrew Tolman, Daniel Durrer, and Flo Bauer, he recorded thirteen musical gems under the guidance of producer Kent Bruce (chief engineer at Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi), which have far exceeded everyone’s expectations!
Philipp Fankhauser shares: “Also for time reasons – I was out of action for a while – we dared to experiment by approaching this new album practically unprepared. My musicians knew little about the songs I had in mind, so we recorded song by song. I explained my ideas to them, then the song was played, and after one or two arrangement tips from the musicians and the producer, it was recorded. I’ve rarely seen so many beaming and genuinely surprised faces! Whatever we touched; each of the thirteen tracks is a gem. Now, I know that too much self-praise can be suspicious, but my praise mainly goes to my musicians and the producer. Especially since I didn’t play a single note of guitar on ‘Ain’t That Something’ and only contributed the vocals. Why no guitar? I simply didn’t feel like it!”
PHILIPP FANKHAUSER Vocals HENDRIX ACKLE Hammond, Wurlitzer RICHARD SPOONER Drums ANDREW J. TOLMAN Bass FLO BAUER Guitars THE MUSCLE SHOALS HORNS CHARLES ROSE Trombone, Horn Arrangements VINNIE CIESIELSKI Trumpet BRAD GUIN Tenor Saxophone KEVIN GATZKE Baritone Saxophone THE SHOALS SISTERS CINDY WALKER Vocals MARIE LEWEY Vocals CARLA RUSSELL Vocals
