Maybe vocalist, song writer, dancer and visual artist, Andrea Isabelle Phillips (aka And Is Phi) has finally found the creative anchorage that she has been looking for. On a journey that has taken her from tropical buzz of the Philippines and Norway’s deep chill, it’s the nu-jazz community in London that’s provided a period of settling and artistic fulfilment. An active collaborator and contributor within the scene, And Is Phi has provided voice, visuals and more for Steam Down, Emma Jean Thackray and producer William Florelle. She’s also been part of the Albert’s Favourites network for a while now, inputting to the releases by soul-expansionists Hector Plimmer and AF founder Scrimshire.
So news of that the debut And Is Phi album ‘Double Pink’ will be out via the Albert’s Favourites imprint on 22nd September feels like a natural upturn in this vibrant artist’s trajectory. There’s a flow and connectivity here which means the time seems right. As Andrea says “I feel at peace putting this album out, because I know it is my truth”.
The first hint that the ‘Double Pink’ album would announce And Is Phi as being more than ready was the preview of the title track, a harp shimmering, spiritual glide with a deep heat-smouldering vocal that whispered how special this new voice could be. Now comes a second taster ‘White Noise’, with video directed and featuring And Is Phi, and the significance of that incoming album seems to be a safe bet.
The post-highlife tingle of guitars, the flickering beats that maintain tension and that vocal, so sophisticated but so expressive, ‘White Noise’ is a song that steams with personality and presence. You can feel the Joni, Norah J and Gretchen Parlato comparisons coming on, but And Is Phi looks set to make waves her own way.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Double Pink’ by And Is Phi from your local record shop or direct from Albert’s Favourites HERE
