First Album Since 2009 To Hit December 2, 2016
Nashville, Tennessee – Phil Vassar has built a legion of fans over the course of his award-winning career, and he is constantly being asked when he is going to release new music. The wait is now over, as the singer, songwriter, producer and proven hit maker has set December 2, 2016 as the date his American Soul cd will be available. The title cut single has just been dropped to country radio.
“I am beyond excited about this new music,” said Phil, whose reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 Hits. “We have an amazing team put together, and the time is right to get this new music out to the fans.”
American Soul was produced by Vassar and his longtime vocalist/guitarist and collaborator Jeffery Smith. Vassar and CMA and ACM Song of the Year winner Tom Douglas co-wrote the upbeat title cut, which makes reference to iconic American imagery. In addition to Douglas and Smith and one song he wrote solo, co-writers on the 11-song album include Billy Alcorn, Charlie Black, Scooter Carusoe, Aubrey Grant, Pete Kipley, Layng Martine, Matt Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Tim Ryan and Craig Wiseman.
The unique album cover was painted by noted artist Jason Irwin whose portfolio of abstracts includes some of the biggest names in music, sports, television and movies. The beautiful American Soulcover is filled with classic Americana references – musicians, ice cream, classic cars, and nods to hunting, beer, sailing and more. The vibrant, edgy artist also speaks to Phil’s music, which many liken to Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.
The album cover can also be found wrapping the first Music City Beer Co. commemorative packaging. Music City Light, the flagship beer, was created by Nashville musicians and venue owners to embody the spirit of Music City. Music City Beer Co. plans to partner extensively with the Nashville music community. Given Vassar’s wide range of success and long-standing community involvement, he was a natural choice to serve as the brand’s inaugural ambassador.
When not on the road over 150 dates a year, Phil has been taping episodes of his popular “Songs from the Cellar” show. Each episode incorporates artists, songwriters and wine connoisseurs such as John Rich, Tommy Shaw, Steve Cropper, Mike Tyson, Carrot Top, CAM, Hunter Hayes, Jeffrey Steele and others as featured guests. The celebs intertwine storytelling and music with wine and food pairings, and the wine, beer, bourbons and other cocktail favorites featured during the shows are inspired by the guests themselves.
“American Soul” (Phil Vassar, Tom Douglas)
“I’ll Meet You There” (Phil Vassar, Layng Martine)
“Big Time” (Phil Vassar, Craig Wiseman)
“I’m Not Made That Way” (Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Smith, Pete Kipley)
“Mississippi” (Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Smith, Billy Alcorn)
“Sound of a Million Dreams” (Phil Vassar, Scooter Carusoe)
“Stay With Me” (Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Smith, Aubrey Grant)
“2nd Avenue” (Phil Vassar, Charlie Black, Jeffrey Smith)
“Voice In My Head” (Phil Vassar)
“Sure Feels Good” (Phil Vassar, Matt Ramsey, Trevor Rosen)
“The Ballad of Pretty Mae” (Charlie Black, Tim Ryan)