aaamusic | On 24, Aug 2010

Phantom Limb go beyond the famous adage that ‘less is more’ with the simple and often forgotten principle that great music is about playing the right things at the right time.
A seamless amalgam of classic, southern soul, country blues and gospel, this is intelligent music-making with impeccably high standards. Few bands can boast a vocalist of the quality of Yolanda Quartey – a mix of Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples best describe the unique sound of Yolanda’s burnished mahogany voice. Phantom Limb will restore your faith in contemporary music with their enigmatic song writing and raw elegance.

Formed after an impromptu Christmas jamming session in 2004, the band’s future crashed to a halt in 2006 when devastating illness forced Yolanda to stop singing. The album (and the band) stayed on ice for over six months while she recovered her voice after which it seemed a good idea to start quietly with acoustic rehearsals. These proved revelatory as a more intimate yet powerful sound emerged, electric guitars were swapped for acoustics, double bass was brought in and, with Yolanda’s voice allowed to soar, beautiful country-gospel songs emerged. It was a whole new start – the recording process began all over again and Phantom Limb was reborn.

‘Live In Bristol’ is a stunning live recording taken from a homecoming show in the dramatic acoustic of one of Bristol’s most prestigious halls. Appearing for the first time with Ros Stepehens & the Sigamos Strong Quartet (as heard with Will Young, Robert Wyatt, Gilad Atzmon Quartet amongst others), Phantom Limb showcase material from their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album and insight into next years eagerly anticipated follow-up. The Bristolian country-soul sextet have spent the summer recording in Long Beach, California with iconic producer Marc Ford (of the Black Crowes). ‘Live In Bristol’ also features a spine-chilling interpretation of Hank William’s dark country classic The Angel of Death.

‘Live In Bristol’ is released on compact disc exclusively via Amazon.co.uk on Naim Edge from this week 2010.