John Philbrick

Guitarist and Songwriter John Philbrick, whose L.A. session work led him to meet future collaborators Justin Gariano, Dusty Schaller and vocalist/keyboardist Steve Maggiora, has released his debut full-length album, If You Say So. The album offers a showcase for Philbrick’s eclectic guitar style. Maggiora, provides the vocal accompaniment to Philbrick’s roaring riffage, which ranges from the Guns N’ Roses-meets-AC/DC opener, “Angles” to the soulful jazz feel of “Losing Out to Crazy,” with its loping Santana-like guitar riffs and the sensuous R&B of “Took Me by Surprise,” parting ways for a searing Clapton-esque solo midway through. The blues are well-represented with the chunka-chunka psychedelia of “More of Nothing,” while “Lovesick Warrior” has a spooky Native American primal beat anchoring a Doors-meets-“Helter Skelter” incantation that climaxes with Maggiora’s blood-curdling scream. “Not Enough” is a rock ‘n’ roll anthem, with a buzzsaw guitar solo at its center, with the title track offering an experimental, atmospheric, country-art-rock feel different from anything that came before. “It was pretty clear right away there was a lot of chemistry between us musically,” said John. “Steve is an absolutely killer musician, but maybe even more importantly, a really fun guy to hang out with and write with.”Maggiora adds “This record has soul, it rocks hard, it digs deep and it grooves like a mother*****!”