Still Here

This is a new project from the father and son duo of Phil and Dan Rosenthal. Phil is best known as a songwriter and former member of the Seldom Scene and the Old Dog project. His son Dan grew up listening to his dad’s and others’ music but subsequently chose to take up trumpet and study jazz. On this outing, Phil plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, and sings the lead vocals, while Dan plays trumpet, flugelhorn, bass, Fender Rhodes, and sings harmony vocals. 

The song selections are chosen from a variety of sources that include tunes from such as John Hartford, Hank Williams, Tom Petty, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, and others. There are even a couple written by Phil, which include “Banjo and Flugelhorn in Bb Minor,” which showcases Dan, and “Old Dog.” Other selections include Steve Earle’s “Pilgrim,” John Hartford’s “I’m Still Here,” Hank Williams’ “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight,” Guy Clark’s “L.A. Freeway,” and Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” with Naomi Sommers on vocals.  Other familiars are “Catfish John,” “Darling Nellie Gray,” “Home Sweet Home,” and “Eight More Miles To Louisville.” 

Some may find the combination of banjo and trumpet a bit odd, but that idea works pretty well on this project. Dan approaches his playing like a fiddle, enhancing Phil’s leads with a similar feeling. A couple of highlights are the instrumental “Banjo and Flugelhorn in Bb Minor,” which is just that, and there is “I’m Still Here” with Dan’s muted horn. Overall, this is a very good project which features the unique banjo and brass combination from Phil and Dan Rosenthal.