In the realm of folk / singer-songwriter music, there aren’t many people doing it at the level of Bristol’s Phil Cooper.  His new album, Playing Solitaire, is a 10 song collection of spectacularly soothing, acoustic-driven folk pop reminiscent of icons like James Taylor.   

Across this record, from the instantly memorable opener “Still Holding My Breath” to the Paul Simon-esque closer “Get It Right the First Time”, Cooper treats us to impeccable arrangements, beautiful finger-picking, smooth vocal performances, and lyrical phrasing that belies years of experience.

Nothing is out of place on this record, every word and phrase and note laying perfectly in the cracks and seams to serve the song. The effect is an album that feels timeless and deeply familiar.

I’d put this one at the top of the “get it on vinyl” list. It’s a perfect companion to a quiet Sunday morning, a fresh cup of something hot, and a comfortable chair.