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IN HIS OWN WORDS

I am a Singer/Songwriter from Sheffield, England.

Instrumentally I mainly play acoustic (6 & 12 String) guitar, although I also play Mandola, Mandolin, Keyboards (a bit) and percussion. I have been around the Folk Scene in Sheffield since the early 1990's having been the Lead Vocalist / Guitarist/ Mandola/ Mandolin player in the trio "Hair Of The Dog" for about 12 years.

I left the band in 2006, wishing to change direction musically having grown tired of playing the same, mainly Irish songs.

After taking a break from the scene I am now out and playing again, as a solo performer singing mostly self-penned songs and am available for bookings in around the area. I now write most of my own material and will be changing and adding songs on this page as and when I have something new for you to listen to, so keep coming back to check.

If you like what you hear tell all your friends. If you don't, then, for heaven's sake, keep you gobs shut! (ha ha)

I now have two CD’s to my name.  The first Words and Music was released in 2008 and The Game in 2009.  Both albums bring together songs I have written that I hope reflect the World and City I live in from my perspective, yet amongst the songs on The Game you might find a couple of well known Traditional offerings taking me back to my roots.

The past twelve months has seen me making appearances at venues throughout South Yorkshire and two or three notable trips North and South to appear at Festivals or Gig with Friends.

I like to my music to new places and like any song writer I’m looking for the widest audience.  

So please have a listen, and let me know what you think.

You can buy my CD’s through the Acoustic Rotherham CD Shop by going HERE or by using the Paypal Cart links at the bottom of the page.

If you cant wait for the CD version you can also down load the tracks from this page.

RIGHT UP TO DATE

PHILL’S BLOGS

Tim Carroll
FolkWords

“Words and Music' – musical observations from Phillip Hartley

Occasionally you hear an album that rivets you with its simplicity and purity. 'Words and Music' by Sheffield-based singer/songwriter, Phillip Hartley does just that. Apart from writing the songs playing acoustic 6 and 12 string guitars, mandola, mandolin, keyboards and percussion, Phillip also produced the album.

Sometime lead vocalist/guitarist with Hair of the Dog he's emerged as an accomplished solo performer with 'Words and Music'. And before anyone thinks a self-produced album might be of questionable quality, forget it - he's done a fine job. The recording is crisp, the instruments sound great and Phillip's voice - ranging from anxious and edgy to demanding and questioning - is as clear as can be.

There are so many fine songs on this album it's hard to select favourites. The opener, 'A Long Way' is a sad, rather introspective song, but a good introduction to Phillip's style. 'A Question of Time' is an outstanding song about changing years and growing older, the lyrics are great and Phillip's vocals are spot on. Personal songs about love can often sound trite and tedious – if that's your view listen to 'Forever on my Mind' it will change your mind. The mournful tones of 'My Town' lament the closure of British industry with perceptive lyrics it's worth taking time to absorb.

The title song 'Words and Music' talks about the doubts, trials and tribulations of the itinerant songwriter. 'Just Another Song' is meticulously constructed and the vocal delivery immediately conjures up memories of Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and there's no negative connotation attached to that view. On the contrary, it's a positive comparison, Ian Anderson writes insightful songs that reflect his personal analysis of the world - and so does Phillip Hartley. The album closes with a little touch of humour in the song 'Shy' – but I won't give away the joke, you'll have to listen.

If you enjoy unadorned albums with one man singing about his observations on life, delivering a range of mellow, sometimes slightly pensive, contemplative songs then this is an album for you.

WHAT THE CRITICS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT

PHILLIP HARTLEY

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BOTH PHILLIP HARTLEY CDS FOR ONLY

£12.50

The Game a future classic..   «««««

By Musicologist – 26-September-2009

The game is the 2nd self-release from Singer Songwriter Phillip Hartley. If you’ve never had the pleasure of hearing Phil play live then, A) You need to do that as soon as possible and B) you need to buy this album. From the opening track Flying to the closing track The Game these 13 songs showcase the talent of this fine musician. It is hard for me pick a stand-out track, but if I had to buy just one track it would be Folk Club Prima Donna. If you have ever been to the typical folk club described in this song you will recognise and laugh your socks off at the archetypal club singer in this song. But of course you will want to download the whole album as I did.. Djay Buddah

THE GAME

CRITICALLY ACLAIMED

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