Description
Phase II is the sophomore and final solo album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Eddie DeGarmo of DeGarmo & Key Band, released on ForeFront Records in 1990.
Can you say “groovy”? I knew you could. Mr. DeGarmo (the quiet Beatle) pays another musical visit to the Beale Street neighborhood of Memphis on ‘Phase II’, the follow-up to his acclaimed solo debut ‘Feels Good To Be Forgiven‘. This time, Eddie balances some of the overt Stax/Volt references of his first album with a brighter, pop-oriented sound, and the result are delightful.
«Fragile Heart» opens the album, with an anything but fragile sound. DeGarmo is backed in vocals by Commissioned, and his gruff voice makes a nice match for the soulful vocal group’s smooth harmonies. «My Way Home» is a lovely ballad that display both DeGarmo’s increasing confidence in his singing, and his maturing as a songwriter. The title track is washed with a swampy guitar sound and features some bluesy belting as well. You wouldn’t think that the Gaither praise classic «Something About That Name» would be suitable match for a trio of rockers, but DeGarmo joins with Russ Taff and Mark Farner (no slouch vocalists themselves) and turns this new recording into a gem. Also worthy of mention is the outstanding guitar work by Larry Howard.
DeGarmo offers his rendition of a “road” song, «Prayed for a Woman Like You», and saves it from cliche by turning it into a tribute to his wife. Other outstanding tracks include the funky «Make it Count» (with some sassy horns and slinky guitar work) and the closer «Beyond the Tears», which features his best vocal on the album. This fine “phase” of Eddie DeGarmo’s career proves that his solo work stands on its own merits. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, November 1990]
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CD tracklist:
01. Fragile Heart – 4:12
02. Can’t Stand Still – 4:06
03. My Way Home – 3:55
04. Phase II – 4:57
05. There’s Something About That Name – 3:51
06. Prayed for a Woman Like You – 4:43
07. Make It Count – 4:15
08. Profession of Faith – 4:11
09. Shoreline – 5:00
10. Forgive Me for Doubting You – 4:03
11. Beyond the Tears – 5:08
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by ForeFront Records.
The October 1990 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key of DeGarmo & Key Band.
A full-page advertisement for Eddie DeGarmo’s solo album Phase II and Dana Key’s solo album The Journey was featured on the back side of the front page of the October 1990 issue of CCM Magazine.
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