Internationally Renowned Saxophonist, Mike Phillips Releases His Latest Body Of Work, The Self-Titled Album: Mike Phillips

Mike Phillips is globally available today on all streaming and digital platforms, via the KIMM (Keep It Moving Music) / SRG ILS Group label imprint.

The physical autographed album is also available at the SRG Store. This soon-to-be classic album was introduced to audiences with the lead Jazz chart-topping single, “City Lights”, which currently sits as a TOP 30 single across various charts. Immediately followed by the powerful rendition of the classic, “Lift Every Voice And Sing”. The masterpiece and touching version of the song was released in celebration of this year’s annual Juneteenth celebration and its status as an official National Holiday. It was then followed by the up-tempo and newly fan-favorite, “Hangin’ With Mr. D.” Mike Phillips features guest appearances from Brian McKnight and The Good Times Horns.

The lead single from the new album is the beautiful smooth-jazz, “City Lights” written by Claude Villani and produced by Hamilton Hardin. “I had the melody for City Lights in my head for years and one day I played it for Mike and he really connected with it and well, the rest is history,” mentions Claude Villani. “It always reminds me of a summer day when I hear it,” he adds. “The CEO of SRG who is a musician and who went to Berklee College of Music and who takes music seriously, has a keen understanding and love for music and I’m honored to take a song that he wrote over 40 years ago and bring it to life with the assistance of producer Hamilton Hardin,” shares Mike Phillips.

Another highlight from the album is the world-genre infused, “The Deep Chocolate.” “When I look at my son Mike Jr. this song is for him. This is the nickname he gave himself. He came home one day and told me to call him “ The Deep Chocolate” from now on. He is in a school with a great education, but not as diverse as I would like it to be. So him being clear about the love of his beautiful chocolate skin is something I love and it makes me proud. The African elements is a tribute to him and how in love he is with his culture,” he mentions.

“Then you have “Tyrone’s Corner”, which is a clean song that has constant reminders of the real Kenny G ( Kenny Garrett ). It was molded around his vibe, but with my playing perspective woven inside of it. It’s a smart song, full of wit and intelligence like my son, Tyson.”

“Insatiable Lover”, is a melodic journey of a person who loves and wants someone so much. But no matter how much time they spend together, still can’t get enough of them.”

Mike Ohillips Tour Stops

Sun-Jul-10 | Los Angeles, CA @ Jazz at St. Andrews

Fri-Jul-22 | Missouri City, TX @ Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine & Bar

Sat-Jul-23 | Nashville, TN @ Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival

Tue-Aug-2 | Chicago, IL @ City Winery Chicago

Sat-Aug-13 | Omaha, NE @ The Capitol District

Fri-Sep-16 | Charlotte, NC @ Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Sat-Sep-17 | Raleigh, NC @ A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater

Sun-Sep-18 | Bethesda, MD @ Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club

MIKE PHILLIPS recently announced his new partnership with SRG-ILS Group, and launched his Jazz record label, “Keep It Moving Music” (KIMM). Keep It Moving Music will serve as a platform for young jazz artists that are extremely intentional about their musical growth, willing to work hard, and want to learn the dynamics of the business. Artists that partner with KIMM will be developed, educated, mentored, and will potentially be exposed to working with other established artists on the SRG roster such as Brian McKnight, Raheem DeVaughn, After 7, and many more. Where radio was once the main avenue to share new music, KIMM will work with their artists to utilize social media, curated playlists, NFT platforms, and other cutting-edge technology to market their product.

About Mike Phillips

World-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips is known as one of the most electrifying instrumentalists today. Mike is the first musician signed by Michael Jordan to the Nike Jordan Brand, home of the Air Jordan, and is the only musician in the world to have recorded and toured with the legendary “Big Three” of American soul and pop music: Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, not only as a member of the band but as a featured soloist.

Mike toured for nearly two years as part of the band for “Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL Tour” by Cirque du Soleil. And music superstar Prince knew what audiences around the world know… when Mike Phillips puts his saxophone to his lips, magic is about to happen.

Prince once quoted “I was offstage, listening to Michael Phillips take his solo. I was thinking ‘Wow, listen to those people responding, and all he’s doing is playing a saxophone.’ They can feel that what he’s doing is real. So many shows now…they are so dead. But here’s one man breathing into an instrument, and the whole room feels alive. It made me want to rise up to that level when I came back onstage.” Prince, Rolling Stone, 5/27/04

Phillips is no stranger to the professional sports world, as his version of the National Anthem during the 2016 NFC Championship game sent shockwaves all over the NFL deemed one of the best anthems ever done instrumentally and now is known as the “SAXTHEM”.

Mike has played three (3) halftime NFL shows with various artists and served as Music Director for the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration for two (2) consecutive years. Phillips also served as Musical Director and Host of the popular BET program “Lyric Café”. Mike Phillips’ other television performances have included the Grammys, the Soul Train Awards and as host of his own show “Mike’s World” on BET network channel Centric which thrilled millions of viewers.

Mike’s solo albums You Have Reached Mike Phillips, Uncommon Denominator, M.P.3, and his latest Pulling Off The Covers all debuted in the Top #5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart. “Pulling Off The Covers”, is a unique collection of songs that have inspired Mike throughout his career. The album features collaborations with many of Mike’s friends including Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, Leela James, PJ Morton, and Trombone Shorty.