The story of Phoenix 23 is one that began one cold November evening in a small blues bar, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, back in 2007. A chance conversation with legendary Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen at one of his intimate gigs lead to a demo being exchanged. The 3 cousins didnt foresee the journey they were about to begin.
" Travelling with my band I get dozens of CDs from aspiring musicians from all around the world. To be honest, most of them end up in the hotel trash can, but something about the Phoenix 23 demo compelled me to hang on to it and bring it home to California. This music is pure....a rarity these days! " Carl Verheyen
A couple of months down the line singer/songwriter Gav built up the courage to contact Carl for some demo feedback. The next thing they knew they had been invited to fly to LA and start recording their debut album with Carl at the world famous Sunset Sound Studioswhere The Doors, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Prince, to name but a few, have all recorded.
Phoenix 23 were a 3 piece at this stage but this didnt matter, Carl played all the lead guitar with drummer Stevie Di Stanislao (David Gilmour, David Crosby and Joe Cocker) playing all the percussion on the album.
Finally Bernard Matthews (KD Lang, Sheryl Crow, Ice T, and Earth, Wind & Fire) was flown in from New York to engineer.... and the album was on! " I had a such a blast working with Phoenix 23, not only are these guys very talented but they all have such wonderful senses of humor which made for days of great music and a lot of laughs "
Stevie Di Stanislao. " Phoenix 23 brought a refreshing style of music and performance to the sessions, both familiar and unique"
" These cats belong in the studio and on the stage. Great music, great hang. I can't wait to get them back in " Bernard Matthews.
It was onwards and upwards for Phoenix 23 with a mini tour a year later, where again they hooked up with Carl as guests at one of his intimate gigs. They later returned the favour and supported him in Northern Ireland whilst he was on his European Tour.
They have had movie success with 3 of their tracks appearing on the soundtrack of the Sir Ben Kingsley movie "Fifty Dead Men Walking " ; the song Hit the Ground Running featuring at number 4 in Empire Magazine's must hear sound track tunes.
" I was thrilled to be working with Phoenix 23 who brought their unique signature to the soundtrack of Fifty Dead Men Walking - I was looking for a contemporary sound that drew on the spirit of the 1980's. The guys came up with tracks and lyrics that really added to the scenes while creating an overall tone that grounded the movie in the period. It was also a blast working with them and I hope I get the opportunity again soon " Kari Skogland - Director
With radio airplay gathering momentum, Phoenix 23 look set to finish 2010 on a huge high! They are embarking on a tour of the West Coast of the States to launch their album; having recruited Andy Cochrane (another cousin!) & Richard Hodgen, to step in for Carl & Stevie on the live circuit the band has never sounded stronger or tighter live, with great reviews wherever they play.
" When I first heard Hurricane, from Phoenix 23s debut album, I was really excited and instantly it received a lot airplay at the station. Now after hearing the full album, its great to see they have a real passion about their music....these guys are going to have great success, they are great live and the tracks on the album are huge " Gareth Stewart Drivetime Cool FM.
Their fan base is growing stronger on a daily basis with them reaching far and wide from Australia to the US, Malaysia to Germany, Italy and Russia!
This is Phoenix 23.....the journey continues!!
Gav Campbell - Singer/Guitarist
Glenn Donnelly - Guitarist
Neil Donnelly - Bassist
Richard J. Hodgen - Drummer
Andy Cochrane - Lead Guitarist
Spectator Newspaper
http://mickieszoo.blogspot.com/search?q=phoenix+23
http://www.kingsroad.it/?p=785
3 Songs featured in the film.
