Langran, Phil
Skywriting
Phil Langran has been writing, playing and singing songs since laying hands on his first guitar at the age of fifteen, leaving a trail of broken strings from Brighton to Inverness. In recent years, particularly inspired by songwriting workshops with Kathryn Williams, Roddy Woomble and Boo Hewerdine, he has further honed his distinctive style - literate, highly melodic and keenly observed scenes of life, love and landscape. Skywriting is a stripped-down, hushed collection produced by Boo Hewerdine and Chris Pepper. Boo joins Phil on acoustic guitar and vocals, adding delicate textures on harmonium, vibes and dulcitone. Phil's songs provide a powerful combination of immediacy and slow-burning subtlety.The succinct songs and lyrics are set off to great effect by Phil's line in dry, laconic humour which accompanies his live shows. When out touring Phil is joined by Steve Benford (acoustic guitar, banjo, vocals), Mark Walker (bass, vocals), Frank McCarthy (electric guitar, vocals) and Alistair Bloomfield (fiddle) creating a unique sound firmly rooted in folk, interweaving elements of American and Celtic traditions