Phil Madeira to Perform at Library 2/12

06 Feb Phil Madeira to Perform at Library 2/12

Phil Madeira

He took a path less traveled, leaving behind his evangelical roots to discover a career in music.

And what a career.

Phil Madeira is a Grammy- and Nashville Music Award-winning songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist (Hammond B-3 organ, harmonica, guitar, lap steel guitar, accordion, Dobro, percussion), who has been a behind-the-scenes shaker and mover as a band member with Emmylou Harris & Her Red Dirt Boys, Buddy Miller, The Phil Keaggy Band, and more.

His tunes have been recorded by Alison Krauss,The Civil Wars, Ricky Skaggs, Bruce Hornsby, Keb’ Mo’, Garth Brooks, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Buddy Miller to name just a few iconic musicians who have recognized his genius.

The highly-respected musician is scheduled to perform at the Wilkinson Public Library Wednesday, February 12, 7 p.m.

Madeira is widely known for his work with Miller and has appeared in that context with Solomon Burke, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, Vince Gill, Boz Scaggs, and Patty Griffin.

One of his most important works to date is Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us, (2012), which features Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars, Dan Tyminski, John Scofield and other greats. The recording received rave reviews across the board. And The Civil Wars just won a Grammy for “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” for their song “From This Valley” which Madeira co-wrote.

Arguably a polymath, Madeira is also a fine artist with an engaging painterly, representational style. He is also an author whose new book, “God on the Rocks,” is described this way on his website:

Musician and songwriter Phil Madeira turns his talent for evocative lyricism from the stage to the page as he invites us to wander with him on his relentless search for God. From a joke involving a glass eye in a family that doesn’t always see eye-to-eye, a judgmental “Grandmonster” who makes an (almost) redeeming connection in her final moments, or a crumbling marriage and the surprise of new love, Madeira’s raw and tender stories illustrate the journey we all share, along with wise reflections to get through it.

In addition to entertaining us with his music, Madeira plans to read excerpts from his story.

Just before the mini-concert, reading and conversation, check out Smugglers Brewpub across the street from the Library. The restaurant, which has received a total facelift and features a whole new menu, is offering 10% off to anyone who has dinner there before the show.

And to learn more about Phil Madeira, click the “play” button and listen to our chat.