R&B/Soul Legend Phil Perry to Release New Collection “The Phil Perry Songbook Vol. 1” on Sept. 11th, 2025 | LISTEN!

The Phil Perry Songbook Vol. 1 arrives on Sept. 11, spotlighting ‘70’s soul vocal band, The Montclairs

Every once in a while, vocal treasures come along from time to time though for a brief season, including The Montclairs, led by adult contemporary vocal superstar Phil Perry. While these underappreciated East St. Louis, Mo.-based soulful balladeers (Perry, David Frye, George McLellan, Kevin Sanlin & Clifford ‘Scotty’ Williams) career was cut short after releasing several singles and one album in 1972 entitled, Dreaming Out of Season, they were recognized as Soul Group of the Year in 1974 from U.K.’s Soul Magazine. Thankfully, Perry presents that long anticipated gift in 2025 with the project entitled, Phil Perry Songbook, Vol. 1, where loyal and new listeners are privileged to hear 10 songs penned by Perry, including 4 unreleased tracks between 1970-1974.

While this collection of The Montclairs are all appealing, there are a few highlights to check out. The lengthy 8 minutes of “Do I Stand a Chance” digs into an insightful, persevering tale about fulfilling a forever romance. “Dreaming’s Out of Season” was featured on a smoothly updated version on Perry’s 2015 CD, A Better Man. Then, “Prelude to A Heartbreak” shares the thoughts of a man’s side regarding a breakup.

This special songbook from Perry revisits the elegant harmonies of classic soul vocal masters like The Moments and The Stylistics. Of course, there is frontman Perry’s swift range that includes an enthusiastic falsetto.

The Phil Perry Songbook, Vol. 1 will be available on September 11th.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene