Phil Vassar Hangs with Kenny Chesney
Phil Vassar , country music's high energy piano man with the golden voice, is preparing for the release of his third Arista Nashville album while the collection's first single burns up the charts. "In A Real Love," the first release from the as-yet untitled album, earned Breaker status on this week's Radio & Records Country Top 50 Singles chart. The song moves into the top 30 in only its sixth week. Vassar, meanwhile, is expected to complete the album this month in advance of a planned September release. Taking a different approach in the studio, Phil used his own band on much of the records rather than the familiar Nashville studio players. The aim was to tap his strength as a vocalist and musician by recreating the live sound that has earned fan support and widespread critical acclaim. Some songs feature only Vassar's vocals and piano playing. Songwriting legend Jimmy Webb says of Vassar, "Phil Vassar is an awesome pianist, performer and songwriter. He is not a man to cross keyboards with. Hear that, Billy Joel, Elton John and whoever!" A recent tour stop in Pensacola Phil stopped by and hung out with Kenny Chesney. As always, Vassar maintains a full touring schedule, with between 110 and 120 dates scheduled over the course of the year. He's currently out doing fairs and festivals, and plans are in the works for a late fall headlining tour of theaters.

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