What a joy to hear Phil talk about his past and growing up in Chester. I first met Phil while I was producing the Montana PBS documentary film, CLASS C, THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN. His name kept coming up as the only composer we should hire to create our score. And it made sense since the Chester HS girls basketball team was one of the towns we highlighted. So, I reached out to him and thankfully he was game. Lucky us. Fun fact, before he sat down to write the score, our directors had been using some of his previously recorded catalogue in the editing process. Those pieces worked so well, when it was time for him to compose an original work, we decided we couldn't replace them. They just fit too well. They were perfect. He didn't fight us even though I'm sure he would have liked to have composed new material. In fact Russell, some of the music you use in this podcast is in our film. So, I get an added joy when I hear your podcast. My heart felt thanks to Phil for sharing his lifetime of artistry with us all. We Montanans, wherever we may live, are always brought home by his distinctive melodies and soulful 'high plains' piano compositions.
This was so much fun to listen to. I smiled throughout this interview. I've told Phil this before, but our pianist played "High Plains" when I walked down the aisle for my wedding (I made a connection and procured a grand piano at our church now, Phil, so you can come play in SD and check it off your list)! Thanks for doing this, Russell!
Thank you, Russ, for featuring Phillip Aaberg! I had the distinct pleasure of performing with him and Eugene Friesen at an Arts of St. Johns concert in Lodi, CA. I think it was 2010. ❤️ 🎶 ❤️
What a joy to hear Phil talk about his past and growing up in Chester. I first met Phil while I was producing the Montana PBS documentary film, CLASS C, THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN. His name kept coming up as the only composer we should hire to create our score. And it made sense since the Chester HS girls basketball team was one of the towns we highlighted. So, I reached out to him and thankfully he was game. Lucky us. Fun fact, before he sat down to write the score, our directors had been using some of his previously recorded catalogue in the editing process. Those pieces worked so well, when it was time for him to compose an original work, we decided we couldn't replace them. They just fit too well. They were perfect. He didn't fight us even though I'm sure he would have liked to have composed new material. In fact Russell, some of the music you use in this podcast is in our film. So, I get an added joy when I hear your podcast. My heart felt thanks to Phil for sharing his lifetime of artistry with us all. We Montanans, wherever we may live, are always brought home by his distinctive melodies and soulful 'high plains' piano compositions.
This was so much fun to listen to. I smiled throughout this interview. I've told Phil this before, but our pianist played "High Plains" when I walked down the aisle for my wedding (I made a connection and procured a grand piano at our church now, Phil, so you can come play in SD and check it off your list)! Thanks for doing this, Russell!
That is so cool :)
Thank you, Russ, for featuring Phillip Aaberg! I had the distinct pleasure of performing with him and Eugene Friesen at an Arts of St. Johns concert in Lodi, CA. I think it was 2010. ❤️ 🎶 ❤️
That's very cool, Robin. He's so talented.