Phil Raphael, a composer and pianist, was born in New York in 30. He was an active participant in New York’s bop scene in the 1950s. He played with Charlie Parker and John Eardley. One session that he had with Red Rodney, the famous trumpet player, is the only record of his activities. This was for the Prestige label in 51. Phil Raphael was also a member of Tommy Dorsey’s and Stan Kentons big bands, although no evidence is available. He then moved to Las Vegas for awhile. Although it is not known when he first appeared on the Belgian music scene or when he vanished from it, he did appear at the Pol’s club, where his wife was a cloakroom assistant in the 1970s. Recording for “Stop, Look, Listen” took place 3rd June 1972. Although the story and character of the leader are still unknown, his Belgian accompanists are well-known on the Brussels scene. Robert Pernet, Johnny Perret, vibraphone player, percussionist, and double bass player Paul Dubois, all played and recorded for over thirty years with Toots Thielemans and Bobby Jaspar. Paul Dubois is the sole surviving member of this rhythm section. He played with the pianist once, and has no memories of Raphael, or Rose Thompson, Rose Thompson’s voice that lights up the arrangements. The album’s magical compositions are the real mystery. Raphael creates a unique blend of many musical styles, including be-bop and opera. While many musicians attempted fusion at the time, this album has a unique lyrical and poetic chemistry. Stop, look, listen… from http://www.parisdjs.com
