“A fabulous writer”– Kathryn Williams

“What a lovely song-writer”  – Greg Russell on BBC Radio Sheffield

“The intelligence and the articulacy of emotion in his songs, honed over a lifetime of writing and performing, and Skywriting further cements this reputation”  – Ian Taylor awarding Skywriting four stars in R2 Magazine.

“I’ve had ‘Time’s Dark Wing’ in my head ever since leaving Moniack. That’s a great tune. Prine & Van Zandt would approve!”– Roddy Woomble

“Oh that is lovely. A good song and very moving performance. I am very pleased to have listened to that before bed.”– Teddy Thompson on ‘Time’s Dark Wing’

“Praised by Kathryn Williams and produced by Boo Hewerdine, who also contributes guitar, harmonium and dulcitone to Skywriting, veteran Nottingham singer-songwriter Langran comes from the old school of troubadours, his keenly observed songs gentle, wistful and poetic, his voice seasoned with the years.” – Mike Davies reviewing Skywriting for Folking.com

“It is hard, however, to single out highlights on an album packed with them, and which has no weak link” … “The intelligence, emotion, poetry and poignancy in his writing and performance is there for all to hear” – Ian Taylor awarding The Distance four stars in R2 Magazine

“Wonderful, poetic songs that calm the mind and soothe the soul” – Muff Fitzgerald awarding The Distance 8/10 on Americana UK

“A really good song”– Dean Jackson of BBC Introducing on ‘To be Continued’

“The songs reflect Langran’s knowledge of poetic tradition and seem like poems set to music … the ability to write songs for people to join in with is a canny skill”– Mike Wistow reviewing The Distance for Folking.com

“Musically astute and lyrically absorbing…A warm, intelligent set of songs”
– The Morning Star

“His vocals are utterly British and delivered with understated charm…The band synthesises folk, Americana, and blues influences to produce a languorous, folksy backdrop for the words” – John Crosby awarding Juke Box Love Songs three stars in R2 Magazine

“On all levels, Langran writes a potent lyric, crafting his keen words with a crispness that ensures the messages break through, driven by the man’s warm, emotive vocals, and remain, long after the song ceases.” – Tom Franks, Folkwords Reviews,

“A Gem” – BBC Celtic Heartbeat

“Provides a smooth engaging listen for the folk music lover who likes it straight and true.” – David Hintz, Folkworld #49

“Music that just seems to flow effortlessly”– Alan Clifford, BBC Radio Nottingham

Phil Langran’s songs are a powerful combination of immediacy and slow-burning subtlety. Their melodies instantly take up residence in the mind while the lyrics pack a considerable emotional punch. This is set off to great effect by Phil’s line in dry, laconic humour which accompanies the live show. The songs and lyrics work effortlessly on different levels, belying the craftsmanship that has gone into their making. Phil is not only a fine musician but also a writer steeped in the poetic traditions of Robert Frost and Langston Hughes. The result is a brilliant intertwining of Americana, Celtic, Folk and Blues themes in distinctive original songs. Like all the best songwriters, Phil has created his own genre, where Harlem nights and New York cityscapes rub shoulders with the west coast of Ireland and scenes from Werner Herzog’s films. Phil is joined on stage by a group of musicians drawn together by the quality of his writing. The band features luminaries of the acoustic scene – Steve Benford (acoustic guitar, banjo, vocals), Mark Walker (bass, vocals), Frank McCarthy (electric guitar, vocals) and Alistair Bloomfield (fiddle).

The band has released three CDs featuring Pippa Marland of Carmina and has just finished recording a new album, ‘The Distance’ featuring the present line-up. This will be released by Folkwit Records on 17^th November 2017.

Phil is undoubtedly one of the finest songwriters working on the acoustic scene today.