"Standing On The Outside"

Back in 1983 a little bit after I had left the group I started doing quite a bit of recording sessions. My first 'guest vocalist' as a lead singer outside of the group was a song called 'Standing On The Outside'. I got a call from Kazu Matsui, the album was the Kazu Matsui Project featuring Robben Ford. Robben was from the guitar player with the Yellow Jackets. This is a gorgeous song written by Jeff Day.

Since this was my first time doing a lead without the group, at the time it felt a little awkward. When you're used to working in a group setting and now you're suddenly out there on your own, it was just a little weird. But by this time I had studio experience. We had recorded 5 albums but still not having the fellas at the time felt different.

This song became the title cut of the album and it was the single as well. In addition to singing on that song, I was called back to sing on 2 other songs, "Me On The One Side" and also "Tell That Girl". So for my first time out as a guest vocalist I ended up singing 3 songs for this project which was definitely an honor.

Robben went on to record quite a few solo projects after that. He's definitely a talented guitarist and the work he did on that particular album still lives on.

'Standing On The Outside' is one of those songs that comes up on the radio from time to time on a smooth jazz station and it takes you back. For me this song became the 1st of many more guest vocals working with various artists.

You can listen to this song below from a YouTube link. Hope you enjoy "Standing On The Outside".

Until Next Time - Phillip