Josh Phillips, singer and primary songwriter for the wildly popular southern funk act, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, is stepping out and stepping up! Phillips, who recently parted ways with his ex band mates, is quietly redefining his musical identity as one of the most soulful and thought provoking songwriters in the scene today. With the release of their first studio album, Wicker, Phillips has truly provided a strong testament to his ability to effortlessly capture generations worth of musical evolution, and traverse years of cultural dilution, bringing the listener back to the very source of roots, folk, soul, r & b, rock and reggae. Wicker is as original as it is genuine and breathes with an honesty that keeps it sounding fresh even after many listens. This is visionary music from a visionary songwriter.

The album also features a stellar line up of musical guests whose collaborations always sound vital, and not ancillary. Ryan Burns of Laura Reed and Deep Pocket plays organ and keyboards throughout the album, which also includes Elijah and Casey Cramer of Strut and Jacob Baumann of the Trainwreks. The album, of course, features members of Phillips' ex band, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Toubab Krewe, Acoustic Syndicate, Blue Rags, and many more Asheville musicians making the album a true Folk Festival.

Wicker, recorded at the world class Echo Mountain Recoding in Asheville, NC and mixed at Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta with Paul Diaz (Outkast, Whitney Houston, Gwen Stefani) is simply a great album from an obvious talent.