Tom Phillips & the D.T.s Calgary, Alberta. Band leader. Honky Tonk Hero. Even soundtrack writer for a book (A Canadian first, for a Will Ferguson novel.) Survivor and singer of cautionary tales. Ten albums under his belt. You want it, you got it from Tom Phillips, whose career has turned itself inside out so often that at times he appears to be a shape shifter. During the past few years, Phillips' transformation was also physical as he swapped alcohol for coffee and his trademark cowboy boots and shirts for polished shoes and tailored suits. But appearances distract, Phillips is no shape shifter: if you took a musical X-ray during every incarnation. you'd find song writing as the bedrock under the suits, boots, cowboy hats and skin. Which explains why revered blues artist Eric Bibb covered  Phillips' touchstone tune Ribbons and Bows on one of his albums. An esteemed statesperson of the Calgary music scene, Phillips earned his laurels over decades. He recorded with Gordon Lightfoot's band in Toronto before releasing several albums both live and in studio with his legendary long time honky-tonk band The Men of Constant Sorrow (MOCS). He also released an acoustic solo album, paid homage to Hank Williams on the Sorrow Bound Project and smashed his comfort zone with a daring, darling album, Mr. Superlove, of cover songs from punk and rock territory. He's often found in musical gatherings that celebrate the songs of Haggard, Dylan, Springsteen, Hank Williams and Lightfoot. The evolution continues on his most recent work with the D.T.s (Difficult Transitions). The band formed serendipitously at bars and open stages, learning Phillips most recent songs onstage in time for his last two recordings. With MOCS veteran Tim Leacock (the Co-Dependents) on guitar and vocals, Thom Moon (Ian Tyson) on drums, and magical sisters; singers Shaye (percussion/ guitar)  and Sydney (bass) Zadravec. The D.T.s translate Phillips' songs into spell binding live performances. So take a musical walk with  Tom Phillips & the D.T.s and gaze at life through seasoned eyes. They've got it covered with songs that undress truths so simple they're frightening. Ever cheated on a lover, drove home drunk,  been bucked off a horse or been the last person in the bar when the lights came up? If you've been stranded on the highway, woken up in the wrong bed, walked home barefoot in a ball gown in the morning rain, or wished you could have a re-do on any of these choices....Tom Phillips & the D.T.s have a song for you.Bio by Mary Lynn Wardle (adapted from Calgary Folk Festival)