Mount Vernon, NY, native Mike Phillips became interested in music at a young age, moving through several different instruments before settling on the saxophone. By the age of 16, he had decided to play professionally. He made an impromptu New York debut at Wilson's nightclub in New York in 1993, and that led to a series of session and sideman jobs in jazz, R&B, and even rap. Eventually, he attracted the attention of Hidden Beach Recordings, which signed him and put him on the road in the summer of 2001 opening for Jill Scott. Phillips' debut album, You Have Reached Mike Phillips, was released by Hidden Beach in May 2002. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
