Marc Phillips, who was the lead vocalist, main songwriter and keyboard player of the Birmingham pop band Hotel will be appearing at this year’s CD & Record Show as ARCA honors Hotel. Hotel was formed in 1973 by area musicians and, after a few initial personnel changes, solidified its most recognized line-up by 1976. That line-up included original members Marc Phillips on keyboards and Tommy Calton on guitar. The band was rounded out with Lee Bargeron (keyboards, guitar), Mike Reid (guitar), George Creasman (bass) and Michael Cadenhead on drums. All members added vocals which contributed to the strong harmonies, sometimes 6-part, that were a staple of Hotel’s music. The musicianship was outstanding and the music was well polished and produced.
‘IN’ thing. Hotel didn’t move that way, but did try to make their music a little bit edgier. That same year, they released their second album, “Half-Moon Silver” with one single release, the title track. Though the single reached the Hot 100, which makes four total songs to do so, nothing had yet hit the Top 40. Mercury did not promote the album or the band and the second album sold less than the first and Mercury dropped them. Both albums, however, contained great music and deserved better promotion. The musicianship and vocals were as good and polished as any band in the country.