Phil is a native central N.Y. axeman who through the years has gained a word of mouth reputation as "the man" in town to check out. His flamboyant approach to the guitar is deeply rooted in the Chicago and Texas styles of electric blues, with subtle injections of r&b / soul, topped off by a tinge of rocks bite & edge. He draws heavily upon the influence from a host of guitar greats & legends who have inspired him to develop a style all his own. Flashy technique, charismatic presence, and a righteous command of tone are indisputable evidence that Phil can "hold his own with the best of them".

    

      Phil's 15+ yrs. of experience has landed him touring stints up & down the east coast with Washington D.C. based night life icons, The Nighthawks; as well as tours throughout the mid-west and west coast

with former Albert Collins side kick, and national blues up & comer Debbie Davies.

     

       While diligently honing his guitar chops, Phil was also busy developing a unique vocal style and gaining confidence as a "frontman", which led to the formation of his own group; The Lone Sharks.

For 4yrs. around central New York the Sharks were regarded as, "check em' out / must see", whenever & wherever they played. In the mid-1990's for a 6 month stint Syracuse blues legend "the voice of Syracuse" Roosevelt Dean also made use of his guitar wizardry.

    

      Reverting back to the freedom of the 3 piece environment Phil landed his current line up known as Phil Petroff & Natural Fact; featuring 2 time Grammy award winner David Olson on drums, and bassist extraordinaire "the real deal" Steve Wargo.

 

     Phil was named "CNY's best blues guitarist" by his peers, and honored at the 1996 NY State Blues Festival. Phil was also honored as a winner of the 1997 "SAMMY"  (Syracuse area music awards); in the "best blues instrumentalist" category; in addition to being nominated in the category of "best blues vocalist". 

 

     Phil's current debut cd "Live at the Garden" featuring  Phil Petroff & Natural fact recorded live at the Elmwood beer garden in May 2000 best describes on 1 disc Phil's prowess, passion, and out & out fearless attack, reflecting a wide range of style and influence. " It's a tone & feel thing......& I'm a tone & feel guy ..... & this cd nails it "

 

     Phil credits his outstanding reputation to his simple philosophy; "Give them something cool to see as well as hear....Treat every show as if it were your last....use any resource available to allow participation....Always play for them....Try to play with them..... Never ,ever, ever play at them....& oh yeah....always, always, always, simply have fun...it's so contagious...

                                                                               "and that is...............a natural fact"