Simon Phillips tin practise it all. Phillips has recorded on 2 Buddy Rich Big Band tributes, showcasing his powerfulness to read complex charts too swing with passion or supporting the likes of “The Who”, Peter Gabriel, Gil Evans too many others likewise numerous to advert here. On “Another Lifetime”, Phillips expands his working unit of measurement with the additions of guitarist Andy Timmons, saxophonist Wendell Brooks, percussionist Peter Michael Escovedo too keyboardist Jeff Babko. The proceedings larn off to a heated start with the Phillips/Russell composition “Jungleyes”. Here, the blistering squelch chords from the twin guitarists supply the ammunition for Phillips’ commanding presence even thus the composition takes on a novel lite when the guitarists emulate a mini-brass department with soaring too melodic unison lines. Throughout, Phillips too co. tread waters that outflow Prog-Rock, Fusion too Jazz which makes it fairly evident that Phillips is a well-schooled too various technician/composer. On Phillips’ “Freudian Slip” saxophonist Wendell Brooks along with the dynamic guitar operate of Russell too Timmons arts and crafts enticing upper register thematic statements as Phillips’ sturdy too pronounced backbeat guides the melody on a whirlwind course. As inward the past, Phillips reaps many rewards performing with the bright Anthony Jackson. Jackson is arguably i of the world’s finest bassists. Jackson plays even thus constantly explores his musical instrument piece providing i of the nigh distinctive “bottoms” inward the business. Jackson’s approach is muscular, slick too extremely “musical” piece rarely, if always conveying an obtrusive presence. Percussionist Escovedo too keyboard ace Jeff Babko supply the costless accents even thus also maintain a hearty presence piece rounding out the colossal too fiery band sound. Phillips’ “Kumi Na Moja” is a straight-ahead burner featuring roughly appealing too crafty fourth dimension signatures that should hold the listener on the border of his or her seat. Engaging motifs, dynamic chord progressions, captivating solo work, supplemented past times swift double bass drums too thunderous tom-tom maneuvers from the master. “Kumi Na Moja” is a tour-de-force. Things allow upwards a combat on the Phillips/Russell composition “Mountain High”. This slice serves as a expert vehicle for saxophonist Wendell Brooks. “Mountain High” is an innocent even thus moody melody which hints at Adult Contemporary or New Age but features roughly charming too airy phrasing past times Brooks’ laid clean soprano work. Phillips too Russell’s “Euphrates” features Phillips’ performing polyrhythmic patterns across his toms piece Anthony Jackson thumps his bass inward linear fashion as he constructs engaging patterns too hard octaves which at times mimic the semblance of 2 bassist’s. The closer, Phillips too Russell’s “Another Lifetime” is a highly charged Jazz induced scorcher where everyone gets a demand chances to extend their wares. This rails could also serve as an appropriate finale for the “live” show.
“Another Lifetime” may inward fact live on Simon Phillips’ finest solo liberate to date. Other than the extraordinary soloing too interplay amongst the band, Phillips too Ray Russell larn high marks for potent compositional evolution which should run into or move past times the expectations of nigh Simon Phillips fans. “Another Lifetime” makes for compelling listening too should satisfy the appetites of those who own got been anticipating this release. Highly Recommended!
If yous took musicians who own got worked on projects with artists as various as Olivia Newton-John, Vanilla Ice, Tim McGraw, Julio Iglesias, Tina Turner, the London Symphony Orchestra, Ashford & Simpson, the Bee Gees, George Benson, Jimmy Buffett, Chick Corea, the Doobie Brothers, the Four Tops, Stephane Grappelli, Lena Horne, Joe Jackson, Madonna, the O'Jays, John Sebastian, Doc Severinsen, Simon & Garfunkel, Steely Dan, Dionne Warwick, Sadao Watanabe, Jon Anderson, Big Country, Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger, Judas Priest, Mike Oldfield, Trevor Rabin, Joe Satriani, too Whitesnake too set them together on a project, several questions mightiness come upwards to mind. Among those questions mightiness be: Just how big of an regular army is this? Another would for sure be: What form of music would these people make? Well, the respond to the rootage inquiry is, only 7 people (Simon Phillips, Andy Timmons, Wendell Brooks, Jeff Babko, Ray Russell, Anthony Jackson, too Pete Escovedo). The respond to the instant inquiry is non as uncomplicated to answer, but far to a greater extent than interesting. Overall the CD is a real enjoyable multifariousness of jazz, but for sure progressive stone leanings too other sounds practise emerge. Expect to hear funk amongst elements of both Pat Metheny too Al Dimeola. Don't live on surprised if yous selection upwards on hints of vintage Genesis. As i mightiness await with musicians boasting the to a higher house credentials, the album is exceptionally strong, both inward damage of writing too performance. Also coming as no surprise, the drumming is top-notch too makes upwards a lot of the involvement of the CD. However, the residuum of the band definitely hold upwards their ends as well, serving upwards their unique blend of fusion. This is i that should serve to entertain both jazz aficionados too fans of progressive stone as well. They only don't brand them a lot amend than this.
Simon Phillips has for years occupied a respected berth as i of the worlds best, nigh dynamic too inward demand session drummers. My understanding
is that this is the rootage album he's done of original fabric fronting his ain band.
In a nutshell this is high octane, high energy, beautifully performed jazz fusion of the highest order. Every cutting is a jewel too for fans of v star, boot out the jams instrumental music you're going to honey this one.
Track Listing:
1. Jungleyes 8:07
2. P O V 5:55
3. Freudian Slip 6:45
4. Eyes Blue For You 5:40
5. Kumi Na Moja 8:13
6. Mountain High 5:40
7. due east southward P 6:10
8. Euphrates 6:36
9. Another Lifetime 6:34
Total fourth dimension - 59:40
Personnel:
Simon Phillips - Drums
Anthony Jackson - Bass
Andy Timmons - Guitar
Jeff Babko - Keyboards
Peter Michael Escovedo - Percussion
Ray Russell - Guitar
Wendell Brooks - Saxophone
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