PSP LIVE

Simon Phillips is well-known for years as respectable session drummer (801,Toto,Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, The Who, Stanley Clarke, etc,etc). From late 80-s he started to release his own solo albums, without success to be honest.

In this, his newest to time (2010) project, he founded the fusion trio with French smooth jazz/new age keyboardist Philippe Saisse(David Bowie, Chaka Khan,Al Jarreau,etc) and fretless bass player Pino Palladino (David Gilmour, Peter Gabriel, Gary Numan, etc). This debut (live) release was recorded in Japan, to support it trio toured Europe.

I listened this album with some interest, but without serious expectations. And - at the end of the day - I found there what I expected to find. Simon is very competent drummer, capable to play fusion as well, but unhappily he doesn't have personal techniques. He had that problem on previous solo releases ( and on his solo debut, where he played all instruments by himself, the problem was really bigger - he is not good enough player for other instruments just to fill luck of his drumming personal style).

So - he could be a really great session drummer, or part of a band with great ideas and musicianship. Unhappily, all PSP trio has the same problem - three skilled session musicians hardly developed a unique final musical product by themselves.

Saisse keyboard playing technique is strongly influenced by smooth jazz and new age, and is openly cheese in some moments. All the sound is polished, toothless and compositions are mostly too faceless. Palladino bass is competent at his best moments, but never more.

So, final impression after listening this release - three competent session musicians recorded one of their concert and released it as album. Music recorded demonstrates their competent playing techniques, and possibly could be used as promo/demo recordings, but obviously lucks in composition, concept, structures - and even mastership. Even worst - sound is too polished and even openly cheese in moments.

Release for Simon Phillips collectors (if such category exists at all).

My rating - 2+.