A LIGHT ON THE HILL (TRIBUTE TO ANTHONY PHILLIPS BY THE ANT BAND)

One of the most regularly celebrated progressive rock albums came out in 1977, as the massive punk tsunami was about to wash away the "pompous and elitist flash rock", by none other than Anthony Phillips, who had left Genesis after the Trespass album (1970). It was the beautifully decorated "The Geese and the Ghost", artwork from Peter Cross and subsequently reprinted in 1981, 1988, 1990 as well as remastered in 2007, 2008 and 2015 (as a 2CD+DVD deluxe Edition). Not only has it stood the test of time, but its impeccable pastoral, vary English feel was incredibly unique and distinctive, rarely copied or emulated.

Well, that legacy has been perpetuated with "Which Way the Wind Blows- The Music of Anthony Phillips" 2019, a British tribute ensemble with all kinds of famous special guests, such as Steve Anderson, John and Steve Hackett, Noel McCalla, John Helliwell, Nick Magnus and Kate St-John, with more gorgeous Peter Cross artwork. I should be reviewing that one soon as well. In 2022, a dedicated German crew led by the Morgenstern family of Nina and Robin on vocals and multi-instrumentalist Tom, decided to invite a dozen or so guests, namely Steve Hackett (again!) as well as two members of Fauns, Jan-Peer Hartmann on guitars and flutist Kirsten Middeke. They put together a list of highlight tracks from the legendary and ongoing career of a gifted and humble musician worthy of the highest praise. To mirror the Phillips catalog, there are song-oriented tracks as well as instrumental workouts for which he is perhaps more infamous for.

One of the prettiest melodies ever to be found, "Sistine" develops a breezy little jewel that breathes tranquility and reverence, originally presented on the 1984 album "Private parts and Pieces IV; A Catch at the Tables". I could call this "Pristine" and not be criticized, a fluid simplicity that expresses the most genuine of sentiments. Robin's vocal is charmingly effective. Taken from the delightful New England album, "Sanctuary" offers precisely what the title implies, a sense of love longing for eternity, while "God If I Saw Her Now" is a highlight track from "the Geese and the Ghost", previously sung on demos by Ant as well as the rather awesome Phil Collins version on the album, which is a hard act to follow. Robin does another admirable effort here. The album "Dragonfly Dreams" proposes "She'll Be Waiting", another crystalline ballad that shimmers gently. The ghostly "Unheard Cry", the redolent "Stranger", "Lucy- An Illusion" with its majestic synth solo a la Tony Banks, "Moon's Lament for the Sun" and "Master of Time" are all more than meets the ear.

On the instrumental side of things, the prog fan will find quite a selection of sensational excerpts A fascinating piece of memorabilia on "F Sharp", as it was a 1969 demo sketch by Ant and Mike Rutherford that eventually was shaped into this arrangement, furthered into the eventual and instantly recognizable solo on the Musical Box, played by Steve Hackett. This alone is worth the price of admission, a glimpse into the inner workings of musicians creating a masterpiece, in the most natural way possible, hours of work and practice. Needless to state, Hackett does his usual magic here.

On the previously unreleased "Study No.1 in E Major" is Gereon Schoplick on solo classical guitar, very much in the Phillips tradition. A sensational piece is the "Salmon Leap" features a full band workout that jumps out at you (excuse the pun) like a fish out of water. This was part of "the Scottish Suite" from the stunning "Back to the Pavilion" recording which also sits very high in the Ant pantheon. From that same album, Gereon does another admirable turn on the 12-string loaded with reverb with "Postlude: End of the Season"

"Slow Dance" perennially sits in my all-time top 25 albums, often selected for Sunday morning play, the excerpt from Part 1 a subtle reminder just how great this album is played by reverential musicians who can recognize genius when asked to tackle the repertoire. Anthony has acknowledged this album with his usual humble demeanor, stating that many of the tracks chosen were improvements on the original.

4 Illuminations from the Incline.