PRIVATE PARTS & PIECES II - BACK TO THE PAVILLION

From start to finish, Back to the Pavillion is, like the best of Anthony Phillip's work, an escape for the listener, a minor journey into enchanted whimsical realms. Although Geese and the Ghost (actually named after two sounds on a keyboard being used at the time) is typically considered his finest effort, PP&P 2 deserves similiar recognition, with this being among his most creative recordings (the playing is uniformally superior throughout Ant's body of music). One can dim the lights on a cool Fall evening, put this disc on, and find a very private and satisfying retreat into one's self. As is the case with Phillip's discs in general, there are hardly any 'stand-out' tracks, with others occupying a more secondary position within the contect of the album; rather, the recording functions more as a seamless whole, with each ensuing track taking the listener just a bit farther down the path traveled while enjoying the music. Along with 'Geese', this is a must have for those interested in Ant's work, as well as fans of early Genesis.