THE GEESE AND THE GHOST

I remember very well when this first solo album by ex-Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips (he left the band because of 'stage-fright') was released in 1977. Since at about two years I was a Genesis freak and embraced everything that had to do with Genesis. I have to admit that my expectations were a bit too high so I was disappointed about the very mellow, often subdued atmospheres, it lacks 'some action'. But on the other hand, as an objective reviewer I have to say that this is a wonderful album with compositions that sound delicate, graceful and warm, embellished with an array of instruments, from a harmonium, flutes, violin, cello and oboe to a hecklephone, Cor Anglais and assorted percusion like cymbales and tympani. Among the many musicians that joined Anthony on The Geese And The Ghost are Phil Collins and Steve Hackett his brother John who later joined Steve Hackett in his band. If you take a look at the dreamy cover then you realise what a perfect visual translation this is from the music on this fine, very elaborate and pleasant sounding album.