Search - Glenn Phillips :: Walking Through Walls

Not a Toad

John Smithson | Charlotte, NC | 02/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first thing to note is that this CD is by Glenn Phillips who is from Atlanta, Georgia. That's "Glenn" with two N's. Not Glen with one "N" who was with a band called Toad the Wet Sprocket. Glenn with two N's has been around since the 60's and is one of the most talented and musical guitarists on the planet. He has never achieved, and likely will never achieve, wide popular appeal because each of his records is all instrumental. "Walking Through Walls" is the album where Glenn achieves the status of Zen Master of the Guitar. Everyone should own this record, but few will ever hear of it. If you have any doubts, and don't trust the five star ratings that Glenn has received from Rolling Stone over the years, note that this record was produced by Brendan O'Brien, and that it was among the very first projects he put out on his own label. Point being that the guy who produced Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen and others could pretty much do whatever on earth he wanted to, and what he chose to do was to put out a record of Glenn on his own label."

Melodic, manic guitar master

John Smithson | 08/30/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Glenn Phillips has been around since the late 60's when he teamed up with Bruce Hampton in the Hampton Grease Band (whose debut CD has been reissued on Sony). Since then Glenn Phillips has recorded and released over 10 albums, most of them on his own Snow Star label (out of his native Atlanta). On this CD, Phillips, showcases his guitar versatility. He possesses a unique, melodic style that stands out amidst the self indulgant offerings of other guitar wankers. This CD is all insturmental and ranges from pretty tunes to more gritty tracks. Fans of ERic Johnson and Joe Satriani should find Phillips satisfying. For a taste of his earlier material try and find the excellent double CD anthology on the East Side Digital label. or the wonderful "Elevator" on SST (which may be out of print) If all else fails, contact Glenn directly. He should be in the Atlanta or Decatur phone book. He is a worthwhile "find" for music fanatics. One need not be a guitar freak to enjoy his albums."

WOW WOW WOW

HANS D HARMS | runaway bay, QLD Australia | 09/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This deserves 5 stars for sheer inventiveness and unorthodox virtuosity. While not always easy to listen to, this surprises at every turn and PHILLIPS playing ranges from cool to frantic and just about everything in between. There is no category that can hold this mans musik. I can see how some listeners will have a problem with this. This is very challenging and far from easy listening, but the rewards are massive. PHILLIPS adds dimensions to guitar sound and style that no one else does ( or is able ).
Track 1 for example starts with a very mellow jazz/new age feel that lulls you into a false sense of security ( I had never heard any of PHILLIPS's CD's and had absolutely no idea what to expect ). Being a guitarists CD you know a solo is coming, but when it comes it hits you right between the eyes ( in the best possible way ). The solo is a mix of ZAPPA and HENDRIX and is almost a total counter point to the composition. It is almost frantic and sends goose bumps down your spine ( it's that good ). But like most good books or films it is only one unexpected developement. Just when you think you have a handle on this CD it completely throws you again with another unexpected developement.
While some of the tracks are a bit abbrassive, others are so beautifull they put a smile on your dial and a tear to your eye.
PHILLIPS is a superb virtuoso, but his eclectic musical ear is what makes this such a stand out. It's totaly original and unlike anything you have in your collection at the moment. If you are as passionate about the guitar as I am, you have a huge gap in your collection if you don't own this mans musik. It may take a number of listens to get into this musik, but do yourself a favour and make the effort."