Glenn Phillips, Angel Sparks (Gaff Music, 2003)
Glenn Phillips has accomplished some mighty difficult things. He put together Angel Sparks as a tribute to Death's impacts on him and his acquaintances, but not once does it fall apart into maudlin sentimentalism. It's one of those instrumental compilations with a variety that will keep it fresh after years of listening. And he's gathered a great crew into a project where everyone gave 150% of their formidable talents.
Glenn himself plays guitars, keyboards, autoharp, bass and tambourine. He's joined by Mike Holbrook (fretted bass), Bill Rea (fretless bass), John Boissierre (drums), Matt Cowley (congas, tambourine), David Marcus (hammered dulcimer) and John Carr Harriman (cellos).
Song titles aptly reflect the fact that this is a requiem, like "Floaters," "Talking to Spirits," "Skeletons in the Closet," and "Give Up the Ghost." Musically, the group derives much of its illumination from latter-period King Crimson, with a good mix of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Mike Oldfield and Roger Waters. If you do not like those guitarists, you will not like this CD.
Having said that, the compositions and arrangements are quite original and draw on the genres started by those artists, rather than simply imitating them. And while I'm on the topic of traditions, all of you world musician types out there who are looking for modern purveyors of the Acid Rock sound need look no further than Glenn Phillips for inspiration and guidance.
The liner notes for Angel Sparks are fairly extensive and well written. They chronicle the experiences with death and dying that motivated the project and thereby personalize the presentation. The background information about each of the songs pulls the material together within the context of Glenn's varied musical career. The overall impact of the project is to thoughtfully memorialize those who have crossed through the veil and stands in marked contrast to, for example, Phil Coulter's requiem project Lake of Shadows, which merely devolved into a tribute to ego.
For more information about this and past CDs from Glenn Phillips, go here.
