The Branches of Genesis - Anthony Phillips & Steve Hackett, Part 2

J. Hoskins & guest host, Christopher Rutty (aka "Dr Prog"), continue their unique in-depth examination of the solo careers of ex-Genesis guitarists, Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett. 


The show picks up their parallel musical paths in the mid-1990s and traces their extensive studio album output to the present, closing the loop when Ant played on Steve's "Out of the Tunnel's Mouth" masterpiece. 

The distinctive paths of Phillips' and Hackett's post-Genesis musical journey clearly reflects, continues and expands on the original Genesis spirit they both helped forge. Moreover, as this special extended episode illustrates, their solo albums underscore a vital, yet sensitive, progressive music fearlessness that both of these guitar geniuses have maintained to this day. 

>>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<<

To keep up to date on all things Steve Hackett & Anthony Phillips, visit their websites.

Steve Hackett's site

Anthony Phillips' site

Steve Hackett live in Rome, May 2011

Anthony Phillips in Steve's studio, June 2009

>>> You can listen to PART 1 Here <<<

Prog Summer Update

Its been a busy summer for everyone at IRRMS and the frequency of shows for the All Prog Summer has not been as often as planned, but will extend through September.


However, Part 2 of "The Branches of Genesis Show: Anthony Phillips & Steve Hackett" will be completed in another week or so and its sounding very good.


In the meantime, you can browse through the many past episodes of the IRRMS that are listed along the left side of the blog, several of which are prog-focused.


Also, following in the more symphonic prog vein of Anthony Phillips, as well as Steve Hackett, I invite you to check out "Willowglass." 

1st Willowglass album (2005)

Here is an excellent description of what you'll hear as outlined on Progarchives.com:

WILLOWGLASS is solo artist/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Marshall who lives in Yorkshire, England. Although involved in music from a young age and has played in various local groups over the last 20 years, the self-titled debut is his very first solo outing. Andrew's work blends 1970's style progressive rock with elements of classical music, adding a colourful palette of emotions & mood to his compositions, which have a uniquely English pastoral feel. It is clear that his inspiration has come from numerous symphonic prog rock bands since the 60s/70s and there are notable references to early GENESIS, YES, CAMEL and even a touch of PINK FLOYD thrown in for good measure. 

The self-titled debut (2005) contains ten instrumental tracks recorded between September 2004 and April 2005, with lashings of mellotron, flute, 12-string acoustic & electric guitars. If you listen carefully you may find references to other works such as : CAMEL- "Rain Dances", GENESIS- "Selling England By The Pound", BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST - "Everyone Is Everybody Else" and YES - "Fragile". However, this is NOT just a hackneyed clone of past Classics, it is a sophisticated, graceful & intelligent interpretation of these, taking the lucky listener on a journey into lush green pastures where we can forget the busy world and almost believe we are back in 1970's again ...

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those who like any of the 1970's classic prog bands mentioned above and especially for those who like the style & mood of Anthony PHILLIPS' "The Geese & the Ghost".

2nd Willowglass album

Book of Hours (2008)

Visit the Willowglass website for more background, sound samples, reviews, and how to get the albums. They are both downloadable via iTunes.

The Branches of Genesis - Anthony Phillips & Steve Hackett, Part 1

To kick off their "All Prog Summer Series," J Hoskins and guest host Christopher Rutty delve into the multi-faceted careers of former Genesis axemen Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips. 


This "Branches of Genesis" show traces the sounds they continued to forge after they left the mother ship and cut their own unique musical paths.

>>> Listen to the show here <<<

Downloadable mp3 version now available, or subscribe to the show in iTunes

Anthony Phillips, 2008

Steve Hackett, 2010

Part 1 of the show focuses on the dynamic and often similar solo paths Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett followed after they each left Genesis, which was in 1970 for Phillips and 1977 for Hackett. 

The discussion includes a selection of definitive tracks from Phillips' and Hackett's many albums up to the early 1990s and traces how through their distinctive electric and acoustic guitar styles and sensitivities continued and expanded the original Genesis progressive music spirt they played such an essential role in developing.

Part 2 will take their solo stories up to the present, when they finally connected and Phillips played on Hackett's latest album.

For details on all things Phillips and Hackett, be sure to visit their websites,

http://www.anthonyphillips.co.uk/

http://www.hackettsongs.com

>>> LISTEN TO PART 2 HERE <<<<

The IRRMS Playlist For March

Here's what's coming up in March on The Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show... (revised)


Sunday March 13th: The First official Prog Show - “The Branches Of Genesis, Part 1” featuring the music of Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett

Sunday March 20th:  Part 1 of “The Record Store Show” celebrating the continuing legacy of Toronto record stores and International Record Store Day, Saturday April 16th, featuring the music of Jimi Hendrix, Chicago, Johnny Thunders and Steve Miller.

Sunday March 27th: Part 2 of “The Record Store Show” celebrating the continuing  legacy of Toronto record stores and International Record Store Day, Saturday April 16th, featuring the music of Al Stewart, Jeff Beck, Slade and The Godfathers.


Sunday April 3rd:  “The Return of the Roots of Rock Show” featuring Saint Jude, Black Country Communion, The Black Crowes, Hard Stuff, and a tribute to the late great Gary Moore.

Coming at you in April: “The Hey They Can Really Sing Show,” & “The Branches of Genesis, Part 2”

Best from J Hoskins, Krafty and Chris the Prog Guy