The Geese and the Ghost by Anthony Phillips

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The Geese and the Ghost, Anthony Phillips' first solo album after leaving Genesis, was released in 1977.

I always listen to this album with a certain emotion; I consider it an extension of Genesis's very early era.

With Genesis, Anthony Phillips made From Genesis to Revelation (1969) and, most importantly, Trespass (1970), an album that started it all (at least for me). Anthony Phillips' loss was a significant loss for the band; the guitarist and co-founder left after the third album and went on to have a wonderful and prolific solo career.

Among the many musicians who participated in this extraordinary album are Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins, who sings on two tracks, as well as John Hackett, Steve's brother, who also features on flute.

An album released too late to achieve the success it deserved, but has since been greatly re-evaluated.

Phillips himself stated: "Music was changing. My record was way out of date for England. People had a strange feeling at the time; they wanted much more aggressive things from rock."

It is a milestone in the history of progressive music, a fusion of enchanting melodies and sophisticated arrangements. Phillips has created a work that reflects his deep passion for music and nature.

A beautiful acoustic atmosphere pervades the album, a blend of medieval and romantic folk styles, beautiful instrumental passages, particularly the title track, "Henry: Portraits From Tudor Times," and the closing "Sleepfall: The Geese Fly West," featuring a stunning piano and wind instruments. Most of the album features acoustic instruments, with electric guitar and bass often taking a backseat.

The beauty of The Geese and the Ghost lies in its ability to evoke deep emotion and remain relevant over time, making it a must-have for progressive music lovers and anyone wishing to explore Anthony Phillips's sonic universe.

It's one of my favorites from those years. Recommended to all progressive, Genesis, and music lovers.

Tracklist

1. Wind-Tales (1:00)
2. Which Way the Wind Blows (5:56)
3. Henry - Portraits from Tudor Times (12:10) :
- i) Fanfare
- ii) Lute's Chorus
- iii) Misty Battlements
- iv) Henry Goes to War
- v) Death of a Knight
- vi) Triumphant Return
4. God If I Saw Her Now (4:18)
5. Chinese Mushroom Cloud (0:46)
6. The Geese and the Ghost, Pts. 1-2 (15:48)
7. Collections (3:07)
8. Sleepfall - The Geese Fly West (4:38)

Duration 47:43

LineUp

- Anthony Phillips - acoustic and electric guitars (6 and 12 strings), classical guitar, bass, dulcimer guitar, bouzouki, piano, organ, synthesizers, Mellotron, harmonium, celesta, grand piano, drums, glockenspiel, bells and chimes, timbales, gong, vocals (7), co-producer

Featuring:
- Michael Rutherford - acoustic and electric guitars (6 and 12 strings), classical guitar, bass, organ, drums, timbales, bells, glockenspiel, cymbals, co-producer
- Phil Collins - vocals (2, 4)
- Viv McAuliffe - vocals (4)
- John Hackett - flute (4, 7, 8)
- Wil Sleath - flute, baroque flute, recorders, piccolo
- Jack Lancaster - flutes, Lyricon (8)
- Charlie Martin - cello (5, 6)
- Kirk Trevor - cello (5,6)
- Nick Hayley & Friend - violins
- Lazo Momulovich - oboes, cor anglais (3,6)
- Rob Phillips - oboes (6,8)
- Martin Westlake - timpani (3,5,6)
- David Thomas - classical guitar (9)
- Ronnie Gunn - harmonium (9)

Trivia (bars):
- Tom Newman - heckelphone, eraser
- Ralph Bernascone - soloist
- "Send Barns Orchestra" and "Barge Rabble" conducted by Jeremy Gilbert

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page