Simon Phillips - Protocol 6 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Originally released in 1989, the first Protocol album became the blueprint for four stellar jazz/fusion records to appear more than 20 years thereafter. These tracks are the original demos on which Simon played all the instruments. (His keyboard sound might just remind you of a certain Jan Hammer!) Guitar parts were added on just three tunes. Later, a variety of musicians would use the demos as guides to re-interpret the material on future Protocol recordings. While this album was made available as part of Simon's 6-CD box set in 2019, this is the first time it has been reissued as a stand-alone CD. (And yes, it is different than the streaming version, with 5 additional tracks!) Protocol comes in a beautiful 6-panel package, complete with technical liner notes and vintage photos from the maestro himself!

Legendary drummer Simon Phillips returns with Protocol V, once again reimagining his adventurous jazz/fusion outfit. Instrumentation is expanded to a quintet , including saxophone, launching the group into sonic territory familiar to fans of Chick Corea's Elektric Band in the late 1980s. Strands of DNA from other iconic artists like John McLaughlin, Tony Williams, Allan Holdsworth and Jan Hammer are woven throughout. Simon's impressive compositional skills are also on display, culminating in an 11-minute mini-suite called InchThe Long Road Home.Inch Available as a beautiful 6-panel CD digipak! Protocol V is a must for Simon's devotees worldwide.

Simon Phillips, drummer & producer extraordinaire has upped the ante with his newest instrumental recording PROTOCOL 4. Building on his past PROTOCOL projects, Simon has again enlisted the highly talented bassist Ernest Tibbs along with PROTOCOL newcomers, the superb veteran guitar shredder Greg Howe and keyboard virtuoso Dennis Hamm. All compositions were written by Simon while on tour. InchThe first time I've really been able to concentrate on writing material on the road. Lots of creativity on airplanes and in hotel and backstage dressing roomsInch, says Phillips. Perhaps the vibe and energy of touring accounts for the slightly more Inchmetallic edgeInch to this new album. But, as is always the case, Simon's music defies specific labels as he fuses elements of rock, jazz, funk, classical and even world music into the mix. A case in point being the track InchCeltic RunInch combining a Celtic rhythmic motif with blazing guitar and synthesizer leads all held together with Phillips signature ultra-tight drumming and Tibbs ever solid bass work. InchPassage to AgraInch is a rhythmic musical excursion to an exotic foreign land. The tracks InchPentangleInch and InchSolitaireInch both contain some super funky grooves underlying jaw dropping metallic jazz/rock soloing. Greg Howe's guitar work shines throughout the recording, perhaps no more so than the plaintive and anthem-like track InchPhantom VoyageInch. Dennis Hamm's keyboard work is stunning on each and every track, whether he's soloing or adding rich orchestration. The album concludes with the monster high energy fusion track InchAzorezInch. In addition to awesome musicianship, Simon's impeccable production and recording technique shine once more on this album. PROTOCOL 4 is certain to please longstanding Simon Phillips aficionados and is certain to also bring new PROTOCOL fans into the fold.