25th Anniversary of Anthony Phillips’ ‘The Geese & the Ghost’
March 1st, 2003 by Koldo Barroso
25 years ago now, in March 1978, Anthony Phillips released on the Hit & Run/Passport labels his solo debut album “The Geese & the Ghost”, which was the beginning of one of the most productive and creative careers of a guitarist solo artists ever. Phillips was founder member of Genesis in 1967 and in 1970, after two studio albums with the band, he quit due to a series of stage-fright episodes and pursued a solo career.
The album was recorded at Send Barns Studio during a period of three years from 1973 to 1975, and it was mixed and completed at the Trident & Olympic Studios in London in 1976 under production of Simon Heyworth, Anthony Phillips and Michael Rutherford. The recordings featured the collaboration of a wonderful group of musicians, including Genesis members Michael Rutherford (guitars, bass, organ, percussion) and Phil Collins (vocals). For the album Anthony Phillips played guitars, bass, keyboards, percussions and vocals.
“The Geese & the Ghost” was re-issued on CD by Passport Records in 1988 and Virgin Records in 1990 (including a demo version of “Master of Time” recorded in August 1973).