Jazz Articles about Simon Phillips

Simon Phillips: Protocol 3

by Glenn Astarita
February 23, 2016

This is the 3rd installment of all-universe drummer Simon Phillips' (The Who, Toto, Hiromi...) Protocol band. And he imparts a commanding presence via lyrically charged fills and mesmeric polyrhythmic flurries amid the resonating output from his large rock kit. Akin to the previous albums, the quartet intertwines jazz fusion, jazz rock and progressive rock into a unified entity, backed by tuneful hooks and the musicians' tightknit interactions. Moreover, keyboardist Steve Weingart and guitarist Andy Timmons infuse an array of multihued ...

Simon Phillips: Protocol 3

by Dave Wayne
June 4, 2015

A professional musician from the age of 12, Simon Phillips' drumming sound and style is instantly recognizable. He's toured and recorded with just about every major rock and pop act imaginable; from Mick Jagger, The Who and Toto to Judas Priest, Mike Oldfield, and Joe Satriani. Also an uber-session player, he's recorded countless jazz, fusion and progressive rock sessions with lesser-known, highly-gifted artists such as Duncan Browne, Gary Boyle, Phil Manzanera, and Ray Russell. Lately, he's turned increasing attention to ...

Simon Phillips: Protocol II

by Ben Scholz
August 12, 2014

It has been 14 years since the release of Vantage Point, Simon Phillips' last project as a leader, and nearly 26 years since his debut album Protocol. In these years, Phillips has become a drummer to the stars, recording and performing with the likes of Jeff Beck, The Who, and Judas Priest. In '92, following the death of founding member Jeff Porcaro, Phillips was asked to fill the drum chair for Toto. He would go on to occupy this position ...

Simon Phillips: Protocol II

by Dan Bilawsky
August 2, 2014

Protocol II arrives fourteen years after drummer Simon Phillips' last leader date--the hard bop and post-bop based Vantage Point (Jazzline Records, 2000). And it comes approximately a quarter century after the original Protocol (Music for Nations, 1988)--a true solo date that had Phillips covering all the instruments, filling in the space around his calling-card drumming. So why the long wait for another solo album? That question is pretty simple to answer: Phillips wasn't thrilled with much of ...

Simon Phillips_Jeff Babko: Vantage Point

by Glenn Astarita
November 1, 2000

Drummer Simon Phillips is widely known and revered for his work with rock guitar legend Jeff Beck, the Pop group “Toto”, appearances with numerous progressive bands, stints on some fairly recent Buddy Rich “Tribute” recordings and over the last several years, a string of fine fusion-based solo outings. And while Phillips is considered one of the most powerful drummers on the planet, many folks don’t associate his laudable and quite enviable talents with the world of jazz. However, with the ...

Simon Phillips: Another Lifetime

by Glenn Astarita
March 1, 1999

All world drummer Simon Phillips returns as a bandleader/solo artist following up his 1995 release “Symbiosis”. Phillips, one of the planet’s most versatile and explosive drummers shows his inventive and keen composing skills on “Another Lifetime” along with the estimable bassist Anthony Jackson and long time associate, guitarist Ray Russell.

Simon Phillips can do it all. Phillips has recorded on two Buddy Rich Big Band tributes, showcasing his ability to read complex charts and swing with passion or supporting the ...