Search - Anthony Phillips :: Private Parts & Pieces V.2 Back to the Pavillion

Arguably Ant's Best

John Beam | Phillipsburg, NJ USA | 08/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From start to finish, Back to the Pavillion is, like the best of Anthony Phillip's work, an escape for the listener, a minor journey into enchanted whimsical realms. Although Geese and the Ghost (actually named after two sounds on a keyboard being used at the time) is typically considered his finest effort, PP&P 2 deserves similiar recognition, with this being among his most creative recordings (the playing is uniformally superior throughout Ant's body of music). One can dim the lights on a cool Fall evening, put this disc on, and find a very private and satisfying retreat into one's self. As is the case with Phillip's discs in general, there are hardly any 'stand-out' tracks, with others occupying a more secondary position within the contect of the album; rather, the recording functions more as a seamless whole, with each ensuing track taking the listener just a bit farther down the path traveled while enjoying the music. Along with 'Geese', this is a must have for those interested in Ant's work, as well as fans of early Genesis."

A great "continuation" of PPP I

John Beam | 10/24/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think of PPP II as a continuation of PPP I (unlike the others in the PPP series). It is for the most part the same quality of material, with much instrumental acoustic tunes, but a little more electronic than the first. If you liked PPP I, you will probably like II."

Pieces of beautiful brilliance

Maiku | Somewhere In America | 12/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In "Back To The Pavilion", certain themes from Ant's previous works are revisited. As "The Geese & The Ghost" has the six-part "Henry: Portraits From Tudor Times", this album begins with the five-part "Scottish Suite". School buddy Mike Rutherford plays bass on parts 1 ("Salmon Leap") and 4 ("Amorphous, Cadaverous, And Nebulous") of the suite. Also in the suite, the song "Reaper" (from the first "Private Parts & Pieces") resurfaces on parts 2 ("Parting Thistle") and 3 ("Electric Reaper"). "Lindsay" is simply a wonderful piano piece. I would describe "K2" as being a quiet ambient track. "Postlude: End Of The Season" is a short but sweet melody on acoustic guitar. I would also describe "Heavens" as having an ambient quality to it. Another wonderful acoustic melody in "Spring Meeting". "Romany's Aria" is a short, backwards piece. I could go on and on about each track on the album, but you'll probably fall asleep before you're finished reading this review! Ha ha ha! But all in all: absolutely brilliant. So if you enjoy listening to absolutely gorgeous music, I suggest you pick up "Back To The Pavilion" as soon as possible. You won't regret it!Please note: this is a portion of the same review I gave for the "Two For One" set which also features "Private Parts & Pieces III: Antiques". Both albums are brilliant!"