A MATTER OF PROTOCOL

The finest moments of Simon Phillips’ progressive fusion powerhouse.

Protocol (Protocol, 1988)

searching for a record label willing to support his instrumental, genre-blending style, Phillips wound up playing every one of the instruments on his debut album himself. the title track from his solo debut still pops up in live sets, a showcase for the drummer’s remarkable fluency on his instrument.

Wildfire (Protocol II, 2013)

the first version of the band, with Andy timmons, steve Weingart and ernest tibbs, set out their stall with the opening track of Protocol ii, which arrived a mere quarter of a century after the first Protocol album. Wildfire is a knotty slice of syncopation built around the groove laid down by Phillips and tibbs while timmons busts out guitar licks over the top.

Enigma (Protocol II, 2013)

A track that starts with a funky groove in six, then drops down into a jazzy break where Weingart and timmons trade solos between the keyboard and guitar. it’s slinky and smooth, letting the band highlight their sophisticated side even when Phillips cuts loose with another of his articulate, time-bending solos. think of Billy cobham circa his A funky thide of sings album for reference.

Catalyst (Protocol III, 2015)

this is a fantastic track for playing ‘Guess the time signature’. however, catalyst really showcases Phillips’ ability to construct a fiendishly clever piece of music that still has a melody and a groove. And that’s before you get to the scorching solos in the mid-section.

You Can’t But You Can (Protocol III, 2015)

this one starts off deceptively smoothly, with Andy timmons channelling nile rodgers with a sweet, funky guitar lick. of course, it doesn’t stay that way. the track builds up to a burning solo from the guitarist, then drops down to an almost ambient section before bringing the heat back for the final sprint to the finish line.

Solitaire (Protocol 4, 2017)

Phillips brought in dennis hamm, who has worked with chris cornell, thundercat and Allan holdsworth, to play keys on the fourth Protocol album, and solitaire features a chunky keyboard refrain that plays like a freaked-out stevie Wonder jam. the bridge sees the drummer flexing his muscles, soloing inventively over the vamp in seven.

All Things Considered (Protocol 4, 2017)

the arrival of guitar genius Greg howe in the band brought a new vibe to the fourth album, with howe’s outrageously slinky lead work recalling Phillips’ time with Jeff Beck in the late 1970s. Phillips drives this one with a strong, pulsing beat that provides the bedrock for howe’s liquid lines to run wherever the mood takes him.

Azorez (Protocol 4, 2017)

A track that tidily exemplifies what the Protocol concept is all about, Azorez is a chameleon in musical form. opening as a charged-up rocker, it moves back and forth between rock, jazz and funk passages. howe is on top form, his fleetness on the fretboard a constant marvel. not to be outdone, Phillips wraps the track with a series of blistering fills around the drums. DW