Richly set within Medieval themes of pageants, and battles the album has now been released as part of the Voiceprint series complete with an incredibly generous bonus CD. The effect on hearing this excellent album is like discovering an unheard Genesis gem from the Trespass, Foxtrot, or Nursery Cryme era.
To underline the point Phil Collins, who by the time the album was released, had replaced Peter Gabriel as Genesis’ voice, appears on “Which Way The Wind Blows” and the wonderful “God If I Saw Her Now”. Mike Rutherford, who was able to take a break from Genesis because of an injury to Anthony’s replacement Steve Hackett, adds his excellent guitar skill. The result is an album of spine tingling beauty and extraordinary quality.
Sadly, the release of the album was delayed even further when Charisma decided that it was somewhat out of step with the changing music scene of the time. It was 1977 after all. Fortunately US based label Passport rescued the album and the second half was completed.
Genesis manager Tony Smith, who also managed Anthony, went as far as to create a special label, Hit & Run, to help release the album in the UK.
The album fully justifies that sort of faith. The musicianship is of the highest possible quality and the writing has both depth and individuality with the end result setting it aside from its more illustrious counterparts. The Geese And The Ghost is a remarkable album, that radiates beauty, pageant, and fanfare at every turn.
At it’s centre is “Henry: Portraits From Tudor Times”, a seven part musical extravaganza. As you can imagine with track titles such as this the album is rich with a quirky quintessentially English flavour and despite the passage of thirty plus years it has aged remarkably well.
The bonus disc contains twelve additional gems. This is an absolute must for not only fans of Genesis but anyone who recognizes the sheer quality of the music, and writing on offer.
Wise After The Event
The following year, 1978, saw the release of Anthony’s second solo album, Wise After The Event. Some of the tracks namely “Regrets” again date back to his days in Genesis. Several more such as “Birdsong” and “Squirrel” were from the period immediately after his departure from the band.
This is more of a 'song based' album rather than the long intricate instrumental pieces that graced The Geese And The Ghost. Opening with “We’re All As We Lie” there are highlights aplenty in another highly satisfying set.
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