Ian MacGregor, Jazz Guitar Society of Western Australia Phil Schurger leads this Chicago based group, and this is his second album under his own name. On the first track “Scorpio”, the sax player finishes his solo and just when you think the track has come to an end, the bass takes a solo, after that Schurger … Read More
Mark Sullivan, All About Jazz Guitarist/composer Phil Schurger is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He leads his Chicago-based quartet—previously heard on Echoes of the Ancestors (ears&eyes, 2017)—through six expansive originals. The tracks run an average of ten minutes or more apiece, and they attain that length through compositional complexity rather than extended solos (although the band is blessed … Read More
Ron Schepper, Textura Each of the six track titles on Phil Schurger’s second ears&eyes Records release, The Waters Above, holds special significance for the guitarist. For instance, “Anikulapo,” a Yoruban word meaning “He who carries death in a pouch,” resonated with Schurger because of several early brushes he had with death, experiences that crystallized for him … Read More
Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs PHIL SCHURGER – “THE WATERS ABOVE” Ears&eyes Records Phil Schurger, guitar; Greg Ward, alto saxophone; Jeff Greene, bass; Clif Wallace, drums. According to the liner notes, this CD’s title, “The Water’s Above” references a connection between the higher self and the lower self. This is one of the goals of the … Read More
Leonid Auskern, Jazz Quad Впервые приступая к прослушиванию диска, изданного лейблом со столь оригинальным названием, как ears&eyes Records, я предполагал, что и музыку он должен издавать нетривиальную. Что же, в случае с Филом Шаргером эти надежды оправдались. The Waters Above – второй для уроженца Индианы и жителя Чикаго альбом на этом лейбле. Первый, Echoes of … Read More
ears&eyes Records – Releasing Phil’s music is an honor and we’re incredibly lucky to work with a musician/composer who’s in more in touch with these songs and the inner workings of every aspect of them than ever before. He’s one of the most musically conscious artists we’ve worked with. The depth in which he connects … Read More
Chris Spector, Midwest Record EVAN SALVACION LEVINE – MESTIZO A bass trio hits some dandy modern jazz notes with a lightly angular set that’s not too left leaning and keeps it’s instrumental prowess right up front. Not as world beat as you might expect, it’s more of a straight ahead listening session that works well. … Read More
Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest Truth be told, nothing thrills this writer than receiving albums by artists whose music i have never heard and being very impressed by their efforts. Guitarist and composer Phil Schurger, a native of Indiana (now living in Fort Wayne), has just issued “The Waters Above“, his second album in 12 months … Read More
ears&eyes Records – Releasing Phil’s music is an honor and we’re incredibly lucky to work with a musician/composer who’s in more in touch with these songs and the inner workings of every aspect of them than ever before. He’s one of the most musically conscious artists we’ve worked with. The depth in which he connects … Read More
