March 2000

Todd Phillips/David Grier/Matt Flinner
Phillips, Grier and Flinner
Compass Records

By Jim Ferguson

Phillips, Grier & Flinner features bass, guitar, and mandolin. Here the smaller ensemble and bit looser attitude results in music that's still country based, but farther ranging. "Getting There" seamlessly segues between differing rhythmic feels and features plenty of acoustic interplay. In contrast, instrumentals like "Paint It Shut" and "Told Ya" chart comparatively narrow paths, even though the playing is exquisite without exception.