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220 is not Phil's best, but it has it's moments. The Great Escape really cooks.
The rumor you heard was actually about Jimi Hendrix on the Dick Cavett Show, and I have never been able to clarify it. Phil has been asked about it many times and thoroughly denies that Jimi ever made that comment.
Phil plays in several different styles. Primarily, he is a blues-based guitarist influenced by Chicago blues players, notably Mike Bloomfield. This does not mean he just shreds. I've seen him do Michael Hedges style (Acoustic Sketches), Eric Johnson, Hendrix, Clapton, Pat Metheny (Town To Town), classical, spanish, and the romantic style of Anthony Phillips. Also Santana (Agora and Follow Me Up from Master and The Musician). He also loves the Beatles, and routinely covers Paul's works (Motor of Love is one he often plays in concert).
Quite frankly, I have never seen any one studio album do his playing justice. I've seen him live 9 times. Each time I am reminded why I see him again. I've seen Clapton (461 Ocean Blvd), Howe (TFTO and Relayer), Blackmore, Christopher Parkening, Michael Hedges, McLaughlin, Dimeola & DeLucia and even Larry Carlton. All of these guys are incredible, and some cover more musical area than others.
Phil completely blows away every player I have seen in terms of tecnique, music vocabulary, and taste. He can also be quite humorous. He often does solo concerts with a jam man, and it is simply amazing what he can do with it.
Those who like Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips would absolutely love The Master and The Musician, which was influenced by Ant's The Geese and The Ghost. Yes, this is all instrumental as well. Two other great instrumental albums by Phil include Beyond Nature and Acoustic Sketches. On The Fly features Phil on the Parker Fly guitar and some of his jazzier work.
IMO, his absolute best studio album is Find Me In These Fields. It is a vocal album, but it features his playing style from Glass Harp (the band Phil started in which was an opening act for Hendrix, Chicabo, Blood Sweat & Tears, Traffic, and Alice Cooper among others.
Phil is quite simply the Victor Borge of the guitar. If you ever get a chance to see him live, do so. He is not real preachy, he is just a humble guy who shares his faith and outstanding musical talent.
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