Phil Willett: Lead & Rhythm Guitar

Born in San Francisco, Philip J Willett has been a participant in the bay area music scene since the early sixties. Although briefly studying piano at the age of ten, his passion was always the guitar. After a few lessons and practicing diligently, he soon became a respected player in his early teens. It was during this period he formed his group, "The Crystal Corridor," and he began writing original songs. This band made a name for itself playing their own music exclusively. Phil's ability to arrange and a keen sense of melody made this possible. As the sixties drew to a close and people became more introspective and so did Phil's music. With the emergence of such classic acts as James Taylor and John Denver he developed his writing and established himself locally as a singer-songwriter for the times. It was this provocative style that brought him to the attention, of Max Weiss, who at the time was attributed with discovering Credence Clearwater. He felt Phil's songwriting deserved attention, so Max released a single of one of Phil's songs called "Music in my Life." It was sung by one of the up and coming female artists on Max's label Pentagon Records at the time. After some promotion, this song received some airplay, but failed to capture major label interest. Soon after Max and Phil parted company.

During the early eighties, Phil once again returned to his RnR roots. He put together a hard edged band called "Blind Fury." They played various clubs for awhile in the San Francisco Bay Area and soon released a four song EP entitled "Demon Riders". Following that was a modern remake of the classic song by Dion called "Runaround Sue" which was backed with Phil's own composition "Tears". Both of which received strong local airplay and received a rave review in the "Music Connection" a reputable Rock 'Zine at that time. After repeated tries to grab Major label interest, the band became disenchanted with its management and as friction among players continued, Blind Fury eventually broke up.

After the demise of Blind Fury, Phil's music took a completely new direction. He met and joined forces with singer-songwriter and pianist Colette Burre. Together they worked on instrumental music, also known as Ambient/Electronic, in which Phil's primary instrument at that time was keyboards. Their compositions were mostly geared towards film, documentaries and commercials. The two of them completed a CD entitled "Ancient Ancestors," which received rave reviews. MP3s can be heard at: Soundclick.com. Phil had for the most part put his guitar playing on the back burner.

But, as fate would have it, he eventually met Jim Ratcliffe, a local drummer also known as the "El Ratone," and once again the ability to rock hard and tear it up was demonstrated. The two began the nucleus of what would become THE ROCK GUARDIANS. After hit and miss with various musicians they recruited Chaz Hawley, a favorite bass player from Phil's pre-Blind Fury days, and phenomenal Blues/Rock guitarist Eric Marston. An awesome Band was formed, ready to conquer the world!! (Or at least get out of the Garage!!!!) So give a listen to Phil's blazing guitar leads on the many cover songs these guys perform.

FAQ:

• Favorite guitarists: Jimi H, Eric C, Pat T, Robin T, Mike S, and Eddie Randy and Dave Meniketti. If you don't knows these people you shouldn't be reading this page!!!

• Zodiac Sign: Stop (If you don't like Loud Hard Rock'n'Roll)
Likes: Too many to name, although, she is a "Hottie with a Body" has a nice ring!!!!

• Dislikes: too many to name, but one that comes to mind Someone asked me if we can play some Air Supply. I don't Think So!!!!.

• Number one Pet Peeve: Anyone who says, "TURN.IT DOWN, Your music is too loud!!!!"

• Equipment: Marshall Amp.. 1/2 Stack...Tube Only!!!

• Guitars: Ibanez RG550, ESP Ltd, Gibson Flying V...old school.!!!

• Effects: any pedal I can get my hands on.!!!

• Favorite Band: The Rock Guardians.
And any and all Hard Rockers....On this Planet or any Other!!!

• Peace Out!!! TURN IT UP!!!