Irish Rock Database recently conducted a brief email based interview with Phil Murray about the re-released tracks from Across the Circle’s Edge and the musical talents of the band.
Question: Listening to the tracks it is obvious that the band had a serious rhythm section?
Answer: Yes absolutely, Ricky and John were superb and gave us a real edge to our sound. Both wonderful to perform with.
John – fantastic drummer, closest thing to Neil Peart we could ever wish for and he had a terrific musicality to his playing. He certainly raised our game when he joined and helped us take writing and performing to a different level. He had a great ability to add dynamic drive and structure to the songs. I don’t think a lot of the ideas could have worked without John behind the kit.
Ricky – just a brilliant bass player with a wonderfully fluid and effortless style. Super song writer too and had a great syncopation with John – they formed a really expressive, tight back unit. He could play a wide range of styles too, which was a huge advantage. Ricky was also a more than decent guitarist, though he never got the chance to showcase those skills live with Winter.