Wesley Scott Phillips

I played music with Wes in college and he was one of the kindest people I ever met and also one of the most talented musicians I've ever worked with. I considered him a friend and am incredibly sad to read this. Just last night I was playing through chord substitutions he had written over the Cole Porter song "I Love You" for our jazz combo at Iowa. That was over 20 years ago, but they still blew me away. I hope his gentle spirit is at rest and offer condolences to all his family and friends. I have memories of playing with him, hanging out, seeing him with Speed of Sauce, many walks abound Iowa City. I'll miss you, Wes.

Sorry, Karen & family, I'm not an acquaintance of Wes but of Karen. I am SO very sorry for your loss! I did not even see this until tonight, I was so busy being gone out of town. I would surely have sent a card sooner! I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I don't even know what words to say; I just know in my heart what a profound loss this has been for your family, and you have my most sincere sympathy.

Wes was an incredibly kind human being. Our community is a better place because of Wes being in it. My condolences to the Phillips family.

sorry for your loss he was a good friend to me in high school I was in his class of 1996

Dear Karen and Ed, I am so sorry for your loss. A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to see Wes play with a band that he was a member of. It was a memorable night of wonderful music. I thank him for his gift, it was easy to spot the joy on his face as he played.

I mainly worked with Wes as a bassist in orchestras. In 2013 we brought him in to play bass for a concert with Ottumwa Symphony. When we then found ourselves short a percussionist, Wes happily volunteered to cover a part on a waltz by Franz Lehar. I've never seen someone play cymbals with such joy. That image, of Wes pounding those cymbals and playing his heart out as he bounced around the back of the orchestra, remains vivid in my mind. What a pleasure to have experienced music making with that kind of unimpeded passion.

I was so blessed to I know Wes these past few years. The first time I heard his beautiful bass voice behind me in the church choir I couldn't help but turn around to greet him. I was so moved by the intensity of emotion he expressed through his music. He livened up our anthems with such joy. I will never forget Wes narrating our Christmas eve cantata last December it sent chills down my spine. I always wished he knew how much grandmotherly love I had for him.

I knew Wes through his involvement in numerous music projects. A true talent and genuinely kind person.

Wes worked at the Post Office on University of North Carolina campus and I was his supervisor. Wes was a great person as well as worker. I am truly shocked at this news. My condolences to his family and friends. May you all be comforted by God's grace and mercy.

Wes was a wonderful person and he was always smiling whenever he came to work. he was so pleasant to talk to and I really enjoyed our conversations.

I had the pleasure of working with Wes in Chapel Hill. He was a wonderful sweet person. My prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.

A few years ago, while doing some evening yard work, I had a pleasant surprise. A private concert from the next-door porch. Wes and a friend made light my work with songs, guitars and soft drumming for about an hour. Wes had great gifts. Wes was a great gift.