Shawn Phillips - Transcendence. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 3028) 1978 album that finds Shawn in a mellow mood backed up with lush orchestration and the odd funky and jazzy excursion. A selection of ethereal and evocative songs with epic arrangements create a big sounding and polished late '70's production.

Shawn Phillips - No Category. CD. (SPV - SPV08570972) 2003 release from the man who co-wrote "Season of the Witch" & "Sunshine Superman".Once again the album is filled with his beautiful multi octave singing voice and features guest musicians Leland Sklar, Ralph Humphrey (F.Zappa) and Mike Mille (Chick Corea).

Shawn Phillips - Shawn. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 6006) The second Shawn Phillips album from 1966 could almost have been recorded at the same session as his debut. A solo acoustic guitar folk production very much in the style of Fred Neil, Dylan and early Donovan. There's a cover of Pete Seeger's "The Bells of Rhymney" Leadbelly's "Black Girl," and cuts by Rod McKuen, Barry McGuire, Billy Ed Wheeler, and even a version "Maria" from West Side Story. Phillips compositions include "London Town" and "Storm." CD includes a bonus track the 1966 non-LP single "Summer Came". This album was originally issued under the title "First Impressions".

Shawn Phillips - I'm A Loner. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 1748) This the first Shawn Phillips album from 1965 (originally issued as Favourite Things) was recorded in the UK where he was based, working with Donovan. Very much in the traditional early '60s US folk troubadour mode he's accompanied by his 12-string acoustic guitar as he delivers an eclectic repertoire, with impassioned delivery and imaginative arrangements. The album includes a version of Hamilton Camp's "Pride of Man" recorded years before Quicksilver Messenger Service popularized it as a rock song and various other classics such as "I'm a Loner (I'm a drifter)" and the song he wrote for Donovan "Little Tin Soldier". Includes a bonus track.

Shawn Phillips - Furthermore. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 3662) With Caleb Quaye on guitar, and Paul Buckmaster on cello and a large backing band Shawn became more adventurous on this 1974 release which mixes his folky US style with funky grooves and a powerful rock backing. The haunting ghostly folk style that he developed on his early '70's albums is still evident Although the overall sound is more commercial.

Shawn Phillips - Do You Wonder. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 4539) Perhaps Shawn Phillips most commercial release from 1975 featuring funky rhythms and powerful brass arrangements. There is still the odd folky excursion such as on "Golden Flower", which explores a laid back Latin feel, and the dreamy "Looking At the Angel".

Shawn Phillips - Contribution/Second Contribution. CD. (Gott Records - GOTTCD017) Two albums on one CD. And two classic albums as well. Probably the two best solo albums from one of the most fascinating and enigmatic muscians to come out of the early 70s singer-songwriter boom. He claims to have written a large chunk of Donovan's Sunshine Superman album and his identity as a musician as much as a singer-songwriter has ment that he has frequently forged new routes into territory ranging from folk-rock to classical and encompassing almost everything between. "Contribution" was the ex-Donovan co-writer's A&M debut and is a heady mix of progressive rock and psych folk sounds with members of Traffic (Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood and Caleb Quayle) on board for the ride. It's an incredibly ambitious debut which was originally intended to fill three LPs!! "Second Contribution" is perhaps even more of a shifting musical landscape, carrying the listener across folk and rock styles, with a heavy R&B feel at times. Accompaniment comes in the form of a band and arranger Paul Buckminster's most restrained orchestrations.

Shawn Phillips - Contribution. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 421) Recorded in 1968 but not released until 1970 this was Shawn Phillips first album since 1966. It's US acid folk classic. Featuring members of Traffic among others, it's an ambitious release and is shockingly diverse. From folk-rock ("Man Hole Covered Wagon") to pieces incorporating classical guitar and surreal lyrics ("L Ballade" which captures Phillips at his most Donovan-like) it's captivating from start to finish. "Withered Roses" features trippy raga guitar and phased effects and overall the album mixes psychedelia and progressive rock and folk to beautiful effect. Recommended.

Shawn Phillips - Collaboration. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 4324) 1971 album from the cult US singer songwriter and one that contains some of his most haunting material. Burning Fingers is as close to US Acid Folk as you are likely to get with dark haunting melody and introspective lyrics whilst What's Happenin' Jim is an uplifting and soaring vocal gem that closes with some beautiful and epic orchestral arrangements. Check out this great album from the man who claims to have written Season Of the Witch.

Shawn Phillips - Bright White. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 4402) More accessible than Shawn's previous material this 1973 album is upbeat with plenty of melody and rhythm. A jazzy feel combines with Shawn's melodic vocals, steel guitar, orchestral backing and assorted musical textures. Good album.

Shawn Phillips - Beyond Here Be Dragons. CD. (Wounded Bird Records - WOU 4764) 1988 Album from the cult US singer songwriter who has recorded since the mid '60's. Much more in a modern style with some progressive flourishes Shawn's voice remains powerful and the politically aware songs are likewise immersed fully in the spirit of the '60's.

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