Folk-rock pioneer Shawn Phillips delivered a performance to a sold-out Minstrel Cafe audience that captivated them from the very first strains of his very early "London Town" all the way through his encore performance of "She Was Waiting...." from his ground-breaking masterpiece album entitled "Second Contribution". All eyes, and ears, were focused on this magical, mystical, uniquely gifted and visionary troubadour in a manner and to a degree that clearly showed the impact this man's music has always had, and continues to have, on those fortunate enough to have been exposed to it and to him.
Not merely content to just tour again, or to descend into a "Greatest Hits" show, Phillips instead chose to select songs from across a broad cross-section of his releases that have deep meaning to him, and shared those meanings along with the songs with his fans in his inimitable way. Of course, songs from "Second Contribution" were featured, but also ones from "Bright White", "Transcendence", "Rumplestiltskin's Resolve", "First Impressions" and "Collaboration".
Phillips songs are brilliantly composed, and with his legendary multi-octave voice and sense of dynamics, along with his guitar chops, he could have kept it to voice and guitar and easily blown away even his most ardent fans. However, that is not the Shawn Phillips way. True to his inventive and creative nature, he employed a host of foot pedals and other effects to further extend the dynamic range of his show. Looping both acoustic and electric guitars allowed him to orchestrate on the fly arrangements that allowed him to alternate between singing and taking fiery solos, showing a side of him that many fans may not have seen before.
Glancing around at his fans as he performed creates a sense of wonder at the depth of the sense of wonder that they still feel towards him. This man is revered. On this night, Shawn Phillips only increased the reverence in which he is held. Nobody left early. Few even broke the silence between songs. Many expressed their delight and joy and surprise and gratefulness at another, or even a first, opportunity to see him live. Even during the sound check, staff at the venue kept wondering out and becoming immediately and deeply spellbound by this man, this voice, these songs and these messages.
A truly splendid evening, gifted on the wings of a brilliant performance by a justifiably legendary man.
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