Shawn Phillips - Rumplestiltskin's Resolve (1976 Remaster) (2013)

Digitally re-mastered edition of this 1975 release, the 12th album from the enigmatic singer/songwriter. Shawn Phillips has recorded 20 albums and worked with musicians including Donovan, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bernie Taupin and many others. Shawn's seminal release was Second Contribution, but Rumplestiltskin's Resolve is rated by the fans as the high point in his musical career. In the 1960's, Phillips played on several Donovan albums, performed at the Isle of Wight festival, sang on the Beatles' "Lovely Rita", and was cast to play the lead in the original production of Jesus Christ Superstar (he had to withdraw due to his heavy recording and touring schedule).

Folk-rock with some unexpected musical twists, sung with extraordinary passion. It wasn't going to sell well, as disco began its rise to the top of the musical pyramid, but it showed Phillips nearing the end of his A&M contract close to the top of his game.

Rumple brings out Phillips' most accomplished structures, jaw-dropping vocal prowess, and eloquent lyrics. And yet, we don't see an armory of instruments cluttering the music. In fact, the songs breathe because the transitions between mystical folk, jazz fusion, and rock are so seamlessly woven that each is allowed to shine for the role it plays. There's isn't an album like it. Watch how it leaps from pastoral acoustic segments to synth & bass funk without losing an ounce of cred. It's rich and sparse, intense and reflective, profoundly melodic but it grooves like few others. On a side note, the company Phillips keeps in Rumple consists of the creme of West Coast musicos, including John Gustafson (bass), Peter Robinson, and Paul Buckmaster (both on keys), these last two among the most consummate arrangers of the decade.

However, it's Phillips' vocal performance that reaches unparalleled heights. His enviable range has to be experienced to be believed, and it is in full flight on songs like "The Wailing Wall" and "Today", where he embarks on an improvisational solo that may have no equal in rock. The ease with which he moves up and down semitones and half octaves is simply glorious, the mastery behind it staggering. I listen and feel proud that someone among us has had that kind of talent. That strong. It's been said that he never needed more than a second take to get there, either.