To be a thing unto itself yet appeal to everybody and stay an artist in a class of his own wasn’t easy even back in the late ’60s and early ’70s when individualism reigned supreme, but Shawn Phillips managed it with rare elegance, carving up more than a niche audience and commanding immense respect of fellow musicians. The names of players who accompanied him in the studio are very much familiar to people who are not aware they have ever heard the American singer-songwriter; and the fact of Phillips not making a big deal of his voice’s presence on a certain ensemble’s “Lovely Rita” must speak volumes of Shawn’s perception of the grand scheme of things. Of course, his albums couldn’t compete with “Sgt. Pepper” – only there’s longevity of creativity to factor in, what with the 81-year-old not showing any sign of slowing down.
He’s still writing and still touring, and this conversation took place in the middle of the veteran’s lengthy jaunt across Quebec.
