John Phillips
The Wolfking Of L.A.

THE REVIEW

The recent reissue of John Phillips' first solo record allows us to rediscover a character little known in Italy. Yet John Phillips, leader and mastermind of the Mamas and Papas, a great author of timeless hits ("California Dreamin'", "Monday, Monday", "Straight Shooter", "Look Through My Window", "Somebody Groovy"), and creator of unforgettable melodies, is rightfully held in high regard in the United States.

A leading figure of alternative California (from the Byrds to Jefferson Airplane), aristocratic hippie, organizer of the Monterey festival in 1967, John Phillips (who passed away in 2001) has long belonged to rock history mainly thanks to his work with the Mamas and Papas from 1965 to 1969, the year of their official disbandment.

Released in 1970, "The Wolfking Of L.A." is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, a small masterpiece. Virtually flawless, the ten tracks of the album represent a rare example of how it is possible to compose linear, pleasant, and melodic songs. Phillips' voice, the "wolf king," is relaxed and clean. At times, it recalls the glory of his old group and in his songs float pop, rock, gospel, country, and folk roots. The author, in a way, expands upon the musical coordinates previously set by Gram Parsons and his Flying Burrito Bros. The opening sequence is remarkable. "April Anne" and "Someone's Sleeping" are touching ballads. "Topanga Canyon" is a souvenir postcard from California. "Malibu People" is piano-based and extraordinary. "Drum" and "Down The Beach" are delightful country-rock. "Captain" recalls the vocal style of the Mamas and Papas. The cheerful and enjoyable "Mississippi" is ennobled by great instrumental accompaniment. "Holland Tunnel", evocative and profound, closes the official record on a melancholic note. The new reissue of the album also presents a previously unreleased series of interesting bonus tracks from the same sessions as the album (notable is the ballad "Shady") that certainly would not have looked out of place on the finished product. For this debut filled with promises, John Phillips composes timeless music.

The balance of sound, however, is all thanks to the musicians who participated in the recording of the album. Among them, the names of James Burton on guitar and Larry Knechtel on piano stand out. Unfortunately, John Phillips would never again reach such heights, and his solo career begins and ends with this record. Over the years, there would be pathetic reunions with the remains of the original Mamas and Papas and only one major compositional success for the Beach Boys in 1988 ("Kokomo"). "The Wolfking Of L.A." is a hidden gem of our music.

An important and cult record that the passage of time has not diminished in the slightest.