Donovan - Troubadour: The Definitive Collection 1964-1976

While by no means a complete retrospective, this two-disc compilation contains a healthy sampling from Donovan's first dozen years as a formidable musical figure. His chameleon-like sensibilities not only adapted to, but likewise defined the '60s folk, pop, acid rock and the scene of swingin' London. As well as hitting some of the more obvious high points, Donovan -- who personally oversaw the project -- included a couple of unissued demos ("London Town"/"Codine"), alternate versions ("Museum"/"Superlungs"/"Riki Tiki Tavi") and previously unearthed titles ("Breezes Of Patchulie"/"Age Of Treason"/"What The Soul Desires"). The set charts a chronological examination commencing with a handful of the earthy acoustic demos and sides cut for the Pye (U.K.) /Hickory (U.S.A.) label(s) -- ultimately yielding Catch The Wind (1965) and Fairytale (1965) as well as over a dozen knock-off titles sporting the exact same material. [Note: Enthusiasts looking for a more thorough overview of the nearly three dozen sides documented during this era are encouraged to investigate the two-CD Summer Day Reflection Songs (2000) collection.]. The remainder of the first volume focuses on the fruitful '66 through '67 era that produced a string of hits ranging from the happy hippy anthems "Sunshine Superman" and "Mellow Yellow" to the decidedly dark and foreboding "Season Of The Witch" and the Mod trendy pop art of "Sunny South Kensington"." Also included are a healthy sampling of album tracks. "The Trip," "Writer In The Sun" and the "Tinker And The Crab" are among the most timeless as his folksier nature resurfaces. The second volume of Troubadour picks up with Donovan at the peak of his popularity with Hurdy Gurdy Man (1968) -- which featured the respective talents of Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (keyboard/orchestral arrangements) and John Bonham (drums). This was followed by the equally impressive line up that included Jeff Beck (guitar), Ron Wood (bass), Nicky Hopkins (keyboards) as well as Jim Gordon (drums) for Barabajagal (1968). Donovan slowed down as the decade came to a close re-emerging with the understated Open Road (1970) and Cosmic Wheels (1970). Again, he surrounded himself with top-shelf talent such as Cozy Powell (drums) and Chris Spedding (guitar). This produced works such as the quaint and bouncy "Maria Magenta" and the ethereal "I Like You" -- which is reminiscent of the Incredible String Band's choral folk leanings. Among the latter standouts are the unreleased tracks "Age Of Treason" and "What The Soul Desires" -- both of which were recorded just prior to the Nashville sojourn that resulted in 7-Tease (1974). Until his seminal Epic Recordsdiscs are offered in an expanded and remastered form, Troubadour is as definitive a collection as is available under one title. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide

Name Credits A. Friend Violin (Electric), Violin Alan Spenner Bass Allan Holdsworth Guitar (Electric) Andrew Loog Oldham Producer Ben Cauley Horn Bobby Orr Drums Bobby Ray Bass Brian Hogg Liner Notes Brian Locking Bass Buffy Sainte-Marie Vocals (Background) Byron Warner Vocals (Background) Candy John Carr Bongos, Conga Charles Rose Horn Chris Spedding Strings, Bouzouki Clem Clatini Drums Cliff Barton Bass (Electric) Clive Chaman Bass Cozy Powell Drums Danny Moss Horn Danny Thompson Bass David Briggs Keyboards David Foster Woodwind, Piano David Hungate Bass Denny Seiwell Drums Derek Taylor Liner Notes Donovan Programming, Harmonica, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Acoustic), Harp, ?, Banjo, Vocals, Producer, Whistle (Human), Guitar (12 String) Douglas Davis Cello Eddie Hoh Drums Eric Ford Guitar (Electric) Eric Leese Guitar (Electric) Fast Eddie Hoh Drums Florence Warner Vocals (Background) Gabriel Mekler Keyboards Gaynor Stewart Vocals, Vocals (Background) Geoff Stephens Producer Ginger Holladay Vocals (Background) Graham Nash Vocals (Background), Vocals Harold McNair Flute Harrison Calloway Horn Harvey Thompson Horn Henry McCullough Guitar Jack Emblou Accordion Jay Graydon Guitar, Producer Jean Roussel Clavinet Jeff Beck Guitar (Electric) Jill Utting Soprano (Vocal) Jim Gordon Percussion Jim Keltner Drums Jimmy Page Guitar (Electric) John "Rabbit" Bundrick Moog Synthesizer John Bonham Drums John Cameron Keyboards John Candy Carr Drums, Vocals John McCarthy Vocals John Paul Jones Bass Johnny Christopher Guitar (Electric), Guitar Julie Forsythe Vocals Keith Webb Drums Kenneth A. Buttrey Drums Lea Jane Berinati Vocals (Background) Lesley Duncan Vocals, Vocals (Background) Leslie Fyson Vocals (Background) Leslye Ash Vocals (Background) London Philharmonic Orchestra Strings Madeline Bell Vocals (Background) Mary Holladay Vocals (Background) Michael Hayes Producer Mickie Most Producer Mike Carr Vibraphone Mike McCartney Vocals (Background), Vocals Mike O'Neill Piano, Vocals Mike Thomson Vocals, Guitar, Bass Nicky Hopkins Keyboards Norbert Pulnam Producer Norbert Putnam Bass, Producer Patrick Halling Violin Peter Eden Producer Reggie Young Guitar (Electric) Ron Wood Bass Ronnie Eades Horn Ronnie Ross Horn Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Strings Shawn Phillips Sitar Sheldon Kurland Concert Master Spike Heatley Bass Suzi Quatro Vocals (Background) Terry Kennedy Producer Tom Scott Recorder Tony Carr Percussion Tony Newman Drums Valerie Carrington Soprano (Vocal)