The Ship, a Contemporary Folk Music Journey / The Ship / 1972
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Notes: This is the seminal work by Steve Cowan and Albert Melshenker that brought the original five members together in May, 1971, to present its debut performances on the University of Illinois campus. The Ship's eleven distinct songs flow together as an allegorical life's journey, performed in concert at many venues through 1971 and '72, including the U of I's Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The LP was recorded for Elektra Records in June, 1972, and released that September. In 2009, that original recording was remastered for CD and digital release on the Wounded Bird label, an Elektra affiliate. In mid-2021 Wounded Bird issued a special 50th Anniversary CD. Audio clips and songwriter credits below.
Players: Steve Cowan, Albert Melshenker, Todd Bradshaw, Billy Panda, Mark Hamby, with guest cellist Tim Scott.
Access: On streaming services search "The Ship, a Contemporary Folk Music Journey." For physical CDs at Amazon, enter the UPC code: 664140503625.