Randy Phillips Photo By Violet Star Records

The 1976 SDSU graduate (with a degree in sociology) used to sing songs to runaway adolescents while she was counseling at a residential treatment program called "the Bridge." She found a similarly receptive audience while serving as director of psychosocial services at San Diego Hospice, where she used her form of music therapy to comfort not only terminally ill patients but also family members and fellow staffers.

Patch Adams: The Musical? Yeah, she's socially conscious. But keep in mind that it takes one cheeky monkey to add your own lyrics and vocals to a Pat Metheny instrumental, and that's exactly what Phillips does on her 2005 CD True Stories I Made Up. Not one, but three Metheny tunes are interpreted on this CD, which also features guest appearances by local guitarist Peter Sprague and bassist Bob Magnusson. Check it out for yourself at VioletStarRecords.com or see her at Rebecca's Coffeehouse in South Park on Friday, April 14.

WHAT'S IN YOUR CD PLAYER?
1. Death Cab for Cutie, Transatlanticism ("The song 'Title and Registration' free-associates about renaming the glove compartment in a car because no one keeps gloves in there. It just slays me.")

2. Mark Knopfler, Shangri-La ("This guy paints images like no one else, and the way he expresses his wit and humor through his music and world-weary voice always entrances me.")

3. Patti Scialfa, 23rd Street Lullaby ("Not as well known as her husband Bruce Springsteen, but her writing is so soulful and honest.")

4. Emersen, Radiowaste ("This is guitarist Daniel Crawford's band. I really dig their sound and style.")

DESERT ISLAND DVDs?
1. When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail ("Just gotta love well-crafted, clever romantic comedies you can watch over and over.")

2. The Shawshank Redemption ("Every time I watch this movie, it just grabs me by the throat and won't let me go.")

3. Enchanted April ("I love how this quiet little movie reminds me that there is a circuit of awakening energy running through the core of things, and if I can just get myself out of the way a little bit, it has a chance to work on the heart.")

BEST COVER SONGS? "I would have to say all that fabulous old Motown stuff that the Funk Brothers created and lots of folks have covered. But to be more specific, in a different genre, Eva Cassidy's cover of Sting's 'Fields of Gold' stops me dead in my tracks every time."

BEATLES OR STONES?
"Truly, I appreciate the Stones' spirit, but you just can't beat the Beatles for melody, harmony, and sing-along lyrics. Beatles rule!"

WORST SINGER?
"How did that guy from the Violent Femmes [Gordon Gano] ever get a recording contract? He can't hit a note to save his life."

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU FEW WOULD KNOW OR GUESS?
"I am hopelessly addicted to the TV shows West Wing and Project Runway, sour Gummi worms, and if I don't have very strong, sweet coffee in the morning and late afternoon every day, I get pretty darned cranky."

        Roel Construction Co. crews are crawling all over the upper floors of Hillcrest's Park Manor Suites Hotel to get a $2.6 million renovation project ready by June. At the same time, South Park singer/songwriter Randy Phillips is putting together an June 3 concert to give the public a peek at the improvements.

        The 7 p.m. concert will take place on the seventh floor - the "Top of the Park" - which is undergoing the most work, including new bar, kitchen and dining areas. Improvements also are being made to the outside deck of the floor, where hotel guests and visitors get commanding views of the city.

        The concert, "A View from the Top," will include an evening of original folk and jazz music - "and a little rock and roll thrown in there," says Phillips - with performances by Phillips, special guest Peter Sprague, guitar, bassist Bob Magnusson and guitarist Daniel Crawford. A no-host bar and appetizers are part of the event. Tickets are $15, a portion of which will go to a local charity.

        Betty Willis, managing partner of Gentry Associates LLC, the owner of Park Manor Suites, is a longtime friend of Phillips. "Our kids went to preschool together about 12 years ago," says Willis. "We lost touch with each other but met again at a fund-raising event for the preschool."

        The hotel, located at 525 Spruce St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, was built in 1926. It has a colorful history. Child actor Jackie Coogan's family invested part of his earnings in the Italian Renaissance building. Frank P. Allen Jr., chief architect for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, designed the hotel. During Prohibition, Park Manor Suites was often used by Hollywood celebrities. Today, the hotel features live music in a downstairs venue and, says Willis, may also add entertainment at the top floor.

        Dr. Stanley Willis, great-uncle of Betty Willis, purchased the hotel in 1978 and undertook a major renovation of the building. Each of the suites is decorated with authentic antiques and other fine furnishings.

        Roel's work on the hotel included a seismic retrofit to an existing brick facade on multiple foors. The 75,000-square-foot renovation also includes a new elevator to the seventh floor and upgrades to existing elevators. Tony Piscitello of B&G Consultants is the construction manager representing Park Manor Suites Hotel. Darrold Davis of CCBG Architects Inc. is the architect and Paul Feather is the structural engineer from Structural Engineering Solutions. Roel representatives include Juliana Dupuis as group manager, Jason Gauerke as project engineer, Gary Meredith as superintendent and Barbara Harbin as project coordinator.

        Listening to "True Stories I Made Up," the latest release from Randy Phillips, I felt like I had taken a seat at a friendly, beach side coffeehouse at sundown. The good vibes permeate this disc as it skips between different musical genres, and the glue that keeps it all together is the musical synergy between Randy Phillips and her all-around musical partner, Peter Sprague.

        Of the Phillips-Sprague collaborations, the track that comes together with the most pleasing end result is "Tumbling Into Blue," a tasty Latin jazz tune that simply floats out of the speakers like a summer breeze. The breathy, soulful lead vocal and the stellar nylon string guitar work on "Tumbling Into Blue" make for an intoxicating combination from two seasoned talents who have clearly learned how to play off each other to full effect.

        I was surprised and intrigued to see that there are a few tunes on this recording that feature lyrics by Randy Phillips set to music by Pat Metheny. Of these Metheny-based tunes, the one that works best is "Farmers' Trust," which seamlessly weaves the lead vocal and heartfelt lyrics into the music.

        "Could It Be You," featuring some great lead vocals and fiddle playing from Gabe Witcher, is the strongest of the country/pop flavored offerings with its wonderfully romantic lyrics and melodic hooks. If this song hasn't been shopped to the country music machine in Nashville, it should be.

        My only gripe with this CD is that a few of the tracks are more dark and/or bitter than I think Phillips can effectively pull off. For instance, "All About You" (which features a killer jazz guitar solo) is a fairly stern rebuke written to a self-centered lover, but somehow there is still sweetness and light in the lead vocal, making the end result a bit like what it might sound like if Mr. Rogers were trying his best to scold a child. I suppose this could be classified as a backhanded compliment and the point is that the more positive offerings on this recording seemed to ring more true.

        Randy Phillips and company have created a warm and inviting musical sanctuary with "True Stories I Made Up" and I highly suggest pullling up a chair at this particular seaside coffeehouse.

        Longtime South Park resident Randy Phillips is a singer/songwriter of folk music. Her album "Wild Horses" released in 2002, is primarily folk music but reflects influences of jazz and bluegrass as well.
        Similar to her other albums, "Wild Horses" derives features Phillips' clear voice and introspective lyrics. This latest album is another musical collaboration between Phillips and renowned jazz musician Peter Sprague, who was recently voted San Diego Music Award's Best Jazz Musician of 2004. Phillips wrote or co-wrote 11 of the 12 songs featured on this album.
        She also plays guitar and uses it to compose melodies for songs. However, in performance, Phillips sings and leaves the guitar work to her onstage partner, guitarist Daniel Crawford.
        "I consider myself a lyricist," she says. "If I could I would spend every moment writing. I don't want to just write about relationships. I'll write about anything that inspires me."
        Phillips keeps a flexible schedule and a notebook with her, which allows her to write song ideas or lyrics at any moment.
        She began writing while growing up in West Los Angeles. She won writing awards from newspapers and the Girl Scouts. In high school, she sang in a group called Stained Glass Rainbow.
        Phillips moved to San Diego in 1971 and attended San Diego State University. She earned a degree in sociology in 1976 and began working as a counselor at The Bridge, a residential treatment center for runaway adolescents that now operates under San Diego Youth & Community Services.
        At The Bridge, Phillips would often sing and play guitar for the young residents. "The kids really identified with music and the freedom of expression. They were often more willing to talk after I played for them," says Phillips.
        After working at The Bridge, Phillips helped form the San Diego Hospice. There she shared her music with patients, families and staff members. Soon coworkers were asking for copies of her music. Now, she divides her time between teaching yoga and as a stay-at-home mom to her 12-year-old daughter.
        Phillips is scheduled to play at Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge, 2906 University Ave., Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, both at 8 p.m.

What people are saying about "Wild Horses"

When this lady sings, you better listen. Randy Philip's third album, Wild Horses, is great - no doubt about it. Pop the CD in your car or your home stereo and you'll know what I'm talking about. The selection of songs on this album will definitely take you for a ride. Regardless of what mood you're in this album is for you, because as the magic unfolds, it will take you wherever your imagination allows.
Philips takes you along with her as she embarks on her own personal journey from tranquility to a full on sound that will definitely keep you moving! Each song in Wild Horses represents a different phase of the personal experience. Definitely check out tracks 2, 8, and 7. The lyrics delicately reflect the thoughts of a woman who knows herself well. Above all else, Randy's vocals make this album irresistible.
At a time when the industry sometimes confuses the meaning of good music by how many albums is sold, Wild Horses proves that quality still prevails. Backed by some of San Diego's top musicians, Wild Horses can definitely share shelves with the best of them.
SDAM.com Staff Writer Victoria Joven

"Randy Phillips' latest CD 'Wild Horses', combines different styles of music in her eclectic 12-song selections. Most songs are written by Phillips and/or in collaboration with Peter Sprague, who co-produced with Phillips, John Katchur and others. On the title track 'Wild Horses', side man Dennis Caplinger goes from banjo to mandolin to fiddle to add his skillful, gourmet flavor. Katchur's harmonies blend full and mesh well into Phillips' poetry. Sprague's acoustic guitar highlight a South American samba flavor on 'Down to the Bone.' On the beautiful 'Far Away' less is more. The simplicity of voice and guitar give you chills as this song becomes a prayer. The entire band shows off musicianship of the highest level. In my opinion, Sprague and Caplinger are two of the finest musicians on the entire planet. Their contribution is immense. Phillips vocals are pleasant as she moves from ballads to blues to rock, but her voice, more suited to the slower tunes, really shines on songs like 'Far Away', 'Gypsy', and 'Falling Star', her voice in the latter reflecting a folkier sound of Joan Baez purity against Caplinger's Dobro. The song title 'Troubadour', which I like for some reason, was written for Katchur. Richard Tibbitts adds a 'middle ages' feel with recorder, flute, and krumhorn. Phillips has written lyrics well worth experiencing. Good songs deserve many listenings to fully appreciate them.
So what are you waiting for?"
Phil Harmonic, March 2003 edition of the SD Troubadour

"A singer-songwriter with a difference, Randy Phillips 5th album, "Wild Horses" will delight long time fans, while impressing anyone who is discovering her music for the first time. Her sound can be a bit hard to pigeonhole, though to be certain there is acoustic pop, along with folk and country touches, as well as jazz flourishes. Without hesitation, I can say this is her best effort yet. It's a particularly strong selection of songs, from start to finish, with something here for just about any mood. Reflective ballads don't come much more introspective or drenched in melody than "Grace and Gravity", while opener "Eye Of The Hurricane", is a rousing, sing-a-long rocker, made for playing loud - and there's ten more tunes here just as good. Even a jaded listener is going to find some real gems here.Ê "Wild Horses" is full of magic moments that show off the album's warm, lush production. To be sure there is fantastic instrumentation on these hook filled tunes, from such notables as guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist Kevin Hennessy and multi-instrumentalist Dennis Caplinger, and the arrangements are sterling, with lots of little flourishes that show a real devotion to song craft. Take "Soldier" for example. Check the vocal arrangement at :53 and especially at 2:26. Somewhere between Brian Wilson and early Kate Bush, circa "Lord Of The Reedy River", all in a less than 10 second passage. And keep in mind this is a mid-tempo fiddle driven acoustic number. Then there's that killer guitar solo, plus tempo changes. It's a marvelously eclectic and engrossing sound. Maybe it's the little things, like the guitar passage in the title track at 1:27. Or how well the sequencing works. But when that spice is added to Randy Phillips wonderful voice, and the dozen enchanting, well-crafted songs here, you have an album that truly deserves to be heard by the masses."
-Bart Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune

What people are saying about "Kicking a hole in the Sky"
"Randy Phillips has issued a very fine collection of songs on her new CD Kicking a hole in the Sky,-- I was especially taken by the first song, When Your Love Has Gone Away and transported to a long, lazy summer day. Phillips was wise in her choice of producer Peter Sprague not only lends his arrangements and expertise as recording engineer, but several songs employ his sweet, melodic guitar work. Sprague may be a monster jazz musician, but he moves easily into folk music and deftly enhances what is already there. The result is an enjoyable body of well-crafted songs and sparse but very tasteful arrangements. This CD would be the perfect companion for days of quiet reflection and musical travels."
-Deborah Liv Johnson, Mojave Sun Records

"I find her new record to be very melodic and calming to the soul; both admirable qualities. I think Randy Phillips has come up with an interesting blend of folk and a certain country sound that has originality and sensitivity. Theres an organic quality to her music and a purity of sound that I find very refreshing."
-Charles McPherson, International Jazz Musician

"One of the most powerful qualities that music holds is its ability to reveal to us the subtle inner workings of the human soul. Through Randy Phillips voice, music and lyrics we learn something about ourselves. The journey is a delightful one. She is a true artist."
-Peter Sprague, Record Producer/Recording Artist

"Randy Phillips new CD is her best work to date."
-Monica Walsh, Elizabeth Productions

What people are saying about "Full Moon's Daughter"
"With it's poetic,thought provoking lyrics and lush melodic arrangements Randy Phillips "Full Moon's Daughter" is a delightful listening experience"
-Peggy Watson singer/songwriter, Recording Artist

"Randy's songs are sensitive and heartfelt. Though different from what I usually do, I found the music interesting and playing on the song 'Where Time Stands Still' was truly a fun experience for me. Peter Sprague's involvement as producer and musician were invaluable. Listen and Enjoy."
-Charles McPherson, International Jazz Musician

"Randy Phillips creates wonderful music. She is a woman of passion and this is certainly reflected in her songs and in her presentation. She is innovative while still singing about traditional themes of love, loss and life. Hers is a wonderful art which is personal yet speaks to a broad spectrum of people. She includes a variety of music in her repertoire...I feel the world is a better place for her sharing of her art."
-Camille Rothenburg, Coronado, Ca.