Kelly Joe Phelps

Kelly Joe Phelps
Empowering his characters with detail of Springsteen and Waits, Phelps' songwriting has leapt to a level inhabited by few (Dylan and Cohen spring to mind), while his voice sounds like Kentucky bourbon being poured over a waterfall. Frills are non-existent, instead Phelps relies on atmosphere and incredible warmth, lending these tales - all contenders for the plot of innumerable Cohen Brothers films - an air of late-autumn calm that simultaneously grips and soothes the listener.
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Kelly Joe Phelps fills his music with poignancy, passionand spirituality to create what has been called "Some of the most emotionally thrilling blues music ever..." - (Dirty Linen) A brilliant improviser, Phelps is known for his ability to put a new spin on a song every time he plays with subtle finger-picking and slide guitar and soulful, haunting vocals. His latest album, Slingshot Professionals (Rykodisc), produced by Lee Townsend (Bill Frisell, John Scofield), explores bittersweet themes in character studies full of shadow and mystery and light.