Kelly Joe Phelps February 20, 2009

Acoustic blues guitarist and songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps plays a haunting mix of original and traditional blues and gospel songs that are mesmerizing, contemplative, intense, and beautiful. For much of his inspiration Phelps cites the blues of country blues legends Skip James, Mississippi Fred McDowell and Robert Pete Williams. But he also works the visionary musical terrain and approach of jazz greats Miles Davis, John Coltrane and the free improvisers. Phelps music is essentially blues but he finds that spot that only true originators find, a soulfulness and passion created through emotive vocals, visionary lyrics, and stellar guitar work.

“Some of the most emotionally thrilling blues music ever…” — Dirty Linen

“...it sounds like Kelly Joe is coming from the inside out; the bottom up. He’s not just playing ’at’ the music or trying to recreate or imitate something that’s happened in the past. He seems to have tapped into the artery somehow. There’s a lot going on in between and behind the notes.” — Bill Frisell

“When I heard Kelly Joe the first time, I was amazed how it all made so much sense. His music is a wide world with 360 degrees of influence...he’s a musical slight-of-hand master. He pulls world wide sounds out of his guitar.” - Tim O’Brien

http://www.kellyjoephelps.com/

Official Website: http://palmsplayhouse.com