THE
INTELLIGENCER
By
DAVID REED
February 2009
PHELPS: For every guitarist
The
music of Kelly Joe Phelps is often characterized as a mixture of delta
blues and jazz, but it transcends such limiting labels. He started by
playing and studying jazz, drawing inspiration from free jazz players
like Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. He later converted
to blues and blended elements of the two into his own style. One might
call it "free blues" as it seems firmly rooted in Delta blues, but is
filled with harmonic and rhythmic twists and turns.
His 2003 album Slingshot Professionals featured collaborations with
Steve Dawson, Jesse Zubot and Bill Frisell.
Western Bell is the first solo instrumental album by Phelps, and it
is truly mind-blowing in its originality and technique.
His playing has been described as 'virtuosic and courageous' by some,
and every track on Western Bell is downright compelling. The lap steel
playing is chilling and the alternate tunings leave you scratching your
head and wondering. Many of the pieces are improvised on the spot, and
the spontaneity adds to the intrigue.
Highlights include the old-time sounding title track, the rubato flow
of "American Exchange Hotel," and the slide magic of "Blowing Dust
40 Miles." "Hometown With My Melody" has Phelps playing a 12-string
and sounding like Leo Kottke, but more outside.
Other standout tracks include "The Jenny Spin," "East to Kansas," and "Little
Family." Every guitarist alive should own this album.
Kelly Joe Phelps plays at Hugh's Room in Toronto on March 8.
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