Search - Kelly Joe Phelps :: Roll Away the Stone

The Blues aren't dead yet

Nobody important | 05/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are very few acoustic blues musicians around who are capable of doing anything other than rehashing Robert Johnson. One modern master who does not fall prey to that criticism is Kelly Joe Phelps.Compliments of my parents, I grew up listening to Robert Johnson, Son House, Charley Patton, etc. As I got older, I grew bored with pure blues. Blind Willie Johnson, for example, just used the same melody over and over again with different lyrics. I turned to jazz, blues-influenced folk such as John Fahey, and the occasional blues-based rock of modern geniuses like Chris Whitley and Ben Harper. Occasionally, I listen to jam bands like the Allman Brothers or Widespread Panic, but that's about as close to pure I blues as I usually get these days. The only old blues that still holds my attention comes from the odd-balls like Mississippi John Hurt and Skip James. Then I heard Kelly Joe Phelps' "Shine Eyed Mister Zen" and I had to re-evaluate my position. I immediately went out and bought all three of Phelps' albums, and I am currently collecting other albums on which he makes guest appearances (one to note is Tony Furtado's "Roll My Blues Away"- a wonderful blend of blues, folk, bluegrass, and even some Celtic). Phelps plays with such soul, technical skill and integrity that he has restored my faith in blues. I recently realized that the difference between Phelps and the other blues revivalists (aside from Phelps' preternatural skill) is that Phelps stays true to the sound and the feel of blues, but his compositions are structured more like jazz. Kelly Joe Phelps is simply the best."

Kelly Joe - America's hidden musical treasure

Nobody important | 07/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who's been fortunate enough to live near Kelly Joe Phelps and has been blessed with seeing him live countless times, I can't help feeling that this recording serves as a measuring stick for discerning music fans. Either you think it's pretty good, and you add it to your collection, or you're someone who really gets what's going on here. Kelly Joe is simply a true modern genius. The feeling and vibe on this disc are what the blues are all about. Period. Look no further. Maybe it's not even your style, but for someone searching for the real deal in a sea of "been-there, done-that", this is it. KJ is a true master of acoustic blues playing, with one of the most spine-chilling voices in recent memory. Do yourself a favor; stop whatever you're doing and buy this disc, then go see him live."

Kelly Joe Blows My Mind!

Nobody important | 01/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bumped into this CD by accident...as one of the featured blues albums at a local music store. I listen to a wide variety of music styles, but I have never been touched by music like this before. Kelly's sweet acoustic and slide and gravel voice are as real as you'll ever hear. This album is an absolute joy."