Almanac Music: Kelly Joe Phelps
Except for the hat, the above photograph is indicative of how Kelly Joe Phelps looked the first time I saw perform at Bluesfest in the late 90s. At that time he wore a reversed flat top cap. Clearly a passionate man about his music, he gently rocked himself hunched over his guitar, usually on his lap playing beautiful melodies on the slide guitar.
Kelly Joe Phelps was unknown to me at the time but as you do at festivals you read the artist profiles in the program, pick something that sounds interesting and take a punt, and that is what my friend Tony and myself did. Not one of the main acts or drawcards, Kelly Joe had an early morning slot, which is unfortunate in one way but very fortunate in another. Generally the audiences are quite small for the early morning sessions but it provides patrons the opportunity to get up close to the performers but unfortunately there were not many people there to appreciate him as we were able. His performance mesmerised us, and Kelly Joe Phelps had two new followers.
Check out a couple of You Tube clips below of Kelly Joe Phelps in performance live, and also a Spotify playlist to listen to.
More from Col Ritchie can be read Here.
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
He visited “Off the record” a few year’s ago and I was mesmerised.
A humble and religious man.
As an at home fingerstyle guitarist I didn’t know whether to be inspired or deflated.
His response was everything we do around music is worthwhile whether playing or listening.
Nowadays I do a version of ” Moonshiner” . Learning it has opened up to me a world of white fella piedmont style acoustic playing that will probably keep me going for the rest of my days.
He is an unheralded master of fingerstyle acoustic blues/ roots music
Thanks for the writing on him Col.
Let’s continue to celebrate these lesser known artists and spread the word.
Kenny McLeish