Kelly Joe Phelps hadn’t been to Texas in eight years but those who saw him at Blue Rock would say it was worth the wait.  Songs like “Crow’s Nest” and “Spanish Hands” were among the crowd favorites, while traditional renditions of songs like “False to Thee” were simple exquisite surprises.  Seems like you could have heard a pin drop within a five mile radius.  We do hope to see Kelly Joe again and often.  Thanks to photographer Rodney Bursiel for these great shots.

Here’s what Steve Earle says about him:  “Kelly Joe Phelps plays, sings, and writes the blues. HOLD UP before you lock that in - forget about songs in a twelve bar three chord progression with a two line repeat and answer rhyme structure - though he can certainly do that when he wants to. I’m talking about a feeling, a smoky, lonesome, painful - yet somehow comforting groove that lets you know that you are not alone - even when you’re blue. Play on brother.” - Steve Earle

With his latest CD release (and Rounder Records debut), Tunesmith Retrofit, guitar virtuoso Kelly Joe Phelps has completed another rung of the spiral and circled his way back to the simplicity and undeniable power of a well written song. 

Blue Rock Studio is honored to present an intimate Texas Hill Country evening with a true northwestern songwriting giant.

For more information on this artist, visit http://www.kellyjoephelps.net

Sam says:

I hear God’s voice when this man performs. Stunning, brilliant, and a privilege to take part in nothing short of a “religious” experience.

Sally says:

Kelly Joe refreshingly not “cool” (meant to be my ultimate compliment). His music, excruciatingly true, earned every note with commitment and intense focus through body, heart, and soul. Those who actually dance on that pin point are few, still Kelly Joe took the audience and invited us to the angel’s dance-and Blue Rock did…dance. Thanks, Kelly Joe

Nathan Brown says:

There is something beyond smoke and pain in Kelly Joe’s voice. Some fire in his fingers rubbing against the strings that burns deeper than the blues. And something in his songs begs you to slow down… reminds you that you don’t have to settle for the mindless manufacture of pop music.

Thanks Billy and Dodee for making that happen…

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