Search - Kelly Joe Phelps :: Tap the Red Cane Whirlwind

2005's Gift From Mr. Phelps

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 02/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being familiar and enriched by the integrity and quality of Kelly Joe Phelps' prior recordings, the only reservation I had before I bought this CD was that it was live.

Understand me, I don't dislike live albums in principle. In the case of certain artists, live recordings have captured legendary performances and unusual moments of beauty.

Anyway, the point was whether an album of new versions of old songs and a couple of classic Blues, plus the potentially limited sound of a live performance, would add to Phelps' track record.

Great news. This album is as satisfying and likely to touch you as much as any one of Phelps prior incarnations, whichever one may be your favorite.

The album begins with a remarkable version of the classic "Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues," sung so close to the bone you may think he's channeling Skip James himself, and also serving a the first reminder of this man's skill and feel on the acoustic guitar.

Both his voice and his strings do the honors on several of self-penned tunes too. Three that must be mentioned, for their intimacy and new touch, are "Not So Far To Go" and "Waiting For Marty" -both ballads that were highlights from his last studio album Slingshot Professionals"- and the tender and thoughtful "Tommy." Plus the second cover, "I Am The Light O f The World," is equally astounding.

Finally, the quality of the recording is impeccable as live albums go. It seems that the people in the small audience present were as enthralled as I, when he played these songs. Other than applauses respectfully waiting for the end of each song, the silence is absolute. Almost reverential of the great music captured on Tap The Red Cane Whirlwind."

A splendid effort by a craftsman of instruments and songs

Birdman | Minnetonka, MN USA | 02/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kelly Joe Phelps is a member of the old school of blues and folk music. He has crafted most of his instruments himself to acquire the deep blues sound that works its way to the bones of his audience. His songwriting- draws upon mixed blues traditions. His productions are lean and beautifully miked, and his packages are well-produced with full lyrics and ample credits. On this generous (over 70:00 set) set of live concert-takes from McCabes in Santa Monica and The Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, he plays some gorgeous work from previously produced issues and some new pieces too. His lyrics run the gamut from Jesus to bourbon, but the emotional impact and sheer acoustic loveliness of these performances will have universal appeal. While he's occasionally been criticized for a certain sameness in the tenor and tone of his songs, more careful listening reveal's an artist with as great a mastery of his custom guitars as Paul O'Dette has of lutes. The man is a marvel, and at $12.98, I can't imagine a better deal on real American music."

One of his best albums...

Wesley Lounsbury | 08/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Kelly Joe Phelps ever since I first heard the Windows Media Samples of his music here on Amazon, over 5 years ago. I have all but two of his albums and I've seen him live twice. He is definitely my favorite artist. Every album of his is phenomenal but I have to say this is probably his best. I'm no music expert, but I know talent and originality and Kelly Joe is the best!"