Customer Reviews

Roll Away the Stone

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

As a person who has spent 37 years making music my number one passion in life, it is rare when an artist, or an album, moves me and speaks to my soul in such a profound way. But when it happens I do everything in my power to share such a find with anyone and everyone who I think might care. Kelly Joe Phelps, and "Roll Away The Stone", is one of those artists and one of those albums. As a recent student of Delta, Country, and Piedmont style blues, I have had the pleasure of listening to many of the the true GREATS of music... Skip James, Joe Callicott, Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry, Etta Baker, and the likes...Kelly Joe Phelps is in my opinion an example of a contemporary musician who can capture the feel, soul, and beauty of the blues like I'm certain the Masters intended to be. I have yet to turn anyone on to this cd who hasn't immediately been "hooked" on Kelly Joe. If you don't get goose bumps when you listen to "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder", you best get someone to check your pulse. When a cd like this comes along...don't miss it. --tripp

I can't... I've heard Kelly Joe Phelps and my life is changed. If you can imagine a voice, at the same time rugged and soaring, a guitar, at the same time familiar and foreign, you are starting to get it.

But don't take my word for it. Buy the album, hear it for yourself.

Kelly Joe Phelps was an accidental discovery for me when this was released back in 1997. I actually bought it because the cover looked interesting and "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder" was one of my grandmother's favorite hymns. I came to this CD with no expectations and was blown away. I was listening to it while driving down the highway and by the time I got to the old Blind Lemon Jefferson classic, "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" I had to actually pull over on the side of the road to listen.

Phelps has gone on to produce fine music in the years since this CD, but none are any better. All you'll find on this CD is his voice and guitar, but you'll not want anything else. Kelly Joe Phelps is one of the finest blues/folk artists currently recording.

I like this album. It's relaxing to listen to. Unlike other modern players who draw on the blues tradition, Kelly Joe at least sounds original. It's just my opinion, and respect to the prodigious talent of guys like Ben Harper and Keb Mo', but I fail to get excited when I hear their stuff. Lots of people do though, I guess I'm just looking for something less stylish ?? (don't know if that's quite the right word really). I love that earthy and raw rural sound, especially with a good singer riding on it. Kelly Jo is very smooth and polished, yet he seems so steeped in the music of rural America that it still sounds completely in step with that rich musical heritage. Steve Earle gave this guy the thumbs up and I bet he doesn't get kick-backs for his endorsement.

this is, by far, one of the most complete, thoughtful, honest, true works ever recorded. if you have feelings, you should listen.

Ever since I heard Leo Kottke I've been an avid acoustic slide fan. Being a player myself I've delighted in figurin' some of his licks, but Kelly Joe Phelps has redefined my love for the sound of slide. His playing incorporates all the best we know of the Delta and then some. Phelps' jazz background can be heard on the slow "Roll Away the Stone" as his voice ever so smoothly glides alongside his meticulous improvisations. Moments of Ry Cooder's Indian improvs lurk in "Without the Light" and even Sonny Landreth in "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder." I would personally like to see him explore some traditionals like Rory Block does so well on her recordings. I'm sure that he also has some originals in him. The sound of this recording is really comendable. Old hotel rooms and empty houses probably have tales of their own to tell, but Phelps has an instinct for sound that is ever so naturally captured on this recording that you could hear the walls whisper their delight. For anyone who loves the sound of acoustic slide and would like to hear the sound of the next generation, Kelly Joe Phelps is your man. Ron D'Agostino (Miami)

Although I strongly disagree with the 'spotlight review', (there are hardly too many Robert Johnson imitators, unless they're so bad that I didn't recognize them as such. The world -could- use a handful of good RJ imitators), I agree with the assessment of KJP.