My wife and I had known Kelly since he was just a teenager working in a local music store. We watched him progress through the various modes of expression via his guitar from Rock to Cool Jazz. Kelly used to play for a while, once a week at a local restaurant. He would play with a few others - a standup bass, a trumpet and such and they would play cool jazz indeed. Then that restaurant closed, Kelly moved on and we didn't see him for a year or two. When we saw him at the Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival in Stevenson, WA it was like Kelly had somehow reached a state that embodied a deep spiritual connection to the early delta blues. He was transformed. It was almost like the spirit and the music of an old black bluesman had entered Kelly. Kelly integrated this with all the knowledge he had, to become a unique, honest, humble, and outstanding Guitar player and song writer/vocalist . It's so good to see his videos here!!! R.I.P. Kelly Thanks for sharing your gifts.
I know about Kelly Joe Phelps since moving here in 1991, hearing him at the Saturday Market while mixed into the crowd at a distance, but the sound of his lap slide guitar attracted me like a bee to honey. When I finally found him playing a Gibson FJN lap style (12th fret neck joint dreadnought with bridge moved in relation to the braces into the middle of the soundboard). I asked him how he learned to play like that, and he said something about having played dobro previously. Now I know he played EVERYTHING previously - thanks for that information. Over the next 30 years I became a KJP fiend, even bought a 1966 Gibson FJN like his a few years later, although mine is from after they stopped using Brazilian rosewood, but it still has THAT sound, although I can only do primitive imitations of what He did. I call him "Reverend Kelly Joe" because his first recording "Lead Me On" brought me back to the Holy Bible. I learned later he had been brought-up in a Christian home, got away from it later, but after getting in the lap slide blues music in the early 1990's he recorded his first CD "Lead Me On", and it's still my favorite, I still listen to it all the time even though I've heard it a 1,000 times.....................................seriously!
The sign of a first class artist: breathing new life into a classic. "Goodnight Irene" was considered corny when I was growing up. What did I know? When KJP touches that song, you'll think you've never heard it before.
This man was like the Robert DeNiro / Daniel Day-Lewis of his profession. I think what is hard for the mind to digest is the amount of control and freedom that happens simultaneously when KJP plays. He’s completely dialed to source, and wherever you sit in your spiritual path, he gives you an opportunity to feel the realness and electricity of all connectedness. What a gift he released here, and I know it must have come at a price to his physical body. RIP Kelly Joe
Hearing "lead me on" for the first time was a mind blowing experience for me. Beautiful slide and picking work. Also loved "down to the praying ground" RIP Kelly.
You're brief "what the hell was that?" encapsulated KJP's playing beautifully. One of the most free players to ever pick up the instrument. Every album was a reinvention, a continuing improvement. He was a wizard. This wasn't his tune, but one of a hundred traditional songs he played and improvised over. I miss this guy, one of a kind.
I'm so sorry to hear that Kelly Joe Phelps passed away - I had the great privilege of working with him as an interpreter on French radio during an interview he did before a concert. Kelly Joe was asily one of the greatest and most interesting/individual guitar plays I've ever heard, as well as one of the coolest and funniest musicians I have met. Hearing his interpretation of Hard Time Killing Floor Blues in a small club in Paris was one of the greatest musical moments in my life. RIP Kelly Joe.
Had the huge pleasure of meeting KJP about 7 years ago and he was the kindest dude and very generous with his time. A man of many musical faces but wore them all beautifully. RIP my friend.
When I found out Kelly died, I feel like the world changed. His spirit and music was something that, in all its sacred ethereality, was paradoxically very definite, grounding and foundational for me. And offered a primal connective power that's sadly flickering out from our shared experience in these times. From one Washington boy to another -- have a blessed journey on your next trip KJP.
I was visiting Portland ..1998..this guy was busking near PSU and he caught my attention as I walked past. I bought the CD 'Lead Me On' and played it now and then in the car after I'd returned to Germany. Something special. Sad to hear he passed away. RIP.
Thanks for doing this, Michael. Kelly was just phenomenally good; a terrific guitarist, great song writer, great interpreter, and very down to earth. Had the great opportunity to produce a show for him back in the 90s and I’ll always treasure that memory.
I am so grateful I got to see Kelly Joe several times in extremely intimate settings - and he signed my guitar. As you note, I use Kelly as one of several examples of guitarist’s who are truly one with their instrument. I also always said Kelly could just sing the phone book and captivate me. One of the coolest voices in the biz. Definition of Soul and owning it. So saddened by his death that took us by surprise. Couldn’t ever find a disclosure of cause of death, but wonder if it also contributed to the fact that he hadn’t put out an album in ten years.
I was lucky enough to see KJP live a handful of times. I was hooked after hearing his first two albums way back when. So much talent , and always blew me away that with melodic fills he had endless variations, and he used them so effectively
Big kelly joe phelps fan through many years. Fun fact - KJP started his career in the jazz-scene playing improv bass. The song is an old dock boggs song.
Thank you so much for doing a video on Kelly! So few know the genius it seems, This guy bllllllew my mind and continues to teach me about pure intent on the instrument. Sad he is gone
I was blessed to see kjp 3 times. My first born was hours old when I went to see him play in Glasgow. I've never heard anyone with his panache and so sad he's gone.
11:52 you say I heard that line before This is a cover of an old Doc Boggs song ( Country Blues) that I learned in the 1990s from The bad livers ( look it up) You probably thought it was a KJP original b/c although it is a cover it is an incredibly creative interpretation
Hello! Great video about Kelly Joe. RIP! I love your reaction videos so much! I love that you break it down and talk about the technique. I have a song that I would love to see you react to. It's by one of the best artists in any musical genre, Chris Stapleton. It is one of his older songs, and it's a simple song that evokes a old southern rhythm and blues song and riles up your emotions. It's a great song to put on, and then try solos on like you are part of the band. It's a groove and a mood. Death Row - czcams.com/video/m_TsUb0T95E/video.html Chris also gave a master class in how to cover a song; but instead of trying to mimic, he stayed true to a legendary song and band by coloring in the lines they drew with his own colors and flair. Nothing Else Matters - czcams.com/video/jzN9rdvXmS4/video.html Lastly, just for you (and anyone else who sees this lol), Chris's NPR Tiny Desk performance was great with his wife Morgane who is an incredible musician in her own right! Tiny Desk - czcams.com/video/YcHL0kUFPhw/video.html
Hi I'm a new subscriber of yours and love your videos, I was wondering if you could do a tutorial on Stand up Tragedy (original not acoustic) by the fratellis?
You know who I'm surprised you haven't covered yet? Bill Wurtz! Most people know him as the viral "History of Japan/The World" guy, but he's got a backlog of YEARS of awesome songs he's made. I have a playlist of my favorite ones: czcams.com/play/PLi62n863e4xYwJxvcD7DYPFbtLt4-DrgU.html
My wife and I had known Kelly since he was just a teenager working in a local music store. We watched him progress through the various modes of expression via his guitar from Rock to Cool Jazz. Kelly used to play for a while, once a week at a local restaurant. He would play with a few others - a standup bass, a trumpet and such and they would play cool jazz indeed. Then that restaurant closed, Kelly moved on and we didn't see him for a year or two. When we saw him at the Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival in Stevenson, WA it was like Kelly had somehow reached a state that embodied a deep spiritual connection to the early delta blues. He was transformed. It was almost like the spirit and the music of an old black bluesman had entered Kelly.
Kelly integrated this with all the knowledge he had, to become a unique, honest, humble, and outstanding Guitar player and song writer/vocalist .
It's so good to see his videos here!!! R.I.P. Kelly Thanks for sharing your gifts.
I know about Kelly Joe Phelps since moving here in 1991, hearing him at the Saturday Market while mixed into the crowd at a distance, but the sound of his lap slide guitar attracted me like a bee to honey. When I finally found him playing a Gibson FJN lap style (12th fret neck joint dreadnought with bridge moved in relation to the braces into the middle of the soundboard). I asked him how he learned to play like that, and he said something about having played dobro previously. Now I know he played EVERYTHING previously - thanks for that information. Over the next 30 years I became a KJP fiend, even bought a 1966 Gibson FJN like his a few years later, although mine is from after they stopped using Brazilian rosewood, but it still has THAT sound, although I can only do primitive imitations of what He did. I call him "Reverend Kelly Joe" because his first recording "Lead Me On" brought me back to the Holy Bible. I learned later he had been brought-up in a Christian home, got away from it later, but after getting in the lap slide blues music in the early 1990's he recorded his first CD "Lead Me On", and it's still my favorite, I still listen to it all the time even though I've heard it a 1,000 times.....................................seriously!
His version of "Goodnight Irene" has to be the most beautiful version out there.
The sign of a first class artist: breathing new life into a classic. "Goodnight Irene" was considered corny when I was growing up. What did I know? When KJP touches that song, you'll think you've never heard it before.
This man was like the Robert DeNiro / Daniel Day-Lewis of his profession. I think what is hard for the mind to digest is the amount of control and freedom that happens simultaneously when KJP plays. He’s completely dialed to source, and wherever you sit in your spiritual path, he gives you an opportunity to feel the realness and electricity of all connectedness. What a gift he released here, and I know it must have come at a price to his physical body. RIP Kelly Joe
Hearing "lead me on" for the first time was a mind blowing experience for me. Beautiful slide and picking work. Also loved "down to the praying ground" RIP Kelly.
Same. Remember the first time I heard that song… KJP was one of a kind….
You're brief "what the hell was that?" encapsulated KJP's playing beautifully.
One of the most free players to ever pick up the instrument. Every album was a reinvention, a continuing improvement. He was a wizard.
This wasn't his tune, but one of a hundred traditional songs he played and improvised over.
I miss this guy, one of a kind.
I'm so sorry to hear that Kelly Joe Phelps passed away - I had the great privilege of working with him as an interpreter on French radio during an interview he did before a concert. Kelly Joe was asily one of the greatest and most interesting/individual guitar plays I've ever heard, as well as one of the coolest and funniest musicians I have met.
Hearing his interpretation of Hard Time Killing Floor Blues in a small club in Paris was one of the greatest musical moments in my life.
RIP Kelly Joe.
Had the huge pleasure of meeting KJP about 7 years ago and he was the kindest dude and very generous with his time. A man of many musical faces but wore them all beautifully. RIP my friend.
I saw him twice - once with Paul Curreri in Massachusetts and the power went out - they both did an acoustic set and it was magical.
When I found out Kelly died, I feel like the world changed. His spirit and music was something that, in all its sacred ethereality, was paradoxically very definite, grounding and foundational for me. And offered a primal connective power that's sadly flickering out from our shared experience in these times. From one Washington boy to another -- have a blessed journey on your next trip KJP.
Same...I just heard and it kicked my ass. Immediately had to listen to Worn Out which is one of the most beautiful pieces there is.
I was visiting Portland ..1998..this guy was busking near PSU and he caught my attention as I walked past. I bought the CD 'Lead Me On' and played it now and then in the car after I'd returned to Germany. Something special. Sad to hear he passed away. RIP.
Tight to the Jar was my introduction to him. I just sit and watch in awe as he teleports somewhere else. And killer songwriting to boot. So refreshing
Thanks for doing this, Michael. Kelly was just phenomenally good; a terrific guitarist, great song writer, great interpreter, and very down to earth. Had the great opportunity to produce a show for him back in the 90s and I’ll always treasure that memory.
I am so grateful I got to see Kelly Joe several times in extremely intimate settings - and he signed my guitar. As you note, I use Kelly as one of several examples of guitarist’s who are truly one with their instrument. I also always said Kelly could just sing the phone book and captivate me. One of the coolest voices in the biz. Definition of Soul and owning it. So saddened by his death that took us by surprise. Couldn’t ever find a disclosure of cause of death, but wonder if it also contributed to the fact that he hadn’t put out an album in ten years.
RIP Kelly Joe
RIP Kelly Joe. Sorry to hear about this. Great video and Freight and Salvage is a fantastic venue with great acoustics.
Gutted, loved Kelly Joe Phelps. Big fan of his from the UK. Even have his guitar videos showing how to play some of his tunes. Love the channel Mike.
What a loss. Love his playing love his lyrics.
I was lucky enough to see KJP live a handful of times. I was hooked after hearing his first two albums way back when. So much talent , and always blew me away that with melodic fills he had endless variations, and he used them so effectively
Oh no! I was just thinking about him. So sorry to hear he passed.
Big kelly joe phelps fan through many years. Fun fact - KJP started his career in the jazz-scene playing improv bass.
The song is an old dock boggs song.
the moment he started playing, I got shivers.
Thank you so much for doing a video on Kelly! So few know the genius it seems, This guy bllllllew my mind and continues to teach me about pure intent on the instrument. Sad he is gone
Que Deus o tenha, uma grande artista se foi, mas sua música será eterna, um abraço de um fã do Brasil.
Thank you
I was blessed to see kjp 3 times. My first born was hours old when I went to see him play in Glasgow. I've never heard anyone with his panache and so sad he's gone.
As always thanks MP just more great stuff to delve into
Man, you do great work!
11:52 you say I heard that line before
This is a cover of an old Doc Boggs song ( Country Blues) that I learned in the 1990s from The bad livers ( look it up)
You probably thought it was a KJP original b/c although it is a cover it is an incredibly creative interpretation
Roy Buchanan. Have you ever listened to his chops. Great content. Keep it up bro
Whooooa bro, your style of pick n flick is WILD, show us a full song of yours where you do that!
Don't forget to visit the 'Kelly Joe Phelps Tribute' youtube channel peoples..
Would learn fingerstyle for that kind of zone. Not a country dude (yet) but being able to play multiple parts simultaneously is where its at.
For sure!
Hi, it's me again, Tim Hanson has a new video, you have to see it! Called "Sunset (feat. Cory Wong & Plini)"
Hello!
Great video about Kelly Joe. RIP!
I love your reaction videos so much! I love that you break it down and talk about the technique.
I have a song that I would love to see you react to. It's by one of the best artists in any musical genre, Chris Stapleton. It is one of his older songs, and it's a simple song that evokes a old southern rhythm and blues song and riles up your emotions. It's a great song to put on, and then try solos on like you are part of the band. It's a groove and a mood.
Death Row - czcams.com/video/m_TsUb0T95E/video.html
Chris also gave a master class in how to cover a song; but instead of trying to mimic, he stayed true to a legendary song and band by coloring in the lines they drew with his own colors and flair.
Nothing Else Matters - czcams.com/video/jzN9rdvXmS4/video.html
Lastly, just for you (and anyone else who sees this lol), Chris's NPR Tiny Desk performance was great with his wife Morgane who is an incredible musician in her own right!
Tiny Desk - czcams.com/video/YcHL0kUFPhw/video.html
Dude, check his performances of Crow's Nest and Tight to the Jar at Poptech! podcast. These are probably his best performances on youtube.
m.czcams.com/video/PfRYWVbRG7g/video.html
m.czcams.com/video/EFtiGpRlRRM/video.html
Hi I'm a new subscriber of yours and love your videos, I was wondering if you could do a tutorial on Stand up Tragedy (original not acoustic) by the fratellis?
IMO the best he ever did was Moonshiner.
you gotta do time pink Floyd cover by Tyler Childers
Country Blues by Doc Boggs
Kind of sounds like "Can't You See"?
Can you react to "Steve Vai - Teeth of the Hydra"?
What’s the song? I didn’t hear the title and I’m not familiar with him!
You know who I'm surprised you haven't covered yet? Bill Wurtz! Most people know him as the viral "History of Japan/The World" guy, but he's got a backlog of YEARS of awesome songs he's made. I have a playlist of my favorite ones: czcams.com/play/PLi62n863e4xYwJxvcD7DYPFbtLt4-DrgU.html
Is he playing in an open tuning here?
No, standard tuning
Nothing Kelly does is "on purpose"
Exactly. But everything was done WITH purpose.
WTF.🙃lol.😆