Kelly Joe Phelps at Mississippi Studios

Kelly Joe Phelps at Mississippi Studios - Dec 5, 09

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Over the years, there have certainly been a good number of blues artists that have hit the national limelight originating out of Portland. One of the finest and most consistent of these musicians would have to be guitarist Kelly Joe Phelps. Unfortunately, the price of fame creates fewer appearances in one’s hometown, so when Kelly Joe comes back to town, it is always a night that is welcomed and should be seen and heard.
There has been a lot of praise for Kelly Joe Phelps over the years, but perhaps this statement from roots artist Steve Earle best describes 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."
With nine discs to his credit, including his most recent Western Bell and the reissued Burnside Records release Lead Me On, Phelps has been an innovative leader in modern acoustic blues as a songwriter, a lap slide player and as a fingerpicking stylist. Kelly Joe returns home for a night of entertainment at Mississippi Studios (3939 N Mississippi, Portland) on Saturday, December 5th. Showtime is 9:00 pm with an opening set by Portland folk artist Krista Herring. Tickets are $17 advance / $20 day of show and are available on-line at www.mississippistudios.com. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so make sure to bring your current membership card and receive a $1 discount at the door.

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"Don’t Fight It"

TomRigney Tom Rigney and Flambeau

Parhelion Records

Since the passing of players like Howard Armstrong, Vassar Clements and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, there are not really a lot of blues artists out there today using the violin as their prime instrument. There is Colorado’s Lionel Young of course, the recent International Blues Challenge winner. And then there is Tom Rigney, who stands tall in the field producing some really outstanding material over the past few years. Rigney’s latest disc, Don’t Fight It, is worth exploring, proving that this once common instrument in the days of the jug bands can still have its place in modern blues.

Rigney is joined here with his band Flambeau, a stellar grouping in its own right with keyboardist Caroline Dahl, Brent Rampone on drums, bassist Steve Parks and Danny Caron, long one of the finest guitarists out there, they make the album jump and cook wholeheartedly. Also making a guest appearance on a handful of songs is Hammond master John R. Burr. Beside his violin work, Rigney is also a very soulful vocalist with his smooth, deep voice.

Eight tracks here are Rigney originals and they’re all standout performances, highlighted by numbers like “Rigo’s Blues,” “Adeline Shuffle,” “The Clown And The Stripper” and his tribute to his mentor Vassar Clements on “Blues For Vassar.” Caroline Dahl also shows that she is a terrific songwriter with snappy piano run on “Caroline’s Boogie.” The remaining cuts are all superb covers of people like Little Walter, Henry Glover and Jimmie Rodgers. Rigney also throws down a bopping take of his former band mate from The Sundogs Joe Paquin’s “Treat Me Like A Dog,” a very fitting memorial.

Overall, though Rigney takes the lead on the disc with his violin, it is by no means focusing just upon that approach. This is a pure ensemble that works to perfection with one another. Each artist shines, with Caron burning up hot guitar licks, Dahl easing her way through amazing piano and Rampone holding everything together with his rhythm. A very enjoyable release from an artist and a band worthy of attention. Check out Tom Rigney and Flambeau. Very much recommended.

Total Time: 57:46

Just Your Fool / Adeline Shuffle / Snakewalk / Treat Me Like A Dog / The Clown And The Stripper / Don’t Fight It / Caroline’s Boogie / Teardrops On Your Letter / California Blues / Rigo’s Blues / Bonjour Tristesse / Blues For Vassar / The Funky Gator

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Kelly Joe Phelps at Mississippi Studios - Dec 5, 09

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CD Reviews

"Don’t Fight It"