Guitar playing motivation

September 11, 2007 6:52 AM

This might lead you to learn to play guitar, to write poems, to sing, or just to watch and listen more intently. Kelly joe Phelps, from washington state, is one of the most beautiful musicians I've ever seen. He's got a great way to play traditionals and his originals are mesmerizing.
posted by nicolin (11 comments total)

I think you might be on to something there.
posted by Zero Gravitas at 7:17 AM on September 11, 2007

Great post on my personal favorite guitarist. For those interested in learning more of KJP's music, check out this additional KJP tab site with tabs from his latest album, Tunesmith Retrofit.

Also of interest, Paul Curreri, who's frequently toured with KJP.
posted by The White Hat at 7:48 AM on September 11, 2007 [1 favorite]

OMG WTF!

You think this is pitchfork!?!?!
posted by Alex404 at 8:10 AM on September 11, 2007

Not bad, but he's no John Martyn.

I'd Rather Be The Devil (1973)

Couldn't Love You More (1977)

Small Hours (1978)

May You Never (1973)

Bless the Weather (1978)

Make No Mistake (1978)

Wonderful.
posted by brautigan at 8:30 AM on September 11, 2007 [2 favorites]

No, that's more likely to make me cut off my hands, sell them, and use the proceeds to buy tickets to as many KJP concerts as are scheduled. The entire album "Shine Eyed Mr. Zen" is on near-permanent rotation in my head.
posted by twsf at 8:42 AM on September 11, 2007

OMG WTF!
You think this is pitchfork!?!?!

He might; you do.
posted by The White Hat at 9:28 AM on September 11, 2007

Richard Thompson's more to my taste.
posted by landis at 9:34 AM on September 11, 2007

The White Hat, if you're a fan of Paul Curreri, you might want to check out his younger brother, Matt Curreri. He's definitely got his own voice. He contributed a couple of songs to a film project we're almost finished with.
posted by Roach at 9:36 AM on September 11, 2007

That hit the spot. Thanks, nicolin.
posted by t2urner at 12:24 PM on September 11, 2007

saw him open for Dave Alvin years ago....stunning stuff....but its the John Martyn links that are making me weep

damn....anyone wanna buy a closet full of guitars?
posted by timsteil at 12:36 PM on September 11, 2007

Maybe worth noting that most of the video links in the post belong to the instructional dvds that kelly joe did for homespun (link under "learn to play"). They are somehow restrained to embody the techniques shown in the dvd without relying too much on improvised lines that would blurry the content. The art of Kelly joe phelps is really rooted in the moment, and his live performances build upon what's shown here to reach another level.
posted by nicolin at 1:29 AM on September 12, 2007