Saturday, May 23, 2009

Guest Stars: Raleigh and Spencer


Tony Furtado Band w/ Kelly Joe Phelps: Raleigh and Spencer

People keep recommending that I check out the jazz and delta blues fusion sound of Kelly Joe Phelps, and here's just one more reason to pursue it: a wonderfully slow and mystical blues take on American oldtime tradtune Raleigh and Spencer from the Tony Furtado Band's 2001 self-titled album, in which Tony's jambanjo and jazzy summery production mix exquisitely with Kelly Jo Phelps' gorgeous lapstyle slide guitar and vocals.

Phelps has made a name for himself as a guest and session player -- you've heard him with Tim O'Brien, Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey, Jay Farrar and Townes Van Zandt -- but it's less common to hear his voice alongside the playing. Personally, I think his vocal style rivals his prowess with the lap steel.

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