Kelly Joe Phelps: Tight to the Jar

Since Friday, I’ve been listening a lot to Kelly Joe Phelps. He had an album out recently called Brother Sinner & the Whale, which I listened to a bit. But I got sucked in to an album of his entitled Shine Eyed Mister Zen.

I looked around for some videos with songs from that album, but stumbled across a song of his called Tight to the Jar. The more I hear from him, the more I like his stuff.

Have a listen:

It’s funny that I associated certain projects with certain songs (and sometimes, certain albums). I haven’t fixed on a song just yet, but my hunch is that Phelps is going to be the default soundtrack to the project I’ve been working on lately.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Shine Eyed Mister Zen is such a marvelous album. I love his take on “Goodnight Irene” and the song “House Carpenter” in particular. And his slide playing… unreal. I was a huge fan of his about 10 years ago. Saw him live once in New York City. I should check out his new stuff, it’s been a while since I listened.

    JP Reply


    • Had no idea “Goodnight, Irene” was a cover – that song was one that really caught my ear as well.

      Happy to hear he’s been making music for so long, as I just came across his stuff. Guess that just means there’s more work of his for me to encounter.

      avoision Reply


  2. First time I’ve heard of him. Great find, Felix! Strikes me as as sweet-voiced Tom Waits (and that’s meant as a compliment).

    Woody Blackwell Reply


    • Glad you liked it, Woody. I am a fan of Rdio, and never thought I’d be someone who used a music subscription service. But it’s been a great way for me to stumble across new music, and to listen to an entire artist’s catalog if I find someone I like.

      Spotify is another service (and the first one I tried), but I found I liked the feel of Rdio much more.

      avoision Reply


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