Anyone who has been fortunate enough to see Kelly Joe Phelps perform live will attest to the striking appearance the performer makes playing his guitar flat on his lap, making the strings burn with his magical slide. Prior to the release of Sky Like A Broken Clock and the "companion" E.P., Beggar's Oil, Phelps reputation was that of a new age apostle of the country blues, paying homage to Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James, Blind Lemon Jefferson and other country blues greats. For anyone who expected more of the same on these two new recording, they were in for a tremendous surprise, as Phelps deviates from the blues roots of his previous music to an extreme.
Sky Like a Broken Clock and Beggar's Oil offer listeners thirteen new songs and two variations, with alternate arrangements of "Beggar's Oil" and "Tommy." The sixteenth song on the discs is a repeat of the album version of "Beggar's Oil" which opens up the E.P. The other significant variation to Phelp's music is the predominant use of a full band that includes Larry Taylor (bass), Billy Conway (drums), Tom West (organ), Dinty Childs (pump organ & accordion), David Henry (cello) and Jim Fitting (harmonica). The end result is a mix of tunes that offer tastes of folk, jazz, blues and new age music that is likely to appeal to a broad range of listeners.
Unlike his previous endeavors which included combinations of original material with a significant number of covers mixed in (all in Phelp's signature style), Sky Like A Broken Clock and Beggar's Oil include fifteen Phelp's originals and only one traditional cover entitled "Lass of Loch Royale (If I Prove False To Thee)". In his originals, Phelps tells some great stories, making listening to the lyrics as important as experiencing the stellar guitar work. Overall, the CDs are far more folk oriented than blues, with guitar that at times reminded me of the late guitar virtuoso, Michael Hedges. Of particular interest on Sky Like A Broken Clock are the opening number "Taylor John" with its added instrumentation and catchy lyrics; the forlorn sound of "Clementine"; the country blues sound of "Beggar's Oil," my personal favorite (good thing since on the two CD's you can hear this song three times); the regret filled voice of the unfulfilled life heard in "Flash Cards";and the stark beauty of "Tommy" with Phelps solo guitar and vocals.
On the E.P. Beggar's Oil the three songs not otherwise found on Sky Like A Broken Clock stand out nicely. "Don Quixote's Windmill" includes some nice guitar and an upbeat feel, while "Frankenstein's Party of Three: Your Table Is Ready" moves back to Phelps more bluesy side that will appeal to any blues lover. The traditional number, "Lass Of Loch Royale," reverts to Phelps signature slide playing on this ballad that can generate personal emotion whether performed live or on CD. Also to be noted here is the band arrangement of "Beggar's Oil", which is more up tempo than the album version and, personally, the more enjoyable version of the song.
Sky Like a Broken Clock and Beggar's Oil are not recording to be embraced by the true, hard core blues lover. However, if you love good guitar, well crafted lyrics and music that could be considered extraordinary, I would suggest trying out both of these recordings. You won't be disappointed.
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Dave "Doc" Piltz, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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