Kelly Joe Phelps: Sky Like a Broken Clock
This combines a guttural growl with an underlying compassion to create a sound that is intoxicating yet sad. Any recommendation from me has to include a bit of guitar, which this has in spades. He plays a modified Gibson acoustic that he strings high and uses lap-style. This combination possesses a very unique tone, which is a cross between a D60 Dobro and a Hawaiian Weissenborn; this is a perfect mix of sugar and spice, very much like his voice. He plays with such fire and originality that he makes most guitar slingers sound like a bad cliché. His band is minimal and so is the recording technique. That allows huge space for each musician to work their magic. All songs are recorded in one take, which allows you to feel the inspiration and talent of these fine musicians. I chose this album only as an introduction because all of his music is worth owning. Kelly Joe Phelps website
Ben Harper: Welcome to the Cruel
World Ben Harper grew up in Claremont, California and worked for his grandparents at their family-owned folk instrument and art shop, the Folk Music Center. Ben is beyond description. He has performed flawless tributes to Mississippi John Hurt, Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles. He can play perfect funk, folk, soul, gospel, country, blues and downright nasty rock’n’roll. He has performed on stage with the likes of Metallica, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and Willie Nelson. He never sounds out of place or out matched. He is an accomplished singer/songwriter in many genres. Ben plays a lap guitar called a Weissenborn, which he makes sing and cry as though it were possessed by both devils and angels at the same time. He is an inspired musician who has a distinctive voice, style and guitar technique. His work always humbly pays homage to the forbearers of his art, which he takes so seriously. Ben and his band, the Innocent Criminals, are constantly pushing their talent to explore new boundaries in music. Just when you think you have him pegged, he gladly fools you into wanting more. This is his major label debut and a fantastic example of his magic and music. George Cardas and family were big supporters and promoters of Ben early on in his career. George recorded a LP with Ben, and the Cardas family received a credit on this record. This is a refreshing bit of trivia to find out that a high-end manufacturing company is truly supportive of new music. Ben Harper website
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