Kelly Joe Phelps is at the peak of his songwriting powers, tackling engaging story songs and soul-bearing ballads with equal aplomb. Though most highly regarded for his phenomenal playing (he established himself as perhaps the foremost living practitioner of acoustic slide guitar with his 1999 Ryko release, Shine Eyed Mister Zen) there's nothing traditional or predictable about his mystical lyrics.
      His latest album, Tunesmith Retrofit (Rounder), sticks with his country-blues and folk roots, but contains a number of surprises, including a return to the banjo (picked lightening fast!) and the first original instrumentals he's ever recorded, including "MacDougal," a spirited ragtime homage to folk legend Dave Van Ronk.

$20/18