dan phelps
Acoustic blues vocalist & guitarist
“His vocals are gruff and matter-of-fact on the
self-released Matchbox Blues, and his guitar work is completely
blues-approved…a worthy interpreter and torchbearer.”
Blues Revue Oct./Nov. 2005
[Phelps’ UK] following is justified… with a strong, percussive attack on steel guitar and powerful vocals.” Blues & Rhythm Magazine Issue #203 2005
Dan Phelps is a native of Illinois who does one-man shows singing and playing traditional, acoustic blues such as the Delta and slide styles of greats like Son House & Charley Patton as well as ragtime styles like Rev. Gary Davis & Blind Blake.
Phelps has opened for and shared bills with Bob Brozman, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Woody Mann, Mike Dowling, Pat Donohue, Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys and C.J. Chenier, among many others. While touring the UK in 2004, Phelps appeared on BBC 2’s blues show, hosted by Paul Jones (of Manfred Mann & The Blues Band) and appeared on the show again in the spring of 2005 due to the overwhelming response from the first program.
In 2003, Phelps put out his first full-length CD, titled “Broke Down Engine.” The CD was produced by Matthew Fox, who has worked with such folk greats as Peter Ostroushko, Kari Larson and Dakota Dave Hull.
In 2005, Phelps put out his new CD, “Matchbox Blues,” to critical acclaim. Produced by 4-time EMMY nominee Roger Adler, this CD includes a mixture of ragtime-style guitar and Delta slide which highlights Phelps’ skills as a blues guitarist.
Along with playing two major festivals in Charleston, SC, Phelps also had another two successful tours of the UK in 2006 with more planned for the future.