A number of Phelps' discs have come my way over the years, and even though I've admired his playing he was an artist who was a little too bluesy for my own tastes. This new studio album was a revelation as it's a traditional American contemporary folk disc full of superb songwriting and guitar work.
The instrumental backdrops are generally spare with acoustic guitar dominating and there's some great use of other instrumentation including organ, banjo, bass and percussion. All 13 tracks have a relaxed, almost unassuming feel that allow the lyrics to shine through, and there are some powerful words here, notably 'Handful of Arrows' which is a tribute to fellow singer/songwriter Chris Whitley who died in 2005.
Throughout the disc his fingerpicking guitar is a real highlight, his style touches on elements of bluegrass, blues & English folk and it's easy to pick out the similarities and differences between the various folk styles.
This is an intelligent and thoughtful album, the songs are generally excellent and the playing first class, 'Tunesmith Retrofit' is an original and distinct album well worth investing your time in.

£13.49