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Hometown: Edmond, OK
Website: www.deanphelpsmusic.com
Sounds Like: Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson, Merle Travis, Randy Buckner Fingerstyle Guitar
Genre: Folk
My love of folk, old-time and gospel music dates back to growing up in Kentucky. My dad was a skilled carpenter and an engineer but also a self-taught musician. If an instrument had frets, he could play it.
One evening—I must have been about 9—I had Dad’s guitar and was just strumming strings, banging on it, really. He took my left hand, I think so my banging would sound like something, and said, “Put this finger here and this finger here; now that’s a G.” From that time on, I’ve played music to bring enjoyment to anyone willing to listen.
Lately, I’ve been learning to play guitar in the thumbpicking style of Chet Atkins, Doc Watson and Merle Travis. Even though I’ve been playing for over forty years, learning the thumbpicking style has been a challenge that has kept me growing and learning.
It was a huge thrill to win first place in the thumbpicking guitar competition at the 2010 Indiana State Picking and Fiddling Championships. I was blessed to follow that up with a third place finish in the National Thumbpicking Guitar Contest at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Ark.
“Dean Phelps is one of the artists that I hold up with pride when folks from elsewhere ask about the Indianapolis music scene. His original songs, first-rate guitar work, and live performances possess an underlying sincerity that audiences find irresistable.”
Cary Allen Fields - host, Fields of Bluegrass Radio Hour and Redbud Radio
“If you like your music wrapped around you like a comfortable sweater, that's exactly what you'll find here. It's a rare treat.”
Rick Garrett - Patchwork (CD Baby review)
“If you want to kick back, relax, enjoy toe tapping tunes, soul searching lyrics, gleeful melodies and that overall feeling of ‘Oh gosh, I think I am HAPPY right now!’.... then be sure to spend time with Dean Phelps.”
Jill Ditmire - Mass Ave. Wine Shoppe
“Phelps brings a voice that is pleasant and warm without ever sounding overpowering and his ability as a guitarist, writer, and arranger is profound.”
Wildy Haskett - Wildy's World
“He is an amazing Singer-Songwriter who is going to win your heart when you take a listen to his music.”
Isaac Davis, Jr. - Junior's Cave
“I see no reason why Phelps' music couldn't be played at worldwide venues, as [Give Us a Song] is one of the most beautiful and peaceful sounding albums I have heard for some time.”
Russell Hill - Maverick
“Dean Phelps has an inviting voice that draws you into his music and his guitar playing is crisp, clean, and drives the songs where they need to go.”
C.W. Ross - Christian Rockers Online
“He is Reverend Dean Phelps, with no apologies. But although he's a reverend, he's not very churchy. He is a regular guy with a fun repertoire, nice picking, and a friendly way of putting song across!”
Doc Possom - Indy Folk News
