An amazing sounding album which combines great harmonies with fantastic songs that at times are played with just an acoustic guitar; all of which is to Phelps’ advantage and certainly a joy to hear. (Russell Hill, Maverick Magazine, March 2009)

My Dog Jesus was one of the forces that motivated me to record Give Us a Song. After adding the song to my repertoire, people at shows would always want to know, “Which CD has the song about the dog on it?” I had to make a CD that I could hold up and say, “This one!”

Give Us a Song gets back to my acoustic singer-songwriter roots with covers of songs by Paul Simon, Jonathan Edwards, Kate Wolf and Bob Dylan. Of course, My Dog Jesus is a highlight of the recording, and the CD includes the original tune, If You Come Up Empty.

Being as much a refinisher of old songs as a creator of new music, Give Us a Song includes a few new arrangements of traditional hymns and gospel music. Thumb-style guitar creates a toe-tapping accompaniment for Precious Memories, and the Shaker hymn Simple Gifts uses the combination of finger-style guitar and vocal instrumentation to craft an ending to the recording that I’m especially pleased with.

Track List

Visit the Music Store to listen to samples.

1. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)
2. Ain’t Misbehavin’
3. Precious Memories
4. If You Come Up Empty
5. The Hobo Song
6. My Dog Jesus
7. Leaning
8. Oh Sister
9. Give Us a Song
10. Marching to Zion
11. Across the Great Divide
12. Simple Gifts