Joel RL Phelps and the Downer Trio

Joel RL Phelps is a songwriter originally from Montana and was part of the indie rock band Silkworm.[1] He left that band in 1994 and since has recorded his own material. He recorded his first non-Silkworm album in 1995 in Seattle with members of other bands such as Jessamine, Citizens' Utilities, Engine Kid, and the Deflowers assisting. The following records pared down the members to a trio including Joel, Bill Herzog (Citizens' Utilities, Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter, Sunn O)))), and Robert Mercer (the Deflowers, Treasure State, Zebra Hunt). The instrumentation is somewhat shared but essentially Joel on vocals and guitar, Robert Mercer on bass, and William Herzog on drums. Together they are known as Joel RL Phelps and the Downer Trio.[2]

Joel RL Phelbs at Club W71, Weikersheim (2014)

The group continues recording, and touring, but with much less frequency than in the 1990s when there were tours with Damon and Naomi, and Mark Eitzel. The Trio has shared the stage with many notable acts such as Television, Billy Bragg, Low, Palace, Bonny Prince Billy, and Modest Mouse.

Discography
The Downer Trio
  • Warm Springs Night (1995)
  • Spokane Motel Blues 7" (1995)
  • The Downer Trio EP (1997)
  • 3 (1998)
  • Blackbird (1999)
  • Inland Empires EP (2000)
  • Customs/Traditions (2004)
  • Gala (2013)

References
  1. Heller, Jason (August 13, 2014). "Joel RL Phelps is indie rock's best-kept secret". The A.V. Club. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
  2. Browning, Rob (February 17, 2014). "Joel RL Phelps and the Downer Trio: Gala". PopMatters. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
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