Phelps' third album is an accomplished serving of country blues that combines the sweet and sour power of his guitar playing with the equally bittersweet charge of
Phelps' wearied voice. Shine Eyed Mister Zen features a lot of singing, but most importantly it spotlights the singing of
Phelps' slide guitar, which integrates a humid and natural style that invokes the mystery and religion that these mostly original songs lean toward. The dusty delta
Phelps conjures here is at once familiar and nostalgic; it's to his credit that
Phelps is able to add his own voice to the spiritual mix. A mystical and unaffected recording. ~ Michael Gallucci