Musician Spotlight

This week we feature an exceptional drummer in town, Kris Phelps!

A graduate of USC, Kris can be found playing around Columbia in many different musical situations. He regularly plays with Mark Rapp, Amos Hoffman, and original band F.A.Q.! We asked Kris some burning questions...

-When did you start playing?

-I started playing percussion at 12, then drum set at 14.

-What was some of the first music you loved?

-I grew up listening to gospel/funk music. When I first started listening to jazz, Tony Williams was the one that made me fall in love with it.

-If you could pick a different instrument to play what would it be and why?

-Piano or bass. I just love how the piano sounds. And I think it's cool how important bass players are to any groove.

-What are you listening to these days?

-Philly Joe Joes, Cannonball Adderley, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly and Ray Brown.

-What's one of the coolest places you've played?

-Sharpe 9 Gallery in Durham, NC. I played there with Amos Hoffman. Great gig and the vibe of that place was great as well.

-Who is a musician you think other people should know about?

-Clifford Jarvis is a drummer I recently discovered. I heard him on 'Open Sesame' by Freddie Hubbard and 'Chasin the Bird' by Barry Harris. His comping and swing beat are some of the best I've heard.

-What's keeping you busy these days (musically and non)?

-Mostly practicing and playing gigs in Columbia and other parts of SC and GA. Playing different sessions and teaching as well.