Singer/songwriter Joel R.L. Phelps initially earned notice as a member of indie rock stalwarts Silkworm, the group he co-founded in his native Missoula, MT in 1987. He left Silkworm in the wake of their 1994 effort Libertine, forming backing combo the Downer Trio with bassist Robert Mercer and drummer William Herzog to record 1996's spare, country-influenced Warm Springs Night. 3 followed two years later, and in 1999 Phelps resurfaced with Blackbird. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide