Derek Phelps is also a successful freelance musician, a member of internationally touring Black Joe Lewis, Austin, TX-based Afrobeat ensemble Hard Proof, of which he is a contributing composer and arranger, and Ethiopian jazz quintet The Azmaris.
Highlights on his resume include two appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, playing on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Later with Jools Holland as well as three tapings of Austin City Limits (once with Spoon, once with Black Joe Lewis and once with Gary Clark Jr.), recording with the Toadies and Gary Clark Jr., and sitting in live with Dave Matthews Band and Band of Horses. His favorite party icebreaker is sharing stories about working on a cruise ship for 3 years (working, not vacationing).
