Andy Peake – Pocket Change
Big Little Records
10 songs time – 37:49
Drummer, percussionist and singer-songwriter Andy Peake has achieved a musical statement that is the equivalent of a warm hug. The engaging vocalist has surrounded himself with a gaggle of sympathetic musicians to present his musical vision. There are eight band written songs along with two Dan Penn cover versions.
Mr. Peake kicks things off with a cool vocal on the percussion driven “As Good As It Gets”. An uncredited electric piano player and Tim Gartland’s meandering harmonica enhance the vibe. Andy introduces the latest dance craze in “The Scuffle”. Jody Nardone wears out the keys on the boogie woogie piano. Slide guitar and Shaun Murphy’s backing vocals are the icing on the cake.
Things get funky cool on Dan Penn’s “Somebody’s Gotta Do It”. Acoustic guitar and what sounds like simulated keyboard accordion are joined by lilting acoustic slide guitar. A nice mellow turn. Andy lays down a shuffle alongside electric slide guitar and piano on “So Many Drummers”. Although not a blues song, “The Blues Is Here To Stay” is a fine song with some stinging guitar riffing.
What our times need is a song about brotherhood as in “Neighbor To Neighbor”. Co-writer with Andy, John Prestia, also contributes some biting guitar. Keyboard strings provide some lush atmosphere. Vocalist sings a song about his dog in “Samsong”. It includes a nice Beatles-like ringing guitar. His dog Sam does a few “vocals”. “You can talk to God when you look in his eyes”.
“I Don’t Believe Nothin'” is a jaunty little tune. “I got me a date with Miss Information”. The party-time feel good groove of Dan Penn’s “You Left The Water Running” closes out the record.
This all adds up to a well thought out and enjoyable effort. He has utilized quite stable of revolving musicians to arrive at the sounds he desired. Any music lover will greatly appreciate this pleasurable experience.
