May & June Short Takes
Long live the confessional singer-songwriter.
Pete Christie has seen his fair share of fire and rain, which makes for great art, and even greater albums. Akin to such well respected veteran tunesmiths as Graham Parker, Lloyd Cole, and Ray Davies — Christie sings and plays guitar straight from his broken heart and quizzical mind.
His gift for tethering his romantic ruminations to memorable melodies (and instrumental harmonies) is refreshing, and sound as if they draw inspiration from deep well of the best of the Brill Building and British Invasion.
Sure, “Normal Shade of Blue” and Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet” are bona fide tear-jerkers — but Christie’s delivery somehow lifts the spirit, proving once and for all that misery loves company — in pop music anyway!
Kudos must be afforded to Christie’s musical mates, most notably fretless bassist Pete Wallbridge, who excels with simple, sympathetic accompaniment that supports the singer and the song with style and grace.
Calling in the Band of the Royal British Legion Christchurch to back him on the cinematic “Waiting in the Wings” is the off-the-wall stuff of Brian Wilson and Sir Paul as produced by Sir George Martin.
And Katy Perry should consider covering Christie’s classic rockin’ “Easy Come, Easy Go” (though I would have preferred Petula Clark or Nancy Sinatra back in the day…). Only question is – who is Frank?
© Tom Semioli
What’s on Tom’s iPod this month? Richard Thompson – Dream Attic, Robbie Robertson – How To Become Clairvoyant, Paul Simon – So Beautiful or So What
Reviewing the best in non-mainstream acoustic guitar music
Minor 7th (Wikipedia) is an online magazine that reviews non-mainstream acoustic guitar music. It was founded in November 1999 by Alan Fark, who claims to have created the magazine with the goal of “enabling independent or under-recognized acoustic guitarists to receive more wide-spread publicity.”
The website is best known for its reviews of newly-released CDs, but also features its own podcast and free bimonthly CD giveaways.
Minor 7th on Facebook
Note from the editor: Alan Fark
What’s the story behind the name Minor 7th
I settled on Minor 7th because that chord really seems to embody the music I prefer — jazz and fingerstyle.
The Landlord and owner, Peter Sharman knows his music and supports local musicians by always booking and appreciating accomplished artists and bands on a Sunday evening.
Pedro1968 - 19 Sep 2011
