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Another Kind of Blues
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Peter Keane Album Review:
I cant stop playing this cd at 2000-08-09
Keane doesnt disappoint with this, his third album. Keane has once again combined re-vamped classic blues (from the likes of Blind Willie McTell) with some contemporary covers (Dave Van Ronks Sunday Street) and his own thoughtful originals. The traditional folk and blues influences are evident, especially on the tracks which highlight his exceptional fingerpicking technique. If you have ever heard Keanes music, you are left knowing it is only a matter of time before he is the next big thing in the Americana scene. Keane, like other singer-songwriters is best experienced live, but this cd captures the mood and energy of his live performances (though you will miss his funny commentary between songs). Another stellar album from a soon-to-be household name.
Peter Keane Album Review:
literate, yet real at 2000-08-13
this is the third album ive gotten of keanes and while theyve all gotten heavy play in my truck, this one made the top rotation. really well written and interpretted songs played by expert musicians with great feel. also an excellent choice of material. i keep putting it in expecting to get sick of it but i dont. my favorites are illegal man, sunday street, and talco girl. they represent widely diverse styles that are somehow brought together by keanes distinctively gritty voice and the great music sensibility of the trio.
Peter Keane Album Review:
SKILLFUL MARRIAGE OF BLUES AND FOLK at 2001-09-03
On this cd, Peter Keane continues to produce some of the most skillfully played, listenable music coming out of Austin over the last few years. He moved here from New England a few years ago -- and its been very much to our gain to have the opportunity to hear him perform with the frequency of a local artist, but with the finesse and ability of one who should, by rights, be much more widely known and appreciated.Accompanied on this disc by Charlie Larkey (upright bass, who also did a nice job producing this release) and Richard White (drums), Keanes acoustic guitar playing -- amazing without being showy -- and vocals are framed nicely by the arrangements. With Chip Dolan adding his always-tasteful touches on organ, and some fine pedal steel work from Herb Steiner added here and there, the album has a just-right feel -- the musicianship is excellent throughout, never getting in the way of the songs.And the songs...Keanes choices run from classic acoustic blues works by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James, Blind Willie McTell and Big Joe Turner to the more contemporary blues of master Dave Van Ronk, to more singer-songwriter-oriented material by Steve James and Austins own Chris Montgomery. Add to these some well-written originals by Keane himself, and you have a cd program thats very indicative of the mix youd hear from Peters trio if youre lucky enough to catch one of their live shows. This is not a case of a performer trying to put something into his set to please everyone -- its an example of someone who knows that good songwriting knows no genre boundaries.Peters voice is extremely versatile -- hes equally at home on a Delta blues from the 30s as on a tune hes written himself, or one that hes heard from another contemporary writer that has touched him in some way. Far from making for a disjointed, choppy selection, the songs flow gently and gracefully from one to the next, spanning styles and decades almost unnoticably.Every track on this cd is great, but Ill mention a few (to me) standouts. Columbus Avenue is one of my favorite Keane originals, starting the album off nicely -- its easy to hear his blues influences at work here. Illinois blues, a Skip James tune, gives us a taste of the music that lives so brightly in Keanes heart -- he calls James music spooky, and it definitely has that feel to it. Call it sleep, by Chris Montgomery, is simply a beautifully-written, poignant song -- a working-class man hanging on to his day-to-day life by his fingernails, fighting the dull ache that tells him life should offer him more. Talco girl, by the great songwriter Steve James, contains lyrics that are incredibly full in their simplicity -- so much is conveyed so skillfully. The last track on the cd, Another kind of blue, is another Peter Keane original -- a beautiful, memorable melody and a great mood piece with which to finish up an evening (or this disc).Keanes musical heart and soul are definitely rooted firmly in the Delta blues tradition of the great players of the early 20th century -- but he is also his own man, adding his own touches to the classics and writing some of the finest contemporary acoustic music around today. Hes an unassuming, un-posing, talented performer/writer who loves the music enough to let it speak for itself -- his relaxed, unpretentious style raises this music to a level that allows the listener to savor it as something special and rare, at the same time receiving it more like a gift from a neighbor or friend than as an untouchable piece of art.Also highly recommended: Peters WALKIN AROUND (1996) on Flying Fish/Rounder. See him if he comes your way -- you wont regret it.
Peter Keane Album Review:
a testament to old blues and hope for new folk at 2002-01-02
Both Another Kind of Blue and Walkin Around are exquisite testaments to Peter Keanes skill. Both are full of Keanes inspiring versions of songs from artist like Dave Van Ronk, Bob Dylan, and of course Mississippi John Hurt. Gems on Another kind of Blue include Call it Sleep, Another Kind of Blue (like the album this song was inspired by Miles Daviss masterpiece Kind of Blue), Everythings about the Same... and almost every other song on the CD. Keane is a fantastic interpreter, and his voice can perfectly capture both the raw emotion of old delta blues and bob dylan and a brand of smooth melodic emotion thats all his own. Keanes innovative lyrics and can be playful and subtly funny as well as absolutely heartwrenching. I have seen Peter live twice, and he is a fantastic artist. I would reccomend both his CDs to anyone.
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Walkin" Around
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Peter Keane Album Review:
A Joy Every Beat, Minute at 1999-03-13
I really enjoyed Petes CD. I got it a while ago and found it to be excellent. You can tell that he has a deep understanding of this genre and a real love for music. I was particularly impressed with his guitar playing. This CD is definitely worth a try.
Peter Keane Album Review:
Sublime! at 1998-12-11
First heard Peters music on the radio and then bought a copy of this disc...awesome! I think if he were given the exposure he deserves, hed be huge and highly respected. Incredible guitar work, great choice of songs (his version of Dylans I Want You is even better than the original!), great writing (Tylersville Road is as great a song as any Ive ever heard, one of my favorite songs from any genre!). Buy this disc!
Peter Keane Album Review:
Great guitar-especially if you like the John Hurt style. at 1999-05-03
Nice finger picking on the acoustic guitar. If you like acoustic you will probably like this and if you like John Hurt-Gary Davis stuff the CD is a sure hit.
Peter Keane Album Review:
Ditto...just terrific! at 2001-06-25
Excellent example of how good modern blues can be. Peter combines his obvious admiration for John Hurt et al with a songwriting style that is quite personal. I will definitely buy his other CDs.
Peter Keane Album Review:
Great blues sound / acoustic guitar at 2001-04-07
This Album is really great. I first heard Pete play in a small club on Marylands Eastern Shore for a crowd of 40 people. Everyone in the room purchased all 3 CDs. These are great tunes when you want acoustic guitar and a mellow, blues sound. Great for the ride home from work or background tunes over dinner. Lots of harmony, fun to sing along to...this is an album you can enjoy with any kind of company. Hook it up!
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The Goodnight Blues
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Peter Keane Album Review:
I like it at 2005-03-15
Pete has a mix of upbeat and mellow songs that make the album great to listen to, especially if you are drinking.
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