Reviews
April 21st, 2007
First of all, the name “Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia” hereafter referred to as “the CD” (try to say that title three times fast – hell I can’t even say it one time slow) – the definition is quite simple – “the fear of long words”…
“Petesimple is an amazing act fronted by singer/songwriter Pete Lippincott. Great songwriting, incredible musicianship and an awesome live show. Words fail me – you have to experience this for yourself.”
  |
[Home]
|
|
| Vista la valanga di produzioni indipendenti che intasa la cassetta della posta di Rootshighway, nel mio viaggio in Texas non ho potuto far altro che constatare (grazie alle indicazioni di un paio di persone) quanta differenza di costo ci sia per la realizzazione del master di un disco fra Italia e Usa: per avere un prodotto quantomeno decente, un gruppo di giovani americani spende meno della metà rispetto ai colleghi nostrani (come si dice, i valori sono espressi in migliaia di Euro). In Texas ho potuto notare quanto materiale, nonostante internet, non varchi neppure l’Atlantico. E soprattutto, tutto quello che ci viene propinato non è sempre quanto di meglio si possa trovare in circolazione. Esistono piccoli lavori sommersi che meriterebbero quantomeno un ascolto. Uno di questi è certamente Freaky Timber Witch, secondo album dei Petesimple di Houston. Ho fatto la conoscenza di Pete Lippincott, il leader della band, durante la settimanale serata di open mic (tutti i lunedì…microfoni aperti: chi vuole propone liberamente un paio di pezzi, il palco è aperto a tutti) al McGonigle’s Mucky Duck di Houston. Subito lui si è presentato offrendomi fiero il suo bel dischetto in digipack. Pete è un personaggio quasi naif, dall’aria simpatica e dagli atteggiamenti affabili. La sua preparazione musicale è di rilievo e distante dai crismi rock delle band Texane che più conosciamo. La sua tecnica alla chitarra è classica, con un’inclinazione jazz e funky. Le impressioni che ho avuto vendendolo suonare in compagnia di un bassista e di un altro chitarrista (il veterano Mike O’Brian) sono state ottime. Ascoltando poi Freaky Timber Witch ho subito pensato alla Dave Matthews Band, ai Jupiter Coyote ed al pop rock dei Toad The Wet Sproket. Lo stile proposto dai Petesimple è adulto e ben condito, con un occhio di riguardo ad una sorta di combo jam, attento al calore delle chitarre acustiche, suonate dallo stesso Lippincott e da Wyne Wilkerson (i due si spartiscono i meriti nella title track, traccia strumentale). I ritmi sincopati sono il motore di alcuni estratti (Stranger Things e Most Of The Time, dove emergono le tastiere di Devin Collins e il basso di Ian Hammer), mentre la sensibilità di Lippincott emerge in Lay Me Down, Song That Melissa Likes e in Lester We Forgot (non all’altezza della precedente). Going Away Gift sottolinea la vena articolata della band: la ballata in questione è arrangiata con un bel giro di basso (su note acute) e una tastiera a rievocare serate parigine. L’originalità della band è la sua sfida: in una terra come il Texas è forse troppo facile fare country, blues o un certo tipo di rock. Tentare invece di proporre uno stile adulto e flessibile come quello della Dave Matthews Band non è da tutti. Complimenti e buona fortuna. (Carlo Lancini) |
Houston Chronicle
Hey Pete,
You’ve been such a helpful guy when it comes to everything I ask, I thought I’d give you a little space in the blog to promote your CD release party. Here are the questions:
1. What’s the story behind the CD’s title?
Well, I was driving to a gig in Houston one day and I saw a license plate that had “FREAKY” on it. Then that night I went to the book store to read a bit and I came across a graphic novel that was about a vampire that had relationship problems with a character that looked like a tree. All of this and I’m a bit of a Harry Potter nut I stewed into the name “Freaky Timber Witch”.
2. What’s the story behind the band name?
My Band name came from my love of the internet. I wanted to buy a real easy name to remember and could easily be typed. Petesimple.com is a lot easier then PeteLippincott.com because most people cannot spell my last name so I came up with it from a Webmaster standpoint which is also my day gig at www.luggageandleather.com
3. Tell us about the new CD. Why should people give it a listen?
This is the 1st project that I had a helping hand from some wonderful key players and producers. All of my players are accomplished musicians. I try to surround myself with better players so we can accomplish something that has merit in the players crowd. My producer Michael Mikulka is coming from 25 years of great works out of California. His list of accolades are too long print but I would love to plug his studio site www.luckyrunstudio.com Then there is Bob Boyd from www.ambientdigital.com His mastering skills are top notch, most recently he Mastered Our Lady Peace “A decade” which has hit after hit. He knows what to look for when it comes to sound. Finally, I try to write songs that have meaning to the listener. I know not everyone thinks the same way and all songs seem to come out differently depending on the situation being this way half of this album was written as a conversation with you the listener and in real time. No pre-written chords or words just me to you. The Art work was hand painted and you don’t see that very often these days. Katy Horan was commissioned for the cover art and is a wonderful artist from NY. You can find more of her stuff at www.katyart.com .You’ll love the album and hate it and I cannot wait to hear from you why you do.
4. I know you’ve been around the scene for a couple of years. What advice would you give someone just starting out with a guitar, a handful of songs and not much else?
Keep playing! I go to as many open mics as possible and meet as many people as I can, play with as many musicians as you can. The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in it. It’s very much like a language in that music is ever changing. The only way to keep up with your passion is to learn something new about it everyday. I’ve always had music in my life no matter what the cost and probably always will, but for someone starting out I want to say this to you, I will never play that song as well as you did and I will always respect that because your idea of music is your own and sharing that with an audience, in my mind, is the coolest way to communicate. If I do end up playing your song my goal is to make it my own and entertain you with it.
5. Next five songs on your MP3 player of choice? Or what disc is in your car?
1 Jimi thing (live 12/19/98), Dave Matthews, Band Live in Chicago
2 The hand of God, Bonnie Whitmore, Picking Up Pieces
3 Wildflowers, Tom Petty, Wildflowers
4 Purple Wings, Spencer Band, Walking Out on the Monster
5 Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, John Mayer, Continuum
2 The hand of God, Bonnie Whitmore, Picking Up Pieces
3 Wildflowers, Tom Petty, Wildflowers
4 Purple Wings, Spencer Band, Walking Out on the Monster
5 Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, John Mayer, Continuum
Couple more things: is there a cover for the show? And can you send me a photo to run with the post?
No cover, Donations Accepted but I’d rather you bring your friends out.
Sure, I’ll attach a photo to this email along with the poster for the show. If you need a higher Res let me know I can send it again.
the CD release is tomorrow I hope any of this can make it to press before then.
Thanks for supporting local music Sara!
you rock
~pete
Sure, I’ll attach a photo to this email along with the poster for the show. If you need a higher Res let me know I can send it again.
the CD release is tomorrow I hope any of this can make it to press before then.
Thanks for supporting local music Sara!
you rock
~pete
Podcast with Joey G click Here
Filed under | Comment (0)
