Andy Peake – Pocket Change
If the renowned composer Randy Newman had a touch more vocal range & decided to sing with a rockier edge he’d be Andy Peake. “As Good As It Gets,” has a distinctive harmonica breeze wafting through the song & a colorful controlled guitar lead. But it’s Andy’s voice that’s the attraction. He isn’t trying to imitate Newman, that’s his voice. The late Johnny Burnette (Little Boy Sad”) in the early 60s wasn’t trying to sing like Elvis – that was his voice. So, it comes down to style. Peake isn’t playing the Newman-type song. But Andy certainly mixes it up effectively.
“The Scuffle” is a dynamic workout & the Newman tone is embellished in a delectable rock voice dominated by a New Orleans piano. I like this. I don’t have to wait for Randy Newman to release a new album anymore & none of these songs seem to delve into satire, dark humor, or controversy. Just good sounds.
The 10 valuable coins in Pocket Change (Drops Sept 20/Biglittle Records/37:47) were produced by Andy & recorded primarily in Nashville, TN. It’s Andy’s 2nd solo LP following his acclaimed 2021 LP “Mood Swings.” Two songs on the collection were written by legendary Southern soul songwriter Dan Penn.
Despite being an in-demand support drummer, engineer & producer for multiple-name artists the focus here is Andy’s album, the songs & vocals. This project features many name artists stepping forward to add their strokes of color. Shaun Murphy (Little Feat) adds her voice as the album dives deeper into Andy’s repertoire. Comparisons to Randy Newman fall away & Mr. Peake’s distinctive style emerges.
Some tunes are pop-confectionary as the nostalgic & rhyme-heavy “Neighbor To Neighbor.” It has a good message but is elementary compared to several of the other more individualized songs. Despite this, the musicianship remains always sharp. Andy gets back to business on “Samsong” with a vigorous rock melody that channels a Ringo Starr-like tasty drum line framed by chiming guitars. The words are clever, with humor cloistered in a dynamic arrangement that isn’t overblown – “You can talk to God when you look in his eyes.” Indeed.
“I Don’t Believe Nothin’,” is a return to the classy Newman sarcastic form & Andy Peake is cool & disciplined.
Highlights – “As Good As It Gets,” “The Scuffle,” “Samsong” & “I Don’t Believe Nothin’”
Musicians – Andy (vocals/drums/percussion/keys), Dave Abdo, Bob Marinelli, Paul Ossola (bass), Tim Gartland (harmonica), Brad Guinn (sax), Steve Herrman (trumpet), Jody Nardone, Al Hill, Jeff Taylor, Phil Wolfe, Gregg Mangiafico, Kevin McKendree (keys), Will McFarlane, Steve Eagon, Sam Broussard, Tom Britt, Jordan Chassan, Terry Downing, John Prestia, Kenny Vaughan, James Pennebaker (guitars), Sam Leipziger (guest vocalist), Shaun Murphy, John Cowan, & Mindy M. Miller (bgv).
Color image courtesy of Andy’s Bandcamp. CD @ Bandcamp + https://andypeake.com/pocket-change-solo-album
