The 5 Spot Nashville, TN
Contact: [email protected]
Web: andypeake.com
Players: Andy Peake, percussion, vocals; Joe Davies, guitar, background vocals; Randy Barker, guitar; Phil Wolfe, keyboards, background vocals; Paul Ossola, bass; Rob Lee, drums
Andy Peake has been a professional drummer since moving to Nashville in 1987. His star-studded resume includes names such as Tanya Tucker, Suzy Boggus, and Delbert McClinton. He’s also served as a recording engineer and producer. But it wasn’t until 2021 that he put forth his first album. On an unassuming Tuesday in November, he performed a show to celebrate that album’s follow-up, Pocket Change. Song subjects included a tribute to a late dog and a plea to cool political tensions. The blues is Peake’s primary musical language, although tinges of country and Americana often bleed through.
Peake’s supporting players consist of exceptionally seasoned noisemakers. Bassist Paul Ossola has worked with Levon Helm and spent four years as part of the SNL house band. Drummer Rob Lee toured and recorded with Mike Zito & The Wheel. This new recording includes contributors who’ve joined forces with James Taylor, The Doobie Brothers, and Bonnie Raitt. Needless to say, there weren’t any fumbled notes. Live, Peake creates his own wall of sound, employing at least five other players for every song, on each of which he sings lead vocals and occasionally adds percussive accents.
It’s nigh impossible to resist the charm of Peake and his homespun songcraft. True to the blues, his lyrics are simple and straightforward. Puzzlingly, he needed sheet music for reference during the entire gig. Worse, he openly admitted to skipping a verse due to nerves. Although passable, his singing voice remains unexceptional. Better are his between-song tales of life as an artist; though some could use editing, each anecdote further draws the audience into his world.
Musical chops and likeability are the most important factors in developing a fandom, yet originality also remains a top variable. Peake has the abilities and stage persona, but his style is clearly an amalgam of past legends, thus diminishing the power of an otherwise admirable show. Even still, anyone seeking good humor, elevated tunes and even better vibes should walk away with a satisfied soul.
