by Peter Mayer
© Copyright - Peter Mayer / Blueboat (683698121020)
Peter's 10th record is a marvel of contemporary folk/singer songwriter goodness.
1. When You Dream
2. Union Depot
3. Hawk and Whale
4. Winds of October
5. Dr. Seuss
6. She Sleeps
7. Tomorrow's Train
8. It's Not Far
9. Under the Moon
10. Hot Pickles
11. Third Street
12. Head of the Shed
13. Human You
14. The Morning
Peter Mayer has done it again. Four years in the making, this cd was worth the wait. Pete is an excellent guitarist and he brought together his trusted group of musicians to accompany him. Marc Anderson on drums, Enrique Toussaint on bass, Jeff Victor on keyboards and Dan Schwartz on guitar. It may take Pete a few months to finish writing a song but taking his time pays off with a finely crafted piece of poetic treasure. His songwriting gets better and better, if that is possible.
Matthew Short
For fans, a feast of what we love - for new fans, a great appetizer!
Third Street is chalk full of all the elements that make Peter Mayer the rare and cherished artist he is; the album has depth, humor, joy, peace, and haunting melodies. For those of us who already know and love Peter's music, this album is a feast of everything we've come to expect and enjoy about him; but for those of you who may not have heard of him, it is a great appetizer! Try it, but then come back for the full meal and check out his other albums as well!
For those not familiar with his music, Peter's style combines truly amazing guitar work with lyrics that speak to the full range of human experience. It is at times funny, at times whimsical, but always profound. He somehow finds words to name the elusive emotions and truths we all know deep down.
Unlike some of his other albums, this one contains a full set of other musicians as well, making use of light rhythm, piano, and strings. The balance is well done, though; these other instruments only serve to support the guitar work and melodies rather than detracting from it. As a long-time fan myself, I was impressed with the production of the album because it still allows the heart of Peter's guitar riffs to shine through.
The songs on this album span the full range of his skill, and our experiences:
1. "When You Dream" is a gentle meditation about the border we all cross in sleep. It contains a gentle rhythm and piano to back up the guitar.
2. "Union Depot" (one of my absolute favorites from Peter's whole repertoire) has a driving, 7-beat rhythm that matches the song's lyrics about an old train station no longer in use. Calling to mind all those who have travelled through the station over the years, it hits a hopeful note that "there's a train coming to Union Depot." It is an absolutely beautiful song about history, hope, and promise for the future.
3. "Hawk and Whale" is a classic example of Peter's lyrical and musical style. It is a humble reflection with a yearning at its core; that we might learn from the wisdom of nature how to make fearsome winds and dark depths our home. The line "can you teach me how to make the darkest depths…my friend" will find resonance with anyone who has struggled through difficult times but found blessing even in the struggle.
4. "Winds of October" contains a haunting melody that truly captures the sense of summer's flight and winter's approach. I have never heard a song that better captures the emotions of late Fall.
5. "Dr. Suess," a song Peter wrote for a school celebration of the author's birthday, is a playful, whimsical, and just downright fun song, making use of much of Suess' language. This one is a huge hit with groups and children, and has a fun call-and-response refrain. It is a clear example of Peter's playfulness and joy; some of the qualities that always draw his fans back for more in live performances.
6. "She Sleeps" will resonate with anyone who has helped raise children. It is a moving meditation on the peaceful moments (between cries) when infants fall asleep on their parents. Again, Mayer's skill in finding words to name deep human experiences shines through this song. I challenge any parent to listen to this song and maintain dry eyes.
7. "Tomorrow's Train" contains a joyous rhythm and lyrics that point the listener toward the inherent promise and hope in the future.
8. "It's Not Far" is a brief and simple song that yearns for the listener to find reconciliation wherever it is needed in their world. "It's not far to another land…if you walk there, then you may understand;" a beautiful message wrapped in light harmonica and guitar work – truly a gem!
9. "Under the Moon" uses gentle rhythm and guitar to speak of human love and the promise therein.
10. "Hot Pickles" is another example of Peter's playful side. There's nothing deep and profound in this one; it is just pure fun as he sings about how to make spicy pickles. This one is another favorite of live performances as it has another call-and-response refrain. Listening to this song will make you want to find the nearest Peter Mayer concert!
11. "Third Street," the title track, is a love song between Peter and his wife, but done in a way that anyone who has loved can relate. The lyrics avoid the saccharine tropes of others' love songs, simply naming in a beautiful way the street on which the two met and began their life together.
12. "Head of the Shed" is another playful and funny song that explores the changing role(s) of men in the culture. When you can't be head of the house, you can be head of the shed; and then the lawn implements will bow at the sound of your name! A hilarious song!
13. "Human You" displays another key gift of Peter's; his deep appreciation for the sacred and natural processes of the universe. Unlike any other artist out there, Peter can write about physics, black holes, and evolution in a way that inspires a sense of awe and wonder at the depth and beauty of the universe. This song is a treasure.
14. "The Morning" is a peaceful meditation about the new hopes that come with every dawn, and the first light that has existed since the very beginning. Again, Peter blends a simple human experience, waking from sleep, with a thought about origins of the universe. I find myself wanting to set this song as my alarm to begin the day!