Live review:
Topic Folk Club, Bradford. May 25th. 2006
This was one of Pete's all too rare visits from over t'border (the Lancashire one that is). And what a visit! Here is a singer, a songwriter, a guitarist of such talent that he could stand alone as any one of these. Put them together, and you get what we got: a superb, nay, a sublime evening's entertainment.
As a guitarist, Pete (now a member of The John Wright Band) offers lively instrumentals, such as the self-written 'Chamois Leather Rag', and sensitive understated accompaniments which perfectly complement his songs. As a songwriter he is up there with the best; he has written some exquisite material, and matches it with superb delivery. He takes you inside his songs and there is a freshness about fairly well-used subject matter, an instinctive (one feels) use of lyrics that takes you to where you thought you were going but by slightly unexpected routes - you hang on to every line. But you can check this out for yourself from his two excellent CDs, 'Pete Abbott' and 'Against The Wall'.
It's hard to pick out favourites when the standard is so high, but 'Lancashire Rose', 'Almost a Year', 'The Innocent One' and 'Windy Harbour' couldn't pass without a mention. And I suspect that even non-fathers were swallowing hard during 'Georgie's Song' which Pete wrote about his daughter, one of the most beautiful songs you'll hear anywhere.
Pete includes a few covers from his favourite songwriters such as Kieran Halpin, Anthony John Clarke (who, like John Wright, has recorded some of Pete's material), Ken Nicol, and even the odd standard or two - a beautiful rendition of 'Georgia On My Mind'- in a perfectly balanced set. Refreshingly unassuming, he engages well with his audience, getting them to join in when he wants to, having them listen in rapt silence when it suits. Oh, and he left us with 'What a Wonderful World'. Indeed it is.
Club organisers, do yourselves and your regulars a favour: bring Pete over to Yorkshire more often. You'll have a gem of an evening. Guaranteed.
Tony Charnock
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Live review:
Gregson Lane Folk Club, June 8th 2006
It was hot in the concert room, really hot and humid. It was so hot that
Pete Abbott sweated under the lights, and wiped hands and guitar neck frequently,
to try and keep them dry. It was stuffy and uncomfortable, yet no one left;
everyone stayed to the end and then shouted for more.
Pete Abbott has a fine way with words and music. The opener ‘Against
The Wall’ set the scene and the pace for a full and entertaining set.
His own songs were well to the fore with ‘Where Did They Go’ a song
about lost childhood days treating a commonplace subject with more sensitivity
and thought than many. It was a motif that ran through the set. The lyrics
are always carefully constructed, sensitive and thoughtful, without sacrificing
musical content or resorting to contrived rhyme. However in a wonderful piece
of audience participation in the song ‘Amore’ he did slip in….
‘She’s never home when I phone her; /’She’s got friends
in Barcelona.’
‘For Once In Your Life’, ‘Almost a Year’, The Innocent
One’ and ‘Lancashire Rose’ were included along with ‘Georgie’s
Song’ a song to a daughter knowing that ‘she’ll break my heart
someday’ in a recognition of a universal truth of parenthood. Other writers
songs included a high energy version of Steve Earle’s ‘Copperhead
Road’, Bob Dylan’s ‘To Ramona’, and Kieran Halpin’s
excellent song, ‘Nothing To Show For It All’
Pete’s Fylde guitar sounded as clear and rich as one would expect. His
style ranges from delicate and expressive finger picking, to the most accurate
and fast flat picking on the circuit; ‘Chamois Leather Rag’ took
my breath away for the sheer audacity of the playing.
They were still talking about Pete Abbot at the next club night. He gave one
of the best solo performances we have seen in a long time. He has great songs,
a great voice, a superb guitar style, and a great rapport with the audience.
Oh, and his mother came along to make sure he didn’t get into trouble.
Don Moore
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Live review:
Gregson Lane Folk Club, June 8th 2006
If you haven't seen Pete Abbott then I suggest that you go out and do so - he is one of that rare breed - amazingly talented as a Singer/Songwriter/Guitar player and also very entertaining too - the full package! Not only has Pete written many superb songs (the three that shone for me were - "Windy Harbour", "Lancashire Rose" and "Almost a Year" ) he is not too 'self centred' to worry about sticking a couple of classics into his set, much to the delight of the GLFC crowd. He has a wonderful - 'down to earth' rapport with his audience and courts their active involvement on some of his songs. His vocals are 'crystal clear' and a joy to listen to, all this combined with an phenomenal expertise on the guitar.
Graham Dixon
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Live review:
The Clarence, Blackpool. July 6th 2005
If you haven't seen Pete Abbott in concert and you get the opportunity, then
you should, it's as simple as that. It was wonderful, and I'm very glad that
I made the 170 round mile trip to see him.
There's something about Blackpool that never pretends to be anything other
than it is, and that's the way we found the folk club too. We had a warm welcome
from Anne Green, the club organiser, who noticed us "strangers"
in town. She obviously adores Pete's music and he referred to her endearingly
as his "Aunty Anne". He was very content singing here, as it was
an appreciative audience, although the rather large 'committee' sign, prominently
placed on the front table, worried him somewhat.
We arrived whilst Pete was completing his sound check, and I was greeted with
a big smile, even though I knew he thought we wouldn't come that far to see
him.
Pete sings his songs with the emotion that he wrote them with, showing that
he has experienced many of the emotions from within the songs. He has very
wry sense of humour too.
He also has very clear diction, something that tells me I'm getting old, as
I cannot stand poor diction with singers. He does connect with his audience
and we had several singalongs, which I always like, as I can't sing very well
but I enjoy the feeling of well being that group singing leaves you with.
We were treated to most of his second cd, and I enjoyed so much hearing about
the background to his songs. It has always fascinated me how songwriters write
songs. I laughed when he said every songwriter has to have a go at writing
a country song and we heard "Family Man", it is good country song
full of love and tragedy all mixed up together.
There was a new song "Once in Your Life" which I hope will make
it to that 3rd CD that YOU WILL be producing eventually Pete, won't you!
One of my favourites has to be 'Windy Harbour', especially when I found it
was written about a harbour that recalls very happy memories for me.
Pete told us that he had given up playing the guitar for a while and it was
one of his idols that had tempted the guitar back out of the cupboard. He
introduced Ken Nicol of Steeleye Span and it was a pleasure to see the two
of them play several songs together. Fancy that, having your idol accompanying
you, and effortlessly too. I love acoustic guitar, and to hear two of them
playing and harmonising was lovely.
One thing that Pete is no good at is self-promotion, so if any one can help
him please do so.
Well I've used every adjective I can think of in my vocabulary so I will just
say the sign of a good artist is to be always be left wanting more, and I
can't wait till the next time.
Annie Shirley
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Live Review
The Clarence, Blackpool. July 6th 2005
"I don't know why I do this" bemoans Mr Abbott self-effacingly
in a line
taken from his show-opener 'Against The Wall'. Let me tell you then, Pete
-
you do it because you have a talent that it would be shameful not to share.
What I don't for the life of me know is why you don't get the opportunity
to
do it a lot more often for a lot more people.
Having played both of his CDs more in the last six months than anything else
in my rack, I had long wanted to catch Pete live. Fortuitous coincidence
finally left me within drivable range of one of his scandalously infrequent
shows.
The venue is a regular Wednesday night folk club in a Blackpool pub. The
stage is in a separate room off the main bar, seating around 40 people.
The room has large open alcoves so that many more in
the large and crowded main bar can see in, or at least hear the
performances.
After an entertaining opening set by a local lad, Andrew Green, Pete is given
an
enthusiastic introduction by the organiser, bemoaning some lyrics she has
just heard on the radio while driving to the show, and comparing this to the
quality of Pete's songs. The performance goes on to emphasise that. It also
doesn't take long to realise that the songs are sung live with the same
clear diction that graces the recorded versions - I've never seen the point
of clever lyrics that you can't make out.
The audience warm quickly to Pete's easy manner and
understated humour. They are encouraged to join in and much enjoy 'creating'
the drums and base for a romp through the light hearted 'Amore'. My night
is
made when Pete performs my favourite of his compositions 'The Innocent One'
and dedicates it to me! A great song and one that always makes me hit the
replay button in my car. The first half flies by, concluding with a lovely
rendition of 'Mountains of Mourne'. The emphasis is on songs from Pete's
second CD, though an excellent new song 'For Once in Your Life' also creeps
in.
After a refreshment and comfort break, an equally impressive second half
ensues. A convoluted nonsense song about someone managing to be their own
grandfather (don't ask me to explain!) causes much hilarity and a
sing-a-long chorus, before Pete risks dislocating his fingers with his
guitar instrumental 'Chamois Leather Rag'. The beautiful 'Harbour in the
Storm' from Pete's first CD is added in deference to its writer, Dave Walmisley,
who is in
the audience. Ken Nicol of Steeleye Span then joins Pete on stage to show
some great guitar skills on 'Show Me how to Play the Blues' (written by Pete
after watching a performance by Ken), the lump-in-the-throat 'Georgie's
Song' and the yeehah country of 'Family Man'.
Pete closed the set with a song I didn't recognise but which I think he said
later was by James Taylor. This replaced the intended set closer, a new song
which didn't quite reach completion in time for performance. I know this
because Pete was kind enough to give me the set list which I plan to sell
on
eBay when he is a superstar! For an encore the audience joined in
enthusiastically on 'Wonderful World' with Pete managing a nice Louis
Armstrong 'oh yeah' at the end.
All I can say in conclusion is that if you get a chance to attend a
performance by Pete then grasp it firmly with both hands. I guarantee you
will come away superbly entertained and with a warm glow inside, and it'll
hardly cost you anything! Last night only cost me 10p in the 'collection
jar'!! Only kidding! There looked a healthy amount in there and that, along
with the extremely warm reception, showed just how much the audience
appreciated it all.
Bill Hamilton
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CD Review:
Tony Eagle, California USA
When I purchase a new CD, it is very rare that I can honestly say that I
enjoyed 'all' of the tracks. When I first listened to 'Against the Wall' in
my
car travelling to Monterey, California, I was immediately impressed with Pete's
voice and the quality of all his songs. A short while later, I was even
more surprised that I had a similar experience when I first played the self-titled
'Pete Abbott' CD. Great work, Pete!
There is such a range of styles throughout these 2 two CD's, all with
extremely thoughtful lyrics, many with wry observations on life. The songs,
often
poignant, but sometimes funny too, are accompanied throughout with extremely
tasteful musicianship, and delivered in a clear distinctive voice. Pete reminds
me of some of those great singer/songwriters in their heyday, yet there is
still a sound and a style that is very much his own. Every song has its merits,
but
for me, the standouts are: 'Summer Flower' ( simply an outstanding original
song), 'Georgie's Song' ( just beautiful), 'Windy Harbour', 'No Frontiers'
( a great
version of the Jimmy McCarthy song), Ken Nicol's 'Two Frets Away from the
Blues',
Pete's response to that song, 'Show Me How to Play The Blues', (every aspiring
guitar
player can identify with these. And, by George, I think you've got it Pete!).
Plus the heartfelt and very personal song, 'Against the Wall'.
Pete, I'm so glad you are not a doctor, or even a writer. May you find the
success, as a singer/ songwriter, that you richly deserve.
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CD review:
Against the Wall
Pete's a singer and songwriter who's well regarded over in the wild hinterlands of Saddleworth (right on the Lancs-Yorks Pennine cusp), where he has a very healthy following indeed; it was at the celebrated Saddleworth Folk Festival a few years back when I first saw Pete perform, and I was won over by his quiet yet beautifully judged singing and playing style and his simple yet deeply felt songs, matched by an equally quiet assurance and modesty, almost a deep-seated reticence to admit to his talent. For such can it be with some of the folk scene's finest performers. For his first CD, a well-chosen set of mostly original songs with three choice covers, Pete had engaged Ken Nicol as producer and co-participant, which made for a fine combination of like-minded talents. But for his second, Against The Wall, Pete finally gets to fully realise his dream "to have the best musicians I could find take part in the recording sessions", so in addition to re-engaging Ken, Pete has been able to recruit Joe Broughton, Maartin Allcock, Clive Leyland, Neil Marshall and Paloma Trigas. The result is a very likeable record indeed, which Pete half-jokingly says is "best listened to in a horizontal position". (Hmm - whatever…!) There are three covers this time round (Jimmy McCarthy's oblique No Frontiers being definitely the best-known), besides which the CD's replete with accessible and satisfying songs of Pete's own making, characterised by genuinely positive thinking and a realistic yet in the end optimistic outlook. The beautiful Lancashire Rose and the forthright The Innocent One are but two of the standout compositions here, and we learn that a further two (Another Evening In and Almost A Year) have already been recorded by fellow singer-songwriter Anthony John Clarke, whose pivotal role in encouraging and inspiring Pete does not go unrecognised. Production-wise, Ken's own role has proved equally pivotal, for his arrangements are very classy indeed, with nicely-choreographed bursts of electric guitar embellishing the basic acoustic guitar/s-piano-occasional violin-percussion texture to just the right extent. (Pete has repaid the compliment by recording one song each by Ken and AJC here.) I would describe this CD as "nice", but using that word not in the least pejoratively, for the whole album has an air of easy – but evidently not easily-won – accomplishment, I thought much in the same unassuming way as some early Ralph McTell, and Pete's songwriting is definitely worth your getting to know.
Dave Kidman
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CD review-
"P ete Abbott"
FolkNorthWest' magazine Spring 2002
Listening to Pete Abbott at the Saddleworth Festival this year was indeed
a pleasure. I was even more delighted when I discovered he had a collection
of his work on cd. Twelve tracks in all, nine of which are written by Pete
himself. They have been my "holiday listen". This young man is a
searching and interesting songwriter who will establish himself well on the
folk ladder in a short time I'm sure.
After the listener comes to terms with the more than acceptable versions of
Kieran Halpin's "All the Answers" and Ken Nicol's wonderful "Two
Frets Away From the Blues" it will then be possible to settle and discover
Pete Abbott the songwriter. Georgie's Song is one of the most beautiful songs
I have ever heard. I couldn't believe I wasn't listening to a classic song
here. The song has real form and becomes a touching portrait of family life
and caring, while managing to avoid the sentimentality that irks. This song
is, as they say, "worth the entrance fee'.
She has her Mother's eyes
And a pretty little smile
She runs to me when I come home
She knows when I'm best left alone.....
"Family Man" follows and I sense a little of the man himself there.
There's a demonstration of Pete's versatility also in "A Place For You
Here" which was very Lyle Lovetty, if you can say that!! "Just The
Way" opens brightly and with it in steps another style and approach to
putting words and music together. Ken Nicol's influence on the arrangements
have been helpful and they are what this songwriter deserves. I really enjoyed
the album. There's a cheeky little ragtime about Chamois Leather preceded
by "Show Me How To Play The Blues", both of which show just what
a quality guitar player Pete is. The final track, "When I Look Into Your
Eyes", is a truly excellent song which the writer has nourished and fed.
I like the way Pete never pushes a song to be more than it is and he effortlessly
seems to be able to produce quality observations on life's turns and tumbles.
This unassuming man can turn his hand to a real ballad and succeed and that's
no mean achievement in these days of cd mania. Recorded at Ken Nicol's studio
in Preston, Pete Abbott is joined by John Abbott on keyboards and Mick Danby
on bass with Ken providing additional guitar, bass and vocals.
Anthony John Clarke
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Live Review:
Todmorden Evening News:
Pete Abbott is one of the best guitarists on the local
circuit-it's one thing to include the likes of Ken Nicol among your idols
and another to do full justice to numbers written by the former Al Stewart
sideman. Pete does just that on the upbeat 'Last Night in Paris' and on the
heartbreak anthem of less gifted pickers, 'Two Frets Away From the Blues'.
He can also lay claim to a voice of outstanding purity and expressiveness-that
much more evident in Sunday night's performance-gliding effortlessly through
the likes of Paul Simon's haunting 'Kathy's Song'.
Pete's talents as a writer were also well to the fore with a selection of
self-penned offerings more than holding their own among the more well-known
covers.
Pete Abbott is a talent to be reckoned with!
Graham Sunderland
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Cd Review
"Pete Abbott"
David Fulton,
Moenchengladbach, Germany
If you're fed up with the non-melodious humbug you hear these days every
time you switch on your radio, if you're of the opinion that today's music
has reached a dead end and you think that the stuff in the charts today has
more in common with fast-food than with blues, country and folk music, then
think no further - because I've just found something that I thought was gone
forever - music that you can actually listen to and come away feeling better
for afterwards.
This music is for savouring, not for gulping down with a glass of coke and
forgetting about.
Usually, I buy a CD, listen to it once or twice, then "retire" it to my collection thinking "yeah, that isn't bad at all, glad I bought it". This time it was different - I put on this CD and listened.....again and again and again! Whether you like blues (it's on there!), or country (so is that!), or prefer folk music (lots on this CD!), it doesn't matter. There's something here for everybody - and I promise you that the other songs will swiftly grow on you. "Georgie's Song" will bring a tear to any father's eye, "Family Man" - you'll be wondering why Merle Haggard or Glen Campbell has never sung this. But then again, why should they? Pete make's as fine a job of it as any of the big names could. "Just The Way" had me tapping my foot after the first three notes!
A collection of cleverly thought out lyrics, lovely melodies and catchy tunes that you'll find yourself whistling on your way to work, guitar-playing that will make you wonder how many fingers this guy's got. A marvellously relaxed singing voice that makes you want to sink into your armchair, close your eyes and dream about that beautiful sunset on your last summer holiday. All wonderfully arranged songs that will truly leave you smiling for the rest of the day - and I'm willing to bet that you'll listen to it again tomorrow....and the day after...and the day after that...and the day......