Friday, February 4, 2011

JAZZVOX CONCERT – PETER ELDRIDGE WITH MATT ARONOFF – JANUARY 28, 2011

NYC-based vocalist extraordinaire Peter Eldridge is a revelation and if you haven’t seen him, you must for a thrill of a lifetime!  I was so blessed to see him along with superb bassist Matt Aronoff (also from NYC) as part of the terrific JazzVox concert series hosted by Nich Anderson.  One experiences so many emotions right along with Peter from down in the depths melancholy, to realizing a startling reality of the moment, to sweet exhilaration of new love and existing love.  He worked the audience in fits of side-splitting laughter with his completely unself-conscious witticisms and wry observations and was never too way off-color haha!
Not only is he known for being a hauntingly beautiful songwriter and melodic poet with his far-reaching baritone voice but also plays a majestic piano.  He created such gorgeous chordal richness with colorful harmonies and textured phrasing, and I was so captivated by his brilliant, insightful interpretations.
Peter’s songs run the gamut between the good-natured spoof “Sunday Driver” to his profound statement on man “Full Grown Man (on the Playground)” to searing portrayals of life’s complexities “Mad Heaven” and “Difficult”, and to the wonders of real love with “Surrender”.  His takes on standards such as “Do nothing ‘til you hear from me” and “My Foolish Heart” were so sensitively crafted with every note and lyric infused with exquisite grace.
Peter Eldridge is best known as co-founder of the lauded New York Voices and thrives on a stellar career as a solo artist.  Four fantastic CD’s  “Stranger in Town”, “Fool No More”, “Decorum” and his new release “Mad Heaven" (due out February 15) are to his credit, and he has collaborated with some of the world’s best jazz artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, Kate McGarry, Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin and so many more.  In addition to these great accomplishments, Peter teaches at the Manhattan School of Music (as the head of the jazz voice faculty), is asked to lead master classes/workshops around the world, and writes musical scores for film and theater.
Such a big resume – a big passion – and a magnificent heart - for a guy who doesn’t flaunt it and is the epitome of integrity with soul.  You can visit Peter’s wonderful website, petereldridge.com for all the latest info on his bio, CD’s, workshops/master classes and concert gigs.  He is totally the real deal and simply not to be missed!

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