Pete plays 'Glen Rosa' in his garden. This song, inspired by the splendid valley on the Isle Of Arran, is on his 'Gravel' album.
Pete Lashley songs and albums are available on apple itunes ..
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Hello folks!!
I am a full-time singer/songwriter/guitarist who has been writing songs since I was 15. My music is normally written firstly on acoustic guitar. I may then choose to develop the song in the studio by layering other guitars and voices and other instruments. That said, I may also choose to leave the song just acoustic and voice as this is how I gig a lot.
In 2000/2001 I went travelling for six months in New Zealand and Australia. This came at a good time. Up until that point I didn't have a clue what I was going do with my life as I had just jacked in a PGCE teacher-training course and felt a bit directionless. I decided to take my guitar on the plane as I had been in bands up until that point and couldn't really go without it. When I got to New Zealand I initially tried my hand at fruit picking (kiwi thinning) working long hours in the sun for little money. Then a friend and I decided to busk on the streets of Wellington and we loved it. We made more money in one hour busking than a whole day's fruit picking! The enjoyment of playing our guitars combined with seeing other people in a foreign city digging the music was immense. I vowed to myself that when I got back to The UK I would devote all my energies to songwriting and performing and that is where I am now.
I continue to perform regularly in The Lake District at spectacular locations such as The Sticklebarn, Langdale, playing to outdoor types from all over the world. I now also play at venues such as The Cardiff Millennium Centre, The Durham Gala Theatre, The Fleece Bristol, The Cavern Liverpool. I also perform on the streets as this is a great way of getting my music out to the people without having to deal with the hassle of promoters etc. If i'm not doing any of the above i'm teaching the guitar at Morecambe High School to a great bunch of willing students. As regards my musical career thus far, invaluable help has come from the superb Bentham based producer Sam Parkinson of Stonegate Studios (www.stonegate-studios.co.uk). He has recorded and engineered all the songs and albums that you hear. With the awesome Andy Smith on drums, I have been able to release 7 albums. They are 'PETE LASHLEY' (2002), SOUTHERN UPLAND (2002), 'GRAVEL' (2003), 'SLATE' (2004), 'AIR OF THE GODS' (2005), 'CUTTING OUT THE MIDDLEMAN' (2006) and the recently completed 'VOICES FROM THE OCEAN ROAD' (2008). For more details of these albums go to
www.petelashley.com
I do many gigs as a solo performer and also write and record as a solo performer.
I also do gigs and record with Andy Smith on drums/percussion and Paul Guppy on double bass. Sometimes i gig and record with Bristol based Mike Tripp who sings and plays guitar and ukulele. He is in a ukulele band called the Rinky Dinks. In fact the song '86 Pembroke Rd' was a joint collaboration between Mike and myself and features drummer/musician Aid Todd.
In the past I have recorded with Carl Iredale on bass, Mandolin etc, and Polly-Anna Ashford on flute. I have also written songs with lyricist Sean Mellor and with Martin and Ruth Nuttall from the legendary 'Five Corners'. All my songs and albums are recorded and engineered by Sam Parkinson of North West Corner Records, at Stonegate Studios (www.stonegate-studios.co.uk), Bentham, which is in the Yorkshire Dales.
Influences
The Beatles, Spinal Tap, Aaron Copeland, James Taylor, Suzanne Vega, Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, Sunderland Football Club (believe it or not), Mike Tripp, Neil & Tim Finn, Split Enz, Crowded House, Dave Dobbyn, Led Zep, Motorhead, The Jam, Tom Waits, Abba, Nick Drake, Sean Mellor, Delius, David Bowie, Early Kate Bush, Ivor Biggun, Joe Beasly & Cheeky Monkey, Alan Partridge, Buffalo Springfield, Five Corners, check out (www.myspace.com/thefivecorners)
Sounds Like
Perhaps best to judge for yourself by listening to more Pete Lashley tunes. You can do this by clicking on the album covers below where there are songs to listen to from that particular album! The songs and albums are also available on apple itunes ..
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NAPSTER
NOW AVAILABLE! Pete's new album 'Voices From The Ocean Road'
"Voices From The Ocean Road is genius song-writing of the highest quality, each track telling of its own mini story. 'It All Comes Round' and 'Will You Offer Me Your Hand' are love songs of great beauty. The album is of definite acoustic quality, made all the more wholesome by the fact that the majority of vocals and instrumental sounds are created by the songwriter himself, making the album an all-round gem of musicianship, but also highlighting Lashley as the outstanding acoustic talent that he so clearly is.
Fans of Crowded House will definitely appreciate Lashley's music. Even if they try not to, they will be mesmerised by the same soothing clarity and astounded by the similar lyrical qualities. People who appreciate high quality acoustic music will also be taken in by Pete Lashley, as was I. Voices From The Ocean Road is certainly an album that is worthy of many more listening sessions, as unlike much of the acoustic music on the scene at present, this album needs undivided attention, being worthy of much more than being background music. Buy, sit, listen, concentrate... and enjoy!"
Ruth Palmer, folking.com
"'Voices From The Ocean Road' comes alive with 'Mountain Holiday', a driving excitable number that rings with the sort of weatherbeaten exhilaration you'd expect from the title ("Down at the local, people get vocal/Up here silence makes a noise"). Instrumental 'Tail Of The Comet' moves nicely from minor-key wistfulness to frenetic, Led Zep III-style fifth gear folk. 'Urban Skyline' heads into the city at last and carries its own (softly spoken, meditative, piano-led) love for its surroundings. At moments like these, with their striking sense of place and our relationship with it, 'Voices From The Ocean Road' leaves its mark."
VENUE Magazine
"I really enjoyed Pete's album, and it's heartening to know that there are so many talented independent artists out there, who are every bit as good as, and probably better than, the current crop who fill our music charts."
Mike Wilson (Folking.com)
To read Mike Wilson's full review of Pete's 'CUTTING OUT THE MIDDLEMAN' album go to Folking.com or view the blog post above
To sample any of Pete's recorded material just click on the album cover below which you would like to listen to. This gives you access to songs from that particular album.
All of Pete's albums are available from CD BABY, and also available on ITUNES, NAPSTER and other internet distributors.
If you would prefer to buy the album direct go to :-
www.petelashley.com
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PETE LASHLEY: Southern Upland
Brilliantly crafted melodious acoustic guitar songs. From frantic rockabilly to the North Sea shipping forecast this album is a must for lovers of genuine musical innovation.
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PETE LASHLEY: Gravel
UK music review describes 'Gravel' as "an accomplished album full of melodic tunes from start to finish. Pete switches effortlessly from haunting ballads to raw blues, to catchy upbeat retro aided by his trusty acoustic and a versatile vocal range."
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PETE LASHLEY: Slate
Subtle folky rock numbers, upbeat and catchy. "Influences are broad and this album has been created with a real passion for music and for the listener to enjoy. Enjoy it I did and I've played it non-stop."
Steve Barber, UK Music Critic
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PETE LASHLEY: Air Of The Gods
"Hauntingly beautiful, full of good imagery and with a great funky feel." Keith Clark, Bristol Evening Post
"Hypnotising melodic ballads full of rich vocals and guitar", Steve Barber, UK music critic
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PETE LASHLEY: Cutting Out The Middleman
Soaring vocals, fascinating rhythms, intricate acoustic guitar, humour, ukulele, brushes, double bass and vitally, GREAT SONGS.
"A very rewarding and eclectic listen". Mike Wilson (Folking.com)
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Hi Pete, Thanks for the add. Just watched the video of "Air of the Gods" As I put at YouTube, it's ok I guess (nice views) but it's the song which knocked me out, especially the strong build up at around 3.15. Great stuff all round including vocals. Good luck with all your gigs, Carol.
hello Pete i just fell over you on Greg Harpers site .How are you getting on on your mountain top , I see you are getting lots of bookings :-))You deserve them Hugs from Danish Teddy at the moment in England ,:-))
Hi Pete saw on the news for the frist time what is happening down under I car't belive that someone could have started them. All I can say is that the must have poo for brains. I wish we could Give them our snow to put them out It make me sick to think that people dont care bye 4 now kal
My site photo was taken in the winter in Northern California. It's in a friends driveway actually. I tinted it a bit on photoshop. That's my Gibson J-100 extra. Thanks for the nice words about my songs, that always makes a person's day. I've got lots ready to record, and I've been saying I'll do it for too long, but time is hard to come by sometimes for me. Soon I hope. thanks again. Good to meet you. Say hey whenever, and I'll be by again!
forever good inspiration... good voice and melodies in guitars.....!! in I very like It all comes around... Yehhh... Very like !! thanks for your music is peace is calm, is the life !! Luck in your proyects... Salutacions Circonianes !! ;ed.
Pete, thanks so much for adding our personal site and thanks too for letting us hear your fantastic music..keep up the beautiful work, happy new year and much love from both of us... T&L
CAME BACK FOR A LISTEN AGAIN. YOUR MUSIC IS VERY SOOTHING. HOW ARE YOU KEEPING ANYWAY, HOPE ALL IS WELL. JIM & I ARE HOPING TO COME TO THE LAKES SOON, IF YOUR AROUND THE AREA WE'LL COME AND SAY HELLO. YOU TAKE CARE. BONNIE.
Heya from New Zealand! Thanks for being my friend, and I loved the story of your journey through our country to now - leaves me feeling hopeful, like I do when I hear your music :) Have an awesome one! Lis
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