I play solo. I have worked with other musos before but they like to have set lists to stick to and things like that. I like each live show to be different otherwise it's boring and if the performer is bored the audience will be too Here's to soloists Watch this space for future shows
Influences
Jake Thakray, Joni Mitchell and every blues singer I ever heard.
NOW AVAILABLE AT CD BABY.COM!
'Why Sing Goodbye Songs -
Album launch at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne
In 1879, Newcastle inventor Joseph Swan demonstrated his newly invented light bulb, electrifying his audience at the Lit & Phil. And over a century on, Pete Scott can legitimately claim to have done the same.
Launching his new album “Why Sing Goodbye Songs?” Scott delighted an appreciative crowd with a combination of wit, insight and some stunning guitar technique. From his first humorous observation – “before Swan did his demonstration, was this place called the Unlit and Phil?” – to the final chord of his third encore of the evening, his set had an emotional range as broad as the smiles on the faces of the departing audience. But no moaning: Whinging wasn’t allowed. Songs like “Thomas William Arthur Tate” and the cleverly juxtaposed and deeply moving “Eddie’s Dead” made Scott’s position clear on those particular human vices. And as the title track of the new album relates, they may be en vogue elsewhere - but not for this singer-songwriter.
Instead, we got everything else - and often in spades. From the witty but poignant “Anita O’Day’s Hat,” through the stunningly poetic “You Shoulda Said” to the laugh-out-loud funny “Kuala Lumpar Clegg.” But the song that raised the biggest reaction of the evening was “Fantastic Pastie.” If the song title itself doesn’t intrigue you, Scott’s story as to how he conceived of it will! It was worth the admission fee alone!
On “Yuri Gargarin’s Banjo” Scott demonstrated a superb picking technique which resonated with the Bluegrass rhythm and melody that the song alludes to. And with his performances of “One Man Band” (from his “Talking to a Stranger” album) and “Hannah’s Black Eye” (recorded for the Northumbrian Anthology), Scott showed the intriguing route his music has taken over recent years.
All in all, the evening had all the hallmarks of an important musical event. A highly talented and truly seasoned performer, show-casing a range of great new songs in a wonderful venue. And judging by the smiles on the faces of the audience as they filed out, Scott’s rejection of cynicism in favour of something far more positive really hit the spot.
Aidan Oswell
May 2008
Sorry you have to go so soon, but we're glad we got to see you a few times (including that lovely Friday night campfire) while you were on this shore. See you again down the road!
Thanks Pete, i really enjoyed your songs...i used to deliver vegetables in Midsummer Norton....also been been playing some stuff with your namesake Pete Scott he lives in broadhempston Devon. It's a strange old goofy world....Best wishes from Pedro
This years festival is headlined by Billy Bragg (Friday), Seth Lakeman (Sunday) and Peatbog Faeries (Saturday) with many more top artists also performing incl the award winning The Demon Barbers.
Got the CD in the post today and It's already worn out. Great stuff Pete. Favorites? You should have said, fantastic pastie, why sing goodbye songs and of course the ones on your site. Regards Wally
Hi Pete, Thanks for the offer, I'll be in touch. I've been listening to the myspace tracks all evening. What with you and Gary Hogg, I've had a right good trip down memory lane. "goodbye to the girl on the second floor, goodbye to the keyhole at her door", I can smell the cellar from here. Regards Wally
Thanks Pete. I've been working on an alternative project with a band for the last year but really enjoying getting back into my solo stuff again, I'm working on trying to improve my guitar playing a bit, yours sound great on here. I love Midsomer Murders! Hope you have a great Christmas, Lucy
