Blues Music Review: Peter Parcek 3 - The Mathematics Of Love - Redstar Ent./Vizz-Tone Label Group 2010
Reading his bio, it's amazing that a man with Peter Parcek's credentials has flown under the radar for so long; but then, perhaps that was by design...OR, perhaps, I'm just out of the loop on this one. He's wowed Buddy Guy, led Pinetop Perkins band, and competed in the International Blues Challenge. Now, Parcek makes his national debut with the ten-song set, The Mathematics Of Love, produced for Redstar Entertainment and picked up by the Vizz-Tone camp for distribution. The finished product is a fantastic ride through musical styles, techniques, and effects that gives the listener a glimpse at what this virtuoso, Parcek, can do. The disc opens with Peter Parcek's take on Fleetwood Mac's "Showbiz Blues," written by one of his idols, Peter Green. Parcek lays down electric lead and rhythm guitar, slide, and National steel resonator guitar to "Showbiz Blues," and creates a wonderfully woven sonic landscape with all of them. Steve Scully's bass drum sounds like a heartbeat as he beats the snare with brushes. Amongst all of this, though, is some fantastic production work, as well. Parcek and Producer Ted Drozdowski pan guitar solos and effects from side to side, alternate Parcek's vocals in and out of effects at times, and play with the volume in places. It's a very cool opener, to say the least. The title track comes next, and features some terrific songwriting. It's one of three original compositions by Peter Parcek on The Mathematics Of Love, including the instrumental, "Rollin' With Zah." He also co-wrote "New Year's Eve" with David Herwaldt. The remaining six songs come from sources ranging from Lucinda Williams to Jessie Mae Hemphill. "Rollin' With Zah" features some wild guitar shifts. The rhythm section of Scully on drums and Marc Hickox on bass sound like they're backing Johnny Cash at times, but it all fits together into a neat little package. "Lord, Help the Poor and Needy," a cover of Jesse Mae Hemphill's Mississippi Hill Country number, sounds like a disembodied plea for mercy. The track goes beyond simple arrangements, into a world of ethereal effects, work chorus drum beats, and ghostly vocals. The song conjures images of totured souls asking for the Lord's blessing. Sticking with the religious theme, Peter Parcek and his band rip through Lucinda Williams' "Get Right With God," although done here as an instrumental number. Parcek opts to let his guitar sing on the track. "Tears Like Diamonds" is Peter Parcek's other original number. It's a slower-tempoed affair that features some soulful vocals and guitar. I really enjoy the vibe of the track, with it's relaxed pace and rain stick percussion. Parcek ditches the effects for a beautiful, clear guitar tone that sings out over the band. Jimmy Ryan guests on mandolin for a version of Mississippi Fred McDowell's "Kokomo Me Baby." It's a cool addition, and calls to mind my personal opinion that I would love to see more mandolin in Blues and Roots music forms. I've always been a huge fan of the instrument. It's on tracks like "Kokomo Me Baby" and "Rollin' With Zah" where Peter Parcek and his band excell in combining new school and old school. "New Year's Eve" is a remixed track off of Parcek's first CD, 2000's Evolution. The number features the great Ronnie Earl guesting on a track that is now out of print, as far as the version from Evolution is concerned. There's some fantastic dual soloing on "New Year's Eve" between Parcek and Earl, as well as some subtle harmonica growling. The song is the first of two nods that Peter Parcek makes to that album. The other sly tip of the hat to his debut is the final cut on The Mathematics Of Love, a Cousin Joe Pleasant tune titled "Evolution." Before you get to the rollicking acoustic take on "Evolution," though, the listener is treated to a nearly eight minute, at times psychadellic, instrumental version of the Harlan Howard penned Ray Charles classic "Busted." The track features a guest appearance by legendary Rock 'N' Roller Al Kooper on organ. Early in this review I mentioned that Peter Parcek may have flown under the radar for so long by design. Regardless of whether he was waiting for just the right opportunity, or if he just decided on a whim to record and release The Mathematics Of Love, we should be thankful, because the finished product is a great example of what can happen when talented, respectful musicians plant themselves firmly in the history of the Blues, and then push it beyond its limits. In one word: Cool. Give this record a listen. Standout Tracks: "Showbiz Blues," "Lord, Help the Poor and Needy," "New Year's Eve," and "Busted" Links: Back To Blues Music Reviews Archives
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