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Peta who?  That was my reaction back in 1996 when the DJ on my local station announced whose single they had just played.  Okay, so the DJ had a fairly heavy New York accent, and I soon found out she was talking about Peter White.  So now my reaction was Peter who?  But, as I continued to hear this acoustic guitar, I began to feel the passion for the music of Peter White.  And while Caravan of Dreams was the first album of Peter White’s that I owned, who knew that I had been listening to him for years prior as part of Al Stewart’s band.

Caravan of Dreams contains ten original songs and showcases the identifiable sound of Peter White’s acoustic guitar.  Included are guest appearances by Boney James, Rick Braun, Marc Antoine and Basia.  In addition to guitar, Peter also plays most of the keyboards throughout.

The CD opens with the title track, which was a huge hit.  It’s a funky, upbeat give-and-take between Peter and Boney James.  Listening to this song just makes me smile, because it’s a happy tune.  The beat is provided by Joel Rosenblatt (drums) and Lenny Castro (percussion).  “Together Again” is another tune where Boney adds depth, this time on the soprano sax.  A slower paced song, but with a wonderful melody that flows right into “Venice Beach,” my personal favorite on this CD.  With the groove on this track, you cannot help but move right along.  Boney this time provides a different sound on the windsynth. 

Taking things to a slower, more serene place is the song “Soul Embrace.”  The melody is truly peaceful and Peter’s guitar work makes you feel like this is truly coming from deep inside him.  It’s an emotion-driven song.  Anyone who has ever seen Peter live, would be able to picture him on this tune with his eyes closed, digging deep.  Rick Braun’s flugelhorn joins in with the guitar on “Long Ride Home.”  The flugelhorn offers the lead-in, which also features Dave Camp on flute.  These three instruments combine to give an almost Latin flavor to the music, each taking turns leading us on the ride.  For a totally different sound, tune into “Just Another Day” featuring Basia on lead vocals.  Peter also lends his voice for background vocals.  The sound of castanets in the background alongside the crisp guitar gives this a terrific sound.  “City of Lights” gives the feel of cruising down a city street during the night…searching for someone or something.  The guitar blends well with Peter’s keyboard and the gentle sound of the accordion, which all add to almost a sense of urgency in this track.

“Café Mystique,“ written by Peter and Marc Antoine, is pure guitar.  A Spanish feel is embodied in this track with two gentle, acoustic guitars exchanging lead.  The play between them is remarkable.  “Bittersweet,” featuring Dee Harris on vocals, is a track that keeps you moving.  Peter’s guitar work is energetic and forceful.  This song is very edgy.  Rounding out the CD is “Lullaby.”  Nothing but Peter.  Sweet, clear notes in a peaceful melody.  It is a very fitting way to end the journey of this CD.

Caravan of Dreams takes you to many places.  It is a classic and one that I am grateful to have in my collection.  It introduced me to the great sound of acoustic guitar and to the happy feel of Peter White’s music. 

 - Bonnie Schendell

 

11.05 The Rippingtons - Moonlighting
10.05 Spyro Gyra - Three Wishes
09.05 David Sanborn - Close Up
08.05 Michael Franks - Dragonfly Summer
07.05 Boney James - Trust
06.05 George Benson and Earl Klugh - Collaboration
05.05 David Benoit - Freedom at Midnight
04.05 Bob James - Restless
03.05 Dave Koz - Off The Beaten Path
02.05 Pat Metheny Group - Still Life (talking)
01.05 Grover Washington Jr. - Soulful Strut
12.04 A Charlie Brown Christmas
11.04 The Rippingtons - Live in LA
 
CD Reviews return to home page interviews CD Reviews Concert Reviews Perspectives - SmoothViews State of Mind Retrospectives - A Look Back at a Favorite CD On The Side - The Sidemen of Smooth Jazz On the Lighter Side - A Little Humor News - What's New in Smooth Jazz Links - A Guide to Smooth Jazz on the Web Contact Us About Us Website Design by Visible Image, LLC