Pete Alderton - Something Smooth (2016) [HDTracks]

In contrast to other great musical storytellers such as Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen who chose Folk or Chanson as a vehicle for their lyrics, Pete Alderton stays deeply rooted in the Blues. Seven minute songs full of details and references are not for him, he rather picks out moments, episodes, feelings and moods. This way he builds up a story song by song over the length of an album. His story.
As one can guess from the album title there is a smooth and relaxed vibe on „Something Smooth“. Like in the romantic title track, in „Man On The Run“ or in „Never“, a jazzy piano ballad. These original compositions are accompanied by touching versions of Bob Marley’s „Redemption Song“ and „I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You“ by Tom Waits. But don’t be fooled, „Something Smooth“ is not Pete Aldertons „bedroom album“. the man is way too versatile and edgy for that. Right at the beginning of the album he shows with „Revelation Blues“ by blues legend Robert Johnson that his heart still belongs to the rough Delta-Blues. „So Cool“ is a perfect Chicago style blues song just like „Down To The River“ captures that iconic highway feeling.
On his first three albums for Songways, Pete Alderton worked closely together with Carsten Mentzel. The two continued their sublime team work on „Something Smooth“ by experimenting with different locations in Hamborn Castle, Paderborn. The variety of rooms, settings and sound makes this record so multi-faceted and authentic. The reduced arrangements with acoustic guitar, interspersed with piano and electric guitar, bass, as well as some drums, mandolin and blues harp every now and then, add to the picture. As always, Pete Aldertons voice sits in the mix full of character and confidence. From the first line it draws the listener into the stories and into the song. With all of that „Something Smooth“ reminds one of a good book: once you started you want to know what happens next.